Palm Beach County has experienced a record-breaking year of low unemployment rates. However, the number of available jobs exceeding the number of unemployed people puts local business in a position of need. What some may not realize is that there is more than traditional recruiting to fill the gaps in the workforce. In fact, there is a large talent pool of work-ready individuals in Palm Beach County seeking employment opportunities. Where can they be found? Enter employU.

As a partner with The Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the American Dream Employment Network, employU is a local nonprofit organization offering employment services to people with disabilities. The organization is structured as a one-stop-shop offering adult employment services, youth programs, employability trainings, paid work experience, and a variety of assessments for persons with disabilities whom are motivated to work. Individuals who complete employU programs emerge work-ready and eager to start their new careers.

Palm Beach County was added to the employU service area last year, and now the organization has opened a local office to expand the services provided to this community. To celebrate the grand opening of their 20th office, now located at 400 North Congress Ave., Suite 170, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, employU hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 17. During the event, co-hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, area residents and business leaders welcomed the organization to the community. Armando Fana, Assistant City Administrator at City of West Palm Beach Economic Development, also attended the event on behalf of Mayor James’ office in support of employU.

The benefits of employU’s services for local businesses are endless. Partnering with the organization enhances an employer’s recruitment process by tapping into a labor market that comes with its own team of professionals backing it every step of the way. employU tailors opportunities to each business partner matching them with applicants whose skills and abilities are compatible to their employment needs. Once an applicant becomes an official member of the business partner’s team, employU provides ongoing support for three to five months, or longer, to ensure a high rate of job retention (85%). In the fall, employU will be adding its Transition Youth Program where students between the ages of 14-21 who have an IEP or 504 education plan in school will have an opportunity for a paid “internship,” where employU pays their wages and the liability insurance while the State of Florida covers their workman’s comp. The program provides the student with an opportunity for career exploration and operations assistance to the businesses at no cost.