The School Tool

Along with the vast amount of money being added by the federal government to help workers get new skills or upgrade current skills, the states are doing their part as well.

Several states are now offering programs for using tax and bond money to help finance training and offering tax credits for companies that help. If you live in Alabama, California Connecticut, Illinois or Iowa these programs may be in place and ready to help.

If you live in Michigan a program launched just a month ago provides hefty grants to cover the tuition of residents who are considering new skills that prepare them for jobs in the information age.  Vocational schools and community colleges are partners in this program. A general Internet search will provide you with a complete, state-by-state list.

If you consider these opportunities along with the federal help you qualify for, you must admit, times may be awful for current workers but these are excellent times for retraining and even beginning your education.

Some of the old jobs that were lost will, sadly, never be back. Those workers have no choice but to retrain.  But realistically, all workers should realize that retraining is an ongoing, lifelong event. Even the great new jobs of next year, will require updated skills a decade from now.  It is probably best to just adopt that attitude starting now.

Check with people at your state employment offices, job fairs, community colleges and vocational schools. Do your own research.  States need workers ready to earn higher wages and in time add to the state revenue.  They are willing to invest in you right now. In fact, some are even allowing you to continue receiving unemployment money while you train.  Maybe the only question you need to ask is, "Are you ready to invest in yourself?"

The job opportunities might not be there right now, but the opportunity for financial aid has never been this well funded.

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