Description of Services

Career Development and Training
Polk Works’ Career Development and Training program enables workers to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the fast-changing global economy. It provides Individualized Services intended to help Job Seekers upgrade or return to the workforce by utilizing general, individual and training services. It also provides one-on-one assistance for job seekers with resumes, interviewing, job search and career planning.

Workers who are either unemployed or working in low-wage jobs may be eligible for free tuition including instructional costs, books, materials, fees (such as application costs, registration, and laboratory fees) and academic supportive services. The primary focus is on the attainment of certificates or degrees of value in the labor market leading to a job in high demand occupations, and emerging industries. Training includes up to two years of free tuition at local community colleges, universities, vocational training institutions or other approved training institutions in an emerging occupation.

Who Can Participate?

• Any person who is currently unemployed; or
• Any person who has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment; or
• Any employed person whose family income is less than Polk County’s self-sufficiency rate.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old and meet all Polk Works’ evaluation criteria

Career Resource Room
The One-Stop Career Center Resource Room provides access to computers for job search and resume development. Employment Counselors are available to assist with services such as job referrals, resume assistance, employment counseling, labor market information, and other One-Stop related services.

Job Readiness Workshops
The Job Readiness Workshops provide emphasis on building self-esteem, employability skills, job search techniques, obtaining job leads and job referrals, labor market information, completing an application accurately, career exploration, resume preparation, interview questions, follow up, mock interviews, and job success skills. The workshop is designed to assist individuals in becoming more familiar with the changing workforce.

Veteran Services
Polk Works helps Veterans find employment through job referral services, job development, job training and career management. Our Veteran Representatives will develop an individual plan of action by assessing skill level, education and training. We offer a focused approach to serving veterans by strategically marketing their resume to employers while overcoming any barriers to employment. Opportunities to enhance job placement are offered by collaborating with businesses, VA medical centers, community based and civic organizations and reserve guard units.