Workforce News and Updates

Webinars For Job Candidates

As part of our commitment to providing virtual services access to job seekers in Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties, we have created a library of online narrated webinars meant to educate, inform and assist job seekers on a wide array of job search and reemployment topics.

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On-the-Job Training Grants

Employers: Wish hiring were more affordable?

On-the-Job Training may be the answer!

How does up to 90% reimbursement of wages sound?

Plus:

• Quick turnaround
• Limited paperwork
• Trained employees

Regional jobless rate continues to fall

The jobless rate for Workforce Connection’s Citrus, Levy and Marion counties region followed state and national trends by dropping from 11.5 to 11.3 percent in December, down 2.1 percentage points over the year.

Out of a regional labor force of 205,919, there were 23,237 unemployed, 670 fewer jobless than in November 2011. At the same time, however, the size of the regional labor force shrank by 1,884 over the month and the number of those employed dropped by 1,214.

Florida’s unemployment rate in December fell to 9.9 percent and the national rate dropped to 8.5 percent.

December’s unemployment rate for each county in the Workforce Connection region were 11.6 percent in Marion County, down from 11.8 percent in November; 10.9 percent in Citrus County, down from 11.1 percent; and 10.2 percent in Levy County, down 0.2 percent.

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Florida rings in New Year with minimum wage increase

Florida is among eight states with minimum wage rates set to increase in the New Year. Starting Jan. 1, 2012, the Florida minimum wage will be $7.67 per hour, up from $7.31.

Florida's minimum wage applies to all employees in the state who are covered by the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 an hour. By law, workers are entitled to the higher rate if the state's minimum wage exceeds the federal level, which was last adjusted in 2009.

Also effective Jan. 1, employers of "tipped" employees may count tips actually received as wages, provided they pay tipped employees a direct hourly wage of $4.65.

Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2004 which created the state's minimum wage and requires it to keep pace with inflation. By law, Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) calculates the state's minimum wage based on fluctuations in the consumer price index for the southern region. When first introduced in May 2005, Florida's minimum wage was $6.15, topping what was then the federal wage of $5.15. Since then, the state's minimum wage has been raised seven times while the federal rate has gone up three times.

Read more and download posters
2012 Minimum Wage-English
2012 Minimum Wage-Spanish
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How does the workforce system help local businesses stay competitive? Watch the new video and find out.

The video was filmed during a recent National Association of Workforce Boards conference in Washington, D.C. It features Workforce Connection COO Kathleen Woodring and Board Vice-Chair Suzanne Mills, head of human resources for A&N Corporation in Williston.



Workforce Connection is a partner in the Workforce Investment Works Campaign, a storytelling website that highlights thousands of success stories across the country from customers that have benefited from Workforce Investment Act (WIA) federally-funded employment and training programs.