SC Works Trident Deploys Rapid Response Effort for 626 Unemployed After Largest Regional Layoff in Recent History

Press Release

SC Works Trident in recent weeks has deployed a broad rapid response effort to counter the region’s largest layoff in recent history, enrolling hundreds in a dislocated workers program after a major North Charleston call center closed on Nov. 2 and left 626 people without jobs.

SC Works Trident partnered with key workforce development organizations across the Tricounty region to offer immediate assistance. In partnership with Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) staff, SC Works Trident is offering Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and TAA resources and benefits to help those affected gain new employment and assist with the transition.

The available TAA benefits include training, re-employment services, job search allowance, and a relocation allowance.

“More importantly, our organization is working with each person to provide individualized employment plans, expertise about training providers and programs, and step-by-step guidance to reach both short- and long-term goals,” said Nicole Ashby, a TAA workforce consultant. “We are here to assist in every way we can.”

As part of the rapid response effort, SC Works Trident partnered with large employer organizations to co-sponsor and host on-site job fairs at IHG, connecting job seekers with employers, and start planning their next steps before the layoff.

SC Works and the Charleston Area Hospitality Association co-sponsored an on-site job fair on August 28 with 37 employers present and over 200 IHG employees in attendance. The Dorchester County Economic Development co-sponsored a second on-site job fair on October 2, which focused on manufacturing and related industries.

“Employers were excited to participate in the job fair and engage such a highly skilled group of applicants,” said Gene Borzendowski Eckerd Connects-Business Service Manager. “Job seekers were already able to plan the next steps in their career paths before the layoff went into effect.

The first business day after the call center closed, SC Works Trident immediately enrolled the remaining 225 job seekers in the dislocated workers program, which is more than typically enrolled in an entire program year.

If you are a job seeker interested in more information on the Rapid Response efforts, or an employer looking for qualified and skilled prospects, please visit www.tridentscworks.org.

ABOUT SC Works Trident

SC Works helps individuals find their dream career at any age and any stage of their lives, and is comprised of one-stop centers in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. SC Works Trident offers a variety of services to help employers and job seekers meet their workforce development needs.  For the latest on SC Works, visit tridentscworks.org and like us on Facebook.

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