US Labor Secretary offers tips for acquiring jobs, training – Williamson Daily News

In recognition of the upcoming Labor Day holiday and the meaning behind its origin, The U.S. Department of Labor has released information and tips on the methods the public need to utilize to acquire employment that offers a decent salary, and how to acquire the necessary education and training to make this feat possible. The information provided states that by the year 2020, 17 of the 30 fastest-growing occupations will require a postsecondary certificate or degree. In fact, employers are actively looking to fill nearly 4 million job openings in America right now. Getting the skills employers want and need are critical to a successful career. Here are a few helpful tips in your search for a new position that offers a competitive wage and benefit package to properly provide for you and your family. Your first step is to contact the Workforce for WV Center Employment office, with the closest one being located in Logan County (contact number is 304-792-7010). The employment agency has a list of vacancies in Southern WV as well as several in Eastern Ky. You can also check out the American Job Center website, which is an accumulation of nearly 3,000 “one-stop-shops” that are part of a nationwide network where you can work with experts to update your resume, strengthen interview skills and explore current job openings. Find your local center by visiting http://www.careeronestop.org/, and typing in your zip code. Looking for a fresh start? Check out http://www.myskillsmyfuture.org/ to discover different careers that build off of your existing skills, connect you to free training programs and even find employers in your area looking to hire. The site also shows how much different jobs pay near you or across the country, as well as the additional skills you’ll need to succeed. Not sure what career is right for you? Visit http://www.mynextmove.org/ to find the job that’s the perfect fit. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire listing your interests and abilities, and you will receive suggestions for different employment paths in more than 900 careers. This site will also identify local apprenticeship and certificate programs to help you train and get a job in high-growth industries. Are you a veteran? “My Next Move for Vets” is designed just for you. Enter your military occupation code and the site matches your military skills to civilian jobs. If you’re a post 9-11 era veteran, you can also download a Veterans Gold Card at http://www.dol.gov/VETS/ to get specialized services from your local American Job Center. If you do not have internet access at home, the U.S. Dept. of Labor has partnered with local libraries all around the country to make sure that you always have a place to log on to our online resources. Most American Job Centers also offer free access for those looking for a job. If you have additional questions or require more information or assistance, you may reach the Labor Dept.’s toll-free helpline at (866) 4-USA-DOL for the most up-to-date resources. Nearly 160,000 people make the call each month.Following in the steps of 40 years of local tradition, the Action in Mingo (AIM) group is currently seeking public nominations for the 2012 Mr. King Coal award. Mr. King Coal is an honor bestowed upon a Tug Valley area coal miner who has either worked in a deep mine or on a strip mine, and who has made the coal industry his lifetime career. The oldest /longest serving applicant will receive the prestigious crown and title. This event has always been a highlight of the festival, and serves as a tribute to the important role coal mining has played in the development the region. The award ceremony announcing this year’s winner will take place at the main stage located at the junction of Logan Street and 1st Avenue at 1 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 15, during the 40th annual King Coal Festival. Additional plans for this event are to honor and recognized previous Mr. King Coal recipients or members of their family standing in for them, if they are deceased or are unable to attend. The 2012 Mr. King Coal will ride in the annual downtown parade slated to begin at 4 p.m. on the 15th, and will be introduced during the King Coal Bowl, scheduled to be played at the Mingo Central High School that evening. To nominate a miner for this award, you are asked to submit your entry that included the nominees name, address, phone number, age as of Sept. 1 of 2012, employment history that includes the names of the mines where they worked and the dates that apply, along with an accumulate total of years worked in the mining industry. Also required is the name, address and contact number for the person submitting the recommendation. Read more: The Williamson Daily News – AIM seeking nominations for 2012 Mr King Coal Do you think your baby or your grandchild is the cutest, prettiest or has the best personality of all the babies in the Tug Valley area? Now is time to prove your theory, by entering them in the 2012 King Coal Baby Pageant scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15, beginning at 10:30 a.m., when the contestants in the 6 to 12 month-old division takes the stage. According to information provided by Ann Lipps, event chairman and a member of the sponsor, the Williamson Woman’s Club, pre-registration for the upcoming pageant may be completed at Heaven Sent inside the Southside Mall at Goody, Ky., or at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce (Coal House), located on 2nd Avenue in Williamson. The deadline for the popular event will be on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m. A nominal fee of $10 will be assessed for each participant and must be paid on the day of the pageant, which is slated to be held at the 1st United Methodist Church located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Dickinson Street in downtown Williamson. Boys will be judged in the categories of most handsome, best personality and most active. The girls will be judged in most beautiful, prissiest and best personality. Judging will begin at the following times for specific age groups. Boys and girls ages 6-12 months – 10:30 a.m. Boys and girls who are ages 13-18 months of age will begin at approximately 11:30, followed by those age 19-24 months, planned to begin at 12:30 p.m. A trophy will be awarded to the winner in each division and category, and certificates will be awarded to all those who participate. Each contestant will qualify to enter a drawing for a $50 prize that will be presented to 1 lucky girl and 1 boy. Prizes and awards for the baby pageant are being provided courtesy of two Williamson-based businesses, Real Estate 2 and City Insurance. The winners are also requested to participate in the 40th annual King Coal Parade which will begin this same day at 4 p.m., with line-up at 3:30 in the parking lot area of the Sycamore Inn o, located on 2nd Avenue. Read more: The Williamson Daily News – Pre registration underway for King Coal Baby Pageant The WV State Democratic Women’s annual convention was recently held at the Marriot in Charleston, and was attended by three members of the Mingo County Chapter, Martha Stepp, Anna Mae Wellman and Levon Sue Spence, along with their President, Pauletta Sue Dove. The conference took place from Aug. 24th through the 26th. Those who were chosen as speakers for the event included U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III, WV Secretary of State Natalie Tennant and her husband Eric Wells, who is a State Senator, State Treasurer John Purdue, State Senator Walt Helmick, WV Supreme Court Judge Robin Davis and several others. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was in Japan on a business trip for the state but addressed the group via video transmission. Topics discussed during the weekend events were the decline in voter fraud and the cases that occurred in the 2012 state primary election that resulted in the arrests and prosecution of those who committed the crime; the need to fight for coal miners and their jobs, education, Medicare and social security, and the elimination of the WV food tax. A fundraising auction was held during Friday night’s activities, with Purdue and Helmick serving as auctioneers. Saturday’s events began with a breakfast and a meeting with the presidents of all the chapters of the WV Democratic Women’s clubs, which was conducted by State President Susan Hubbard. A few of the topics discussed during the meeting were women’s rights and the increase of violence against women, hospital acquired infections, protecting social security for future generations and the upcoming presidential election scheduled for November. A dinner banquet and dance was enjoyed by all who attended the Saturday evening activities, including a dessert bar sponsored by WV Supreme Court candidate Latisha “Tish” Chafin. The 2013 state convention will be held in Bridgeport next September. According to the Mingo County president, many member of the local chapter are excited at the prospect of attending. Read more: The Williamson Daily News – Mingo Democratic Women attend state convention The U.S. Dept. of Labor has other resources to help you find a first job, new job or different career. These services are offered at no charge to the public.The WV State Democratic Women’s annual convention was recently held at the Marriot in Charleston, and was attended by three members of the Mingo County Chapter, Martha Stepp, Anna Mae Wellman and Levon Sue Spence, along with their President, Pauletta Sue Dove. The conference took place from Aug. 24th through the 26th. Those who were chosen as speakers for the event included U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III, WV Secretary of State Natalie Tennant and her husband Eric Wells, who is a State Senator, State Treasurer John Purdue, State Senator Walt Helmick, WV Supreme Court Judge Robin Davis and several others. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was in Japan on a business trip for the state but addressed the group via video transmission. Topics discussed during the weekend events were the decline in voter fraud and the cases that occurred in the 2012 state primary election that resulted in the arrests and prosecution of those who committed the crime; the need to fight for coal miners and their jobs, education, Medicare and social security, and the elimination of the WV food tax. A fundraising auction was held during Friday night’s activities, with Purdue and Helmick serving as auctioneers. Saturday’s events began with a breakfast and a meeting with the presidents of all the chapters of the WV Democratic Women’s clubs, which was conducted by State President Susan Hubbard. A few of the topics discussed during the meeting were women’s rights and the increase of violence against women, hospital acquired infections, protecting social security for future generations and the upcoming presidential election scheduled for November. A dinner banquet and dance was enjoyed by all who attended the Saturday evening activities, including a dessert bar sponsored by WV Supreme Court candidate Latisha “Tish” Chafin. The 2013 state convention will be held in Bridgeport next September. According to the Mingo County president, many member of the local chapter are excited at the prospect of attending. Following in the steps of 40 years of local tradition, the Action in Mingo (AIM) group is currently seeking public nominations for the 2012 Mr. King Coal award. Mr. King Coal is an honor bestowed upon a Tug Valley area coal miner who has either worked in a deep mine or on a strip mine, and who has made the coal industry his lifetime career. The oldest /longest serving applicant will receive the prestigious crown and title. This event has always been a highlight of the festival, and serves as a tribute to the important role coal mining has played in the development the region. The award ceremony announcing this year’s winner will take place at the main stage located at the junction of Logan Street and 1st Avenue at 1 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 15, during the 40th annual King Coal Festival. Additional plans for this event are to honor and recognized previous Mr. King Coal recipients or members of their family standing in for them, if they are deceased or are unable to attend. The 2012 Mr. King Coal will ride in the annual downtown parade slated to begin at 4 p.m. on the 15th, and will be introduced during the King Coal Bowl, scheduled to be played at the Mingo Central High School that evening. To nominate a miner for this award, you are asked to submit your entry that included the nominees name, address, phone number, age as of Sept. 1 of 2012, employment history that includes the names of the mines where they worked and the dates that apply, along with an accumulate total of years worked in the mining industry. Also required is the name, address and contact number for the person submitting the recommendation. l

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US Labor Secretary offers tips for acquiring jobs, training – Williamson Daily News