Yesterday, the City of Roanoke announced a strategy to help job seekers turning this downturn in the economy. The website – www.roanokeva.gov/jobhelp - offers a four-prong approach to helping job seekers.

1. The plan offers better connections to employers through existing programs the Roanoke Connect database and the upcoming Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair on December 30.

2. Job search strategy technique seminars will be held each Monday and Blue Ridge PBS is offering JobQuest a live monthly television show starting on Tuesday, January 6 at 7 pm.

3. Encouraging lifelong learning options is essential to filling vacant position in the fields of health care, information technology, engineering, accounting and the trades. The Roanoke Higher Education Center will be holding an open house on February 5 showcasing the continuing education options.

4. Start businesses. Now may be the ideal opportunity to start a new venture and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance is offering a free workshop in February to help aspiring entrepreneurs.  

For more information and to see a list of resource links and programs, go to www.roanokeva.gov/jobhelp.