Win Job Center Bus was parked next to the Quitman Train Depot on Aparil 29, 2010. Inset: Mr. Dick Younger demonstrating how to use one of the computers to register and setup a Win Job Center account. Photo © 2010 by Terry Lynch

The WIN Job Center Bus cruised into Quitman on Thursday, April 29, 2010, giving area job seeker the opportunity to learn how to use computers to register for a job and use the WIN Job Center many services. Quitman does not have a WIN Job Center office and according to Dick Younger, who was present interviewing job seekers, the closest WIN Job Center is in Meridain, Mississippi.

It was a pleaseure meeting and speaking with Mr. Younger who politely demonstrated to me how job hunters can register. I also met Mr. Albert Bud gilbert, the Branch Director, but spent most of my time chatting Mr. Younger's ears off, and asking him questions. Mr. Younger said that about 17 people had visited and registered while the WIN Job Center Bus was parked in Quitman. Each person was given 10 to 15 minutes of instruction, showing them how to use the computer to register and use WIN Job Centers services. This can also be done on-line at www.mdes.ms.gov or by using the short-cut to http://wings.mdes.ms.gov/wings. Or you can file by just dialing 1-888-844-3577.

The WIN Job Center provides a list of jobs available throughout the State of Mississippi and sends the WIN Job Center Bus out into communities which may not have a WIN Job Center office. Thus many people are provided with educational assistance showing them how to use the computer to register and search for jobs.

Mr. Younger said he will register job seekers, "On the spot!" He domonstrated how easy it was to get a user name and password, then to log on and use the WIN Job Center Internet site. In Mr. Younger's opinion those individuals he helped in Quitman were for the most part very bright and computer literate -- had he been an employer with job opportunities he would have given everyone one of them a job.

I was given a little card by Mr. Younger which described the type of services the WIN Job Center provides as follows:

• Job search and placement assistance
• Internet access for job searches and resume posting
• Resume preparation software
• Access to computer, fax machines, copier, and telephone when conducting a job search
• Services to Veterans
• Information on unemployment insurance benefits
• Information on trade adjustment assistance (TAA) benefits
• Information on child care, transportation and other support services
• Referral to rehabilitation services
• Information and referral to training

I was quite impressed seeing and learning about the WIN Job Center Bus which is a state-of-the-art mobile service equipped with computers and a parabolic disk satellite uplink. Although Mr. Younger noted that the Internet was a little slow in Quitman, the advantagea of being able to travel throughtout the state and log onto the net from any remote location are tremendous! This is a great asset to the people of Mississippi and perhaps cities would be wise to take this into consideration, and make quick and economical Internet access available to everyone, certainly to all our children in schools.

When asked about the job availability in Clarke County, Mr. Younger expressed the sentiment that it was not very good. With double diget unemployment and no one hiring, competition for what little jobs there may be is stiff. The prospects may be better in Meridian or a larger city, but in general its still hard times for everyone who may be looking for a job. However, the WIN Job Center certainly provides a valuable resource and services to the community and using that service may give you an advantage over others who do not avail themselves of the service which is 100% free.

Mr. Younger said that at persent users must establish accounts and look for jobs or use other provided services. Employers can let the WIN Job Center know they may have a position, but employers cannot access the service to see who is looking for jobs or review resumes; apparently there may be some privacy issues in this regard. Of course if you are looking for a job on-line and don't want to limit your job search to Mississippi, you can always post your resume at Monster.com which provides a "Power Resume" search for employers.

It was great that the WIN Job Center Bus could come to Quitman. This is a valuable service and I'd recommend that anyone who is unemployed and looking for a job should visit the WIN Job Center.

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