WORKFORCE plus Press Release:

Tallahassee, FL –

Certified Nursing Assistants are on the front line of patient care. Working closely with patients, Certified Nursing Assistants, also known as CNA’s, assist patients with basic needs including bathing, grooming, feeding as well as checking vital signs and assisting nurses.

A CNA job is a great entry point for a nursing career. Because of this, WORKFORCE plus has partnered with Lively Technical Center to create CNA training classes directly at their Leon office on South Monroe Street. Training is available at no cost to the job seeker if determined eligible.

“Lively Technical Center embraces its partnership with WORKFORCE plus to train individuals for a successful future in careers like certified nursing assisting and the many other Workforce Programs offered through our school,” stated Woody Hildebrandt, Principal of Lively Technical Center. “Lively Technical Center looks forward to future endeavors with WORKFORCE plus as we continue to prepare our community for great careers with good earning potential.”

According to Payscale.com, an entry-level certified nursing assistant earns between $19,925 and $29,764. The top paid CNA’s in the field earn an average of $35,377. The key factors affecting CNA salaries are years of experience and place of employment.

Many of the occupations projected to grow the fastest in the economy are concentrated in the healthcare industry. Nationally wage and salary employment in the health care industry is projected to increase 27% through 2014, compared to 14% of all industries combined. There is currently and will be in the future a shortage of healthcare professionals, so the career opportunities are extensive.

“Due to the current economic situation individuals that are currently unemployed due to layoffs or in some cases underemployed are seeking employment in areas that offer greater job security,” stated Kimberly Moore, CEO of WORKFORCE plus. “Under the current training initiative, individuals are receiving training in an in demand field while at the same time being provided an opportunity to gain employment within a short period of time.”

The first group of 12 students are currently enrolled in the program and are scheduled to complete in early March 2010. Employers interested in hiring or interviewing these students are encouraged to contact a Business Consultant at (850) 413-0315.

Jobseekers interested in learning more about this or other training opportunities is invited to call WORKFORCE plus at (866) WFP-JOB1 or visit their local office. To determine eligibility, interested parties are encouraged to bring an ID, social security card, copy of HS Diploma/GED, proof of residency and proof of income from the last six months.

Funding for these short-term training opportunities is provided through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in February 2009. The Act has a number of strategic elements that are designed to help stimulate the economy and create or sustain jobs.