Newark Kicks Off Program to Help Long-Term Unemployed

The city of Newark this week launched its “Platform to Employment” program, which benefits veterans under the age of 30 and anyone over 50 who has exhausted their unemployment benefits.

“By thinking creatively, developing new partnerships, and reaching out to job-seekers and employers alike, we are empowering our residents with new tools to advance employment opportunities,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “We recognize that returning veterans and older job seekers both face unique challenges in navigating the employment landscape; this program will offer guidance and support to these Newark residents as they seek to develop their careers.”

The city’s partners in the effort include  the Newark Workforce Investment Board, AARP Foundation, Citi Community Development, the Walmart Foundation, The WorkPlace, and the Rutgers-Newark Office of University-Community Partnerships.  

Platform to Employment offers a five-week preparatory program which includes workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, self-marketing and other skills.  Additionally, each participant and their family have access to behavioral health services and counseling.  Following the preparatory program, P2E helps participants find open positions with local employers. P2E enables employers to have a risk-free evaluation of participants during an eight week trial period where wages are subsidized by the program.

For information about this or any city program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.