Platform to Employment helps veterans, older workers find jobs

A new program launching in Minneapolis next month aims to help long-term unemployed workers over age 50 and young veterans find jobs.

The city of Minneapolis and the state's economic development agency are teaming up on a program to help older workers and veterans under age 30 escape long-term unemployment. They're working a Connecticut organization called The WorkPlace, which has had a high success rate landing full-time employment for its program participants.

The 13-week WorkPlace program which will be implemented in Minneapolis, starts with job readiness training, said Deb Bahr-Helgen, director of the city's Employment and Training Program.

"After that, there's a subsidized work component where wages are paid by the program, allowing employers to test out candidates on the job to see if they're a good fit for the company," she said.

The initial program will accommodate 20 older workers and four veterans. Applicants must be Minneapolis residents and have until Sept. 6 to apply. The program starts Sept. 23.

Funding for the program comes from AARP Foundation, Citi Community Development and Walmart Foundation.

Workers can get information at the program's website and fill out the Minneapolis Platform to Employment Application.