Need work or a new career? Free job retraining at area libraries

Stay nimble, my job-hunting friends.

That’s the lesson learned after State Farm announced it was leaving Tacoma this year, taking with it 1,400 jobs (600 going to DuPont, a combined 400 going elsewhere and another 400 just going away.)

Also, Sam’s Club announced it was abandoning Washington State, leaving hundreds more with uncertain futures.

On the upside, we heard early on that Allstate was launching a major hiring initiative and other locations are hiring now as well.

Beyond that, what if you want a fresh start? Here are some options:

RETRAINING AND RESOURCES AT AREA LIBRARIES

The Pierce County Library System, in collaboration with Metropolitan Development Council, Workforce Central and WorkSource, offers an abundance of job retraining and guidance.

You can start your search of what’s offered online at jbc.mypcls.org/

(All location addresses for the following events are at piercecountylibrary.org/branches/branch-listing.htm.)

▪ Microsoft certification: You can enroll in a Microsoft Certification Program at gethired.pcls.us The library system also offers certification exams. More information on that at techcert.pcls.us

▪ Job club: The South Hill Pierce County Library hosts a Job Club from 1-3 p.m. every other Friday. More info at jbc.mypcls.org/get-hired/jobclub/

▪ Aid: You can learn how the Metropolitan Development Council can help you and learn about eligibility for support for housing, health care, education and employment from 3-5 p.m. each Wednesday at the Lakewood branch, 6300 Wildaire Rd. SW.

▪ General help: You can meet with a WorkSource expert for help with specific questions about all things employment-related, such as resumes, LinkedIn, job coaching and interview prep. The schedule:

Mondays: 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway branch, 13718 Pacific Ave.

Mondays: 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m., University Place branch, 3609 Market Pl. W.

Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m., Lakewood branch, 6300 Wildaire Rd. SW.

▪ Job Hunting for Mature Workers: This meeting addresses issues such as over-qualification or career changes. The schedule:

Feb. 21:, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Graham branch, 9202 224th St. E.

March 15: 2-4 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway branch, 13718 Pacific Ave.

▪ Job Search Strategies: Learn more about networking, informational interviews, and using the internet.

March 8: 2-4:15 p.m., Lakewood branch, 6300 Wildaire Rd. SW.

▪ Job Seeker’s Guide to the Cloud: Learn how to use cloud technologies, such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox in your job search.

Feb. 13: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E. Tacoma.

Job Seeker Services, Russian: For those whose primary languages are Russian, Romanian or Ukrainian.

Feb. 27: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway branch, 13718 Pacific Ave.

LinkedIn Help Session: Learn how to expand a LinkedIn network, search for LinkedIn-advertised jobs and do company research. Attendees must have a current LinkedIn profile. A librarian can help set up an account.

Feb. 8: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Milton/Edgewood branch, 900 Meridian Ave E, Milton.

Plan Your Job Search: Learn techniques for finding work, creating a job search plan and strategies for contacting employers. Other topics include planning career moves, using social media and maximizing chances to find work faster.

March 21: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Steilacoom branch, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd. SW.

Prepare for Job Interviews: Learn the benefits of interview prep and how to respond to tough questions.

Jan. 30: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tillicum branch, 14916 Washington Ave. SW.

Feb. 13: 2-4 p.m., Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E. Tacoma.

March 29: 2-4 p.m., Buckley branch, 123 S. River Rd.

Skills and Abilities Analysis: Identify, demonstrate and gain confidence in skills and personal qualities. Learn speaking skills and practice delivering a 60-second commercial of yourself.

Feb. 22: 1-3 p.m., Lakewood branch, 6300 Wildaire Rd. SW.

Stress Management Interactive: Learn how stress affects job seekers and how to manage it. Topics include job seeker depression, anxiety, self-confidence in the job search, PTSD and self-care.

Feb. 21: 2-4 p.m., Graham branch, 9202 224th St. E.

March 15: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway branch, 13718 Pacific Ave.

This story was originally published January 17, 2018 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Need work or a new career? Free job retraining at area libraries."