Temporary jobs leads to full-time employment
Danuel Hendrix and Johnny Westbrook got the opportunity of a lifetime via reverse referral. KayLee Weiss, office Manager at Utilities Board of Gilbertown learned about the COVID-19 Work Relief Grant available to employers and dislocated workers affected by the pandemic. She connected with Sheila Thompson, Business Services Representative at the Jackson Career Center. Thompson explained the program, proceeded with the paperwork and Hendrix and Westbrook were hired.
They began their temporary employment on August 17, 2020 and successfully completed their temporary assignment on September 28, 2020. Their wages were covered through the COVID-19 DWG. There were no out of pocket expenses or costs incurred by the employer.
Since Hendrix and Westbrook were exemplary employees and exhibited such strong work ethic, the Gilbertown Utilities’ Board Members approved hiring both for permanent full-time employment. They returned the following day, September 29, 2020 to start their full-time jobs.
In fact, the Utilities Board partnered again with SWAPTE
and the Alabama Career Center for the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. OJT allows SWAPTE to reimburse the employer costs (50% to 75% of a new hire wages) associated with training a new employee. The reimbursement allows the company to hire a new employee and create a customized training plan to ensure success on the new job. Employers win by gaining new talent and job seekers win by gaining employment.
