Fairfax County has launched an exciting new program called Talent Up to help connect local job seekers with employers. The program offers paid internships that could lead to permanent jobs.
Theresa Benincasa, economic mobility manager with the Department of Economic Initiatives, shared details about Talent Up on a recent County Conversation podcast.
WHY TALENT UP WAS CREATED
The program was started to solve two big problems:
- Employers in Fairfax County are having trouble finding workers. There are over 50,000 open jobs in the county right now.
- Some job seekers were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and need help finding new opportunities.
Talent Up brings these two groups together through work-based learning experiences like internships.
HOW IT WORKS FOR EMPLOYERS
Employers in Fairfax County can offer internships through Talent Up. The program makes it easy by:
- Paying the intern’s wages (using federal funds).
- Handling workers’ compensation.
- Helping set up the internship.
Benincasa explained why this is appealing to businesses.
“It [the program] offers a no risk way to evaluate talent. We heard from our employers [that] the first 2 to 3 months are when everybody is learning the job. People are evaluating both the job seeker and the employer. This is like a no risk way for both to sort of engage.”
Internships can last 8-14 weeks. The program aims for a minimum wage of $20 per hour for interns.
BENEFITS FOR JOB SEEKERS
Job seekers who qualify for Talent Up get:
- Paid work experience.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Possible connection to a permanent job.
- Help from workforce development experts.
To be eligible, job seekers must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in Fairfax County.
- Show how COVID-19 impacted their employment.
EARLY SUCCESS
The program is already showing positive results:
- Over 200 employers have reached out.
- More than 400 job seekers have applied.
- About 60 interns have been placed so far.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TALENT UP FAIRFAX
Benincasa encourages both employers and job seekers to check out the program.
“We welcome employers and job seekers to go ahead, check us out, see if it’s a right match for you, and try this program because it is a special opportunity.”
For more information about the Talent Up Program, visit talentupfairfax.com or search for “Talent Up” on the Fairfax County website.
THE COUNTY CONVERSATION PODCAST
The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Click here to listen to past episodes of "County Conversation.” To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
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