At Towards Employment, we prepare an individual for the job market and support them in successfully making the transition into the workplace, by offering a continuum of services – job readiness training, job search and placement, and retention services. Our NETWorks 2 Success (New Employment Training Works) program is a two-week workshop. We have an outstanding record of matching program graduates with employer needs and making sure they succeed on the job. Job retention rates for our program graduates are among the highest in the country. This performance is a direct result of our focus on job retention from day one of the workshop; a focus that continues with regular contact for at least six months after an individual gets a job.

Who we serve:

Individuals are referred to us through the Cuyahoga County Department of Employment & Family Services, or other community agencies on a contract basis.

How we help:

Employers tell us that they will train newly hired individuals for the specific job requirements at their worksite. What they need are individuals who are job ready: who have the basic skills and attitudes to adapt successfully to the workplace. Towards Employment accomplishes this by focusing on two key components: Softskills training, including communication, time management, and problem solving; and Lifeskills training, including managing work-life balance, financial literacy, and how to access community resources. Our 30 years of experience tells us that individuals need the skills to manage their life outside of work in order to be successful at work. At Towards Employment, we help build the skills to succeed on both of these levels. In addition, we teach individuals critical job search skills including resume writing, application preparation, and interviewing so they can find the best job match for their interests, skills and backgrounds.

Job Search and Placement:

Our philosophy is to enable individuals to find the best job for themselves based on their skills and experience, interests, transportation, and other factors that impact their job performance and satisfaction.

After completing one of our training programs, an individual will begin their active job search. Towards Employment provides a wealth of job search resources including access to computers with internet connectivity, printers, copiers, fax, phones, mailing, newspapers, directories, and how-to-books and guides. Staff and volunteers are available to provide guidance, information, reassurance and expertise. Group sessions provide additional support and information as well as a place to discuss common issues and barriers. In addition, we have a network of employers who turn to us to help them address their staffing needs.

Job Retention:

Our services do not end when a graduate starts employment. Getting a job is the first step; keeping a job and being successful enough to eventually advance in the workplace is the ultimate goal.

The importance of job retention is discussed on the first day of each training workshop and reinforced throughout the workshop and job search period. Follow-up is frequent and ongoing. Our career consultants are in touch with program participants within the first few days of the person starting a job, and stay in touch for at least the first 6 months of employment. If newly employed program graduates run into difficulty -- at work or away from work – anything that may affect their ability to maintain their job – a Towards Employment career consultant can provide them coaching and access to our Employment Support Services.

Employers are key in the job retention process and are actively encouraged to utilize the skills of Towards Employment’s career consultants if a problem arises.

Our nationally recognized job retention program, Achieve, is custom-designed to assist an employer in reducing employee turnover and enhancing job retention among all entry-level workers or specific groups and categories of employees.