Although the Pikes Peak Workforce Center (PPWFC) has been in existence since 1998, many people in our community still wonder, “What does the workforce center do?”The Pikes Peak Workforce Center supports business and promotes employment in El Paso and Teller Counties. PPWFC has a dual mission: to help businesses solve their workforce-related business problems and to help residents with career transition. The result is that both – businesses and residents – improve their profitability, productivity and competitive edge.For local businesses, PPWFC provides resources such as recruiting and personnel services, training and education and financial and business decision-making tools, including labor market trends and wages.PPWFC helps employers hire the right person the first time. One way this is accomplished is through the Workforce Skills Certificate program.PPWFC offers a Workforce Skills Certificate that lets job seekers document their skills in three basic work areas: reading for information, locating information and applied mathematics. The certificate takes the guesswork out of the hiring process. If an applicant presents a Pikes Peak Workforce skills certificate, the hiring manager can be assured that the applicant possesses the basic skills needed to do the job!In addition, the center can search its computer database to match the skills of individuals listed in its database to the skill set required by a company. After matches are made, an automated voice response system calls each person who possesses the desired skills and sets up a referral to the hiring company.PPWFC business consultants are segmented by industry and are on hand to meet with local business managers to discuss their workforce needs and understand the company’s unique position. After an in-depth analysis of the company’s workforce issues, resources and goals, the business consultant will present a tailored solution and help to implement that solution. Business consultants remain in contact with the company to ensure a successful completion of the project.It has been said “success in business depends on knowing the right people” – get to know the Pikes Peak Workforce Center!For El Paso and Teller county residents, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center is the employment office and much more. PPWFC promotes employment by offering several services to help job seekers with their job search:
- Computers with Internet access for job search
- Workshops to help job seekers improve their marketability
- Books and videos on interview skills, how to dress to impress and how to ace the interview
- Telephones, facsimile machine and copiers
- Basic computer skills classes
- Career assessment software to help identify areas of interest and skill levels
- Onsite hiring events
- Onsite information sessions to learn about a company or industry’s needs
- Networking groups to meet with others in the same field and exchange information and support
- Computerized job matching.
