Help Finding Jobs In Tampa Bay Region

Whether you are on the prowl for new job opportunities or the entrepreneurial whisper is calling, programs throughout the Tampa Bay region provide helpful tips and resources for those who are either seeking new employers or looking to become their own boss.

The Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance offers job search strategies during the holiday season. Recognizing that part-time work provides not only a source of income but a resume builder, the Alliance suggests people looking for work forgo the natural inclination to take a break during the holidays because companies are often ramping up over the season for the coming year.

"It's important to us that career candidates know the Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance is available to assist them in continuing their job search efforts year round, " says Thomas Stewart, vice president of Workforce Solutions, in a news release. "Our centers in Tampa, Brandon and Plant City provide a full range of career planning services for professional and entry level career candidates, including career guidance, job leads and training resources."

Similarly, Pinellas County Economic Development offers classes for people looking to start their own businesses. "How To Start A Business" is an introductory workshop that offers an overview of launching a business. Topics covered include: feasibility assessment of your business, licenses, permits and legal documents. This one-day class is offered on Wednesdays in December. Classes will be Dec. 2, 9 and 16. For more information, click here.

And in Bradenton, Job Seeker Boot Camp begins this month. Scholarships are available for residents of the Bradenton Central Community Development Agency. The camp covers: Get Going in a New Direction, What's New in the 2010 Job Market?, Networking for a New Job, Resumes That Work and Job Interview Secrets. Classes will be held at the Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency building at 302 Manatee Ave. The first session is free and subsequent workshops are $29 each. For more information on course dates and times, visit the Bradenton Central Community Development Agency.

Writer: Nancy Vaughn