Types of unemployment training programs vary by jurisdiction, and there can be considerable differences in job training services depending on the circumstances of the unemployed person. These programs may include career counseling and employment readiness workshops, government assistance in paying for school tuition and fees, as well as specialized programs for the disabled or individuals who would like to start a new business. In the United States, information about unemployment training programs can be obtained through unemployment offices and Career One Stop centers. Unemployed individuals who completed military service or who receive disability benefits may be eligible for additional services through Veteran's Affairs (VA) or the Social Security Administration.
In many countries, one of the goals of the unemployment benefits programs is to pair cash assistance with services to help the unemployed find new work. These programs may include job fairs, resume matching services, as well as unemployment training programs that teach the unemployed both job searching skills and, in some cases, new career skills. The types of aid available in these programs often depends on budgetary constraints as well as public policy.
For some unemployed people, finding a new job can be a daunting task, particularly if they had a long tenure with their previous employer. Unemployment agencies may provide jobless clients with assistance in developing a resume, contacting employers, and developing good interview skills. Some unemployment offices regularly hold such trainings and even provide access to telephones, fax machines, and computers to help unemployment claimants contact employers.
Some programs focus on teaching or enhancing job skills, while others completely retrain people for new careers. The types of job training programs can vary considerably by location. For example, in the United States it is not unusual for unemployment training programs to differ considerably among counties and cities. Availability can also vary according to demand for program services.
If an individual already has a trade or profession, he still may be eligible for participation in programs that can train him in the development of new job skills. There are also cases in which an individual has made attempts to find work in her own field but has not succeeded in finding suitable new employment. In such cases, that person may be eligible for retraining in a new field or trade. Although the goal of many unemployment training programs is to retrain people for new careers in a short period of time, their length can vary. In many cases, unemployed individuals can receive this training at little or no cost by working with their local unemployment office.
