More Oklahomans Seek Job Training in Tough Economy

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- While national unemployment numbers have decreased slightly to 9.4 percent, job losses in the metro have inched up to six percent from 5.8 percent in June.

An agency in Oklahoma City is seeing a record number of people seeking job training to improve their special skills during the recession.

TEEM or The Education and Employment Ministry in Oklahoma City is seeing a spike in their job training services. The non-profit group has seen a 40 percent increase in job training and placements compared to one year ago.

The classes normally enroll 15 new students a week, but these days about 25 people take part in the one week job readiness workshop.

"They come in here on a Monday morning, we want them to walk out with purpose, direction and hope feeling that somebody cares about them," TEEM Executive Director Tony Zahn said. "About 25 percent of our people will end up with jobs and we think, get a job or not get a job, feeling that somebody cares about you and you're not alone."

Johnetta Rowe has just graduated from training to prepare for the tough job market. She's seen how the recession is having an impact.

"It's not taking a toll on me per se, but I can see the effect it has on a lot of people with them losing their jobs, and moving overseas that takes a lot from people who need it here," Rowe said.

The service helps with computer skills, life skills and getting a GED. The job training and skill building workshops are free.

To learn more about TEEM and how to sign up for a workshop, visit the TEEM Web site or call 405-235-5671.