Oil Spill: Workforce Connection

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Gulf Recovery Updates

Workforce Connection Meets BP Recruiting Goals in Citrus and Levy Counties

BP has established a Qualified Community Responder (QCR) Program to build a team of responders to help with beach clean-up efforts of FloridaÕs Gulf Coast. As a precautionary planning measure, Workforce Connection partnered with a BP subcontractor to recruit 80 QCRs in Levy and Citrus Counties.

In less than 10 days, Workforce fielded 1,795 emails and phone calls from interested individuals. A total of 1,088 applications were processed and transmitted to the BP contractor, including 794 from Citrus County and 294 from Levy County.

From the applicant pool, 248 were selected and trained. The training ranged from 4 to 40 hours in length. Individuals selected and trained will become a workforce-in-waiting in the event cleanup efforts are needed in Levy and Citrus County. Unlike volunteers, QCRs are specifically trained by BP to work safely in oil-contaminated areas. Depending on the level of training they receive, QCRs can be expected to carry materials and supplies, rake and shovel debris, remove trash, wash oil covered items and with additional training, operate bobcats and power washers. Participants are available on a 24/7 standby basis.

All applicants were Levy or Citrus County residents and enrolled in EmployFlorida.com.

Contact Information

Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs - Follow Updates
Florida Disaster - Florida Division of Emergency Management: 800-226-4329

BP Emergency Help Hotline: 800-440-0858

BP has setup an Emergency Help Hotline for businesses to call and make a claim if they feel they have been impacted by the oil spill. Example: RV park or hotel having people cancel reservations because they think the oil will be effecting our shorelines or environment or the fishing industry.

Environmental hotline and community information:
866-448-5816

Wildlife distress hotline: 866-557-1401

To report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: 866-448-5816

For general assistance and to submit alternative response technology, services or products other than oil containment booms: 281-366-5511

Vessels of Opportunity program: 425-745-8017

National and State News Updates

Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Follow updates
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) - Follow updates

Regional and Local Updates

Workforce Connection is the local, business-led organization that plans and coordinates quality employment and training services for businesses and individual career seekers in Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties of Florida. The workforce board sets policy and directs expenditures of more than $6 million in funds that underwrite services provided through the Workforce Connection offices.

Approximately 1,500 businesses and 30,000 career seekers receive services through the Workforce Connection each year. Services include professional and technical recruitment, training, job fairs and financial incentives.