Finding Employment through Central Kentucky Job Club

Conducting a job search can be a lonely and discouraging journey. To address the issue of unemployment and underemployment, the Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the University of Kentucky (UK) Alumni Association and UK Human Resources Staff Career Development to initiate the Central Kentucky Job Club in 2013. Now in its fifth year, additional community partners provide support in the form of monetary assistance, referrals, and posting on social media, i.e. Lexington Public Library, Lexington Unemployment-Kentucky Career Center, Commerce Lexington, local HR business personnel, etc. The purpose of the Job Club is to provide a positive environment for motivated job seekers to meet, connect, share and learn. Job Club targets adults currently out of work, underemployed or looking to make a career transition. Over 200 recruiters and employers have attended or sent announcements of open positions. The free, bi-monthly programs are open to the public and have attracted participants from fourteen Kentucky counties. Job Club begins with small group networking opportunities and personal 30 second commercials followed by an advertised presentation. Topics include specific job search skills, personal development, financial management, accessing resources, and panels of former participants. Since beginning the Job Club in 2013, 1,149 job seekers have attended. Ninety-four percent of past participants who responded to a follow-up survey reported improving their employability skills as a result of Job Club. Respondents stated the following topics of the Job Club Program as most beneficial: networking, Linked-in and other on-line resources, resumes tips, job search strategies, and transferable skills. 186 respondents have reported securing a job with an estimated value between $5-6M. 63% of attendees secured employment having attended fewer than five sessions. This Job Club model is currently being studied for replication in other parts of the state.

“I ALWAYS leave Job Club feeling hopeful about my future. The first month after being laid off I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my next steps. Job Club was/is an immeasurable support!!”  Former Job Club Member

“Very helpful, informative sessions. Exceeded my expectations. Brought my son to a recent session and he has now started his first job.”  Former Job Club

“I evaluated my current financial situation and adjusted my budget due to financial or employment status.”  Former Job Club Member

“Job Club is a great resource for the unemployed who are serious about getting back to work. I have been impressed with the professionalism of the staff, the program’s format, quality of speakers and diversity of topics.”  Former Club Member

“I think job club is one of the best things I have done in my job search.”  Former Job Club Member

“I have received emotional support to alleviate the tough days.”  Former Job Club Member

“Job Club is a great resource for anyone who is either looking for a job or contemplating a new career. It is a great opportunity to learn job search skills, and an invaluable chance to network with other job seekers to learn and share ideas. I recently obtained a new position utilizing skills that I learned through Job Club.”  Former Job Club Member