Programs Help Workers Through Job Transition

When Bass Pro/Cabela's announced the Distribution Centers in Sidney, more than 100 workers were given the dilemma of "what next?"

A series of meeting were held at Western Nebraska Community College to help workers facing layoff find their way to their next opportunity.

The Nebraska Department of Labor Rapid Response meetings were held to help recently laid off or expected to soon be laid off as a result of closing the Distribution Center. Friday's afternoon meeting was opened by Paula Abbott, WNCC Sidney Campus director. Abbott encouraged those in attendance to take note of the assets available through the college and the community.

"You're going to find out what a great resource we have," she said.

She said with job changes, training is sometimes necessary to move forward. The training could be as minor as updating of skills.

"There's a possibility all you're going to need is a class," Abbott said.

She encouraged attendees to consider possibilities including upcoming job fairs and the business roundtable luncheons. She talked about the WNCC Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center as a possibility. The Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is a department that allows qualified start-up businesses to use office space for up to two years rent-free. In addition, entrepreneurs have access to assets of the college, and other entrepreneurs, while in the Center.

Abbott cited the launching of Nexgen Outfitters as an example of what can happen. The founders of Nexgen Outfitters entered a business roundtable meeting with little more than a vision of opening a business to support their families and stay in Cheyenne County. The recently announced the opening of their business and are looking toward moving to their own facility.

"Two years ago, they had no idea they would launch a business," Abbott said.

Rapid Response Coordinator Maria Rowan also spoke at the meeting. She said the Rapid Response team meet with workers affected by layoffs and business closures. She said the goal is to get people back in the working world.

"There are resources here for you. Our biggest goal is to meet you where you are," she said. "We all want to figure out a way to get past the obstacles you're in now."

She stressed the program is about making sure the State provides workers with the resources necessary to return to work.

She said people who lose their job because of business closure or layoffs are called "dislocated workers," workers who lost their job through no fault of their own. She added there is no negative association with being a dislocated worker.

Donna Kuskie, Workforce Coordinator, said she has been part of the Sidney community for about 20 years. She said the Workforce office can help with services including assessments, career planning, in-demand occupations, job search assistance, resume writing and preparation and developing interviewing skills. She encouraged workers to use the http://www.neworks.nebraska.gov job site. She said it is a website for workers and for employers seeking workers.

Desserae Chmiel, Unemployment Insurance Adjudicator, said the re-employment is the focus of income assistance. She cautioned that severance packages and and paid time off are considered earnings and therefore disqualifying. She encouraged laid-off workers to have applications completed about 30 days before income runs out. In Nebraska, benefits are for a maximum of 26 weeks and $426 per week.