Staff at Leading CareerForce Partner Anoka County Job Training Center saw an opportunity to create better engagement from the first point of contact with job seekers. So, they made innovative changes to their intake process.
First, Anoka County staff developed an online form to help streamline the process for job seekers who may be interested in employment and training programs. People can complete this online form from anywhere – on a smartphone, on a tablet, on a desktop computer. They can even complete the form at a kiosk, pictured at right, located at the CareerForce in Blaine.
This change to an online form eliminated the need for many job seekers to complete an 11-page application, which was often not fully completed. And it eliminated the need for data entry because the information was input online. Now, job seekers can find out more quickly if they are eligible for a program that could help them prepare for and find good employment. In fact, the time from application to enrollment in an employment or training program has been cut in half!
Then, after the form is submitted, the job seeker is contacted by Anoka County staff and an appointment is set up for them to meet with someone who can help them right away.
"The first person a job seeker meets with after expressing interest in employment and training programs is a career counselor skilled in guiding people to opportunities that are a good fit for each individual," said Nicole Swanson, Anoka County Job Training Center Department Director. "This improves follow-through because job seekers get actionable information right away."
