One new Web site will help people looking for graphic designer jobs.

A group of graphic designers based in South Carolina has launched GraphicDesignFreelanceJobs.com, an employment site that will help graphic designers find paid freelance jobs, according to an article by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.

The new site gives freelance graphic designers free access to hundreds freelance jobs that range from one-day assignments to more in-depth, long-term projects. Employers looking to hire freelance graphic designers can post job advertisements for free at FreeLanceJobOpenings.com.

People who might find the site useful include full-time freelance graphic designers, part-time and aspiring graphic designers looking for short-term projects.

Most entry-level graphic designer jobs require a bachelor's degree, but an associates degree may be acceptable for some technical jobs. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 25 percent of graphic designers are self-employed. Many hold down salaried jobs as well as complete freelance work.

In 2006, graphic designers held about 261,000 jobs in America. Most worked in specialized design services, advertising and related services, printing and related support activities or newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers.

Other designers produced computer graphics for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. A small number of designers also worked in engineering services or for management, scientific and technical consulting firms.

Employment of graphic designers is expected grow about as fast as average during the next several years. Fierce competition for jobs is expected and individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities.

Labels: Graphic designer jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor announced nearly $5.5 million in awards to 18 faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) as part of the President's Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (PRI). Each chosen group was awarded more than $300,000. Connecticut jobs will be helped with an award presented to Career Resources Inc., in Fairfield County.

"These $5.5 million in grants will advance local faith-based and community organization efforts to equip ex-prisoners with basic job skills, counseling and opportunities to earn an honest living in our communities," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

In spring 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded grants to selected state correctional agencies to provide pre-release services to exiting prisoners. The Department of Labor, in turn, announced a competition in early September to follow through with post-release services for those same newly released civilians. Each of today's award-winning organizations will serve at least 100 recently released individuals during the program's first year.

"These faith-based and community organizations will partner with ex-offenders and equip them with the skills necessary to compete as members of the modern-day workforce," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. "Steady employment, mentoring and moral support help break the cycle of despair and disordered, often criminal, lives."

Introduced by former President Bush in his 2004 "State of the Union" address, the Prisoner Re-entry Initiative helps strengthen urban communities and assist ex-prisoners re-entering the community through an employment-based program that incorporates mentoring, job training and other services.

Labels: Connecticut Jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $123 million to 68 community colleges and community-based institutions that competed successfully under the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants Initiative.

Awardees were chosen from among 274 applications received in response to a competition announced Oct. 10, 2008. Illinois job training and education will benefit, as that state was among 36 chosen to receive grant support.

"The $123 million awarded today will expand enrollment in education and training programs, and provide more workers with the skills they need to succeed," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Introduced by former President Bush in his 2004 "State of the Union" address, Community-Based Job Training Grants improve the ability of community colleges to provide their regions' workers with the skills needed to enter growing industries. The first round of 70 competitive awards was revealed on Oct.19, 2005. The second round of 72 awards was made on Dec. 11, 2006.

In slightly more than three years, approximately $497 million now has been awarded to 279 community colleges and community-based institutions in 49 states to promote the U.S. workforce's full potential. Through the first three rounds of these grants, more than 34,000 individuals have completed their education and training, and nearly 85,000 people have participated.

With the economy struggling, employers across many industries are laying off workers left and right. Despite this, healthcare and medical jobs remain relatively secure. The reason that this industry has yet to be crippled by the same aliments that are plaguing others is simple: the services it provides are necessities.

The problem that is hurting this sector is of a different nature. With the population growing and the elderly making up a larger portion of it, there simply aren’t enough workers to fill many jobs in healthcare. Because of this, a lot of employers are beginning to seek out workers through less traditional arrangements.

One of the more popular medical jobs the shortage of healthcare professionals has created is travel nurses. These individuals are temporary help that work at hospital for an agreed upon time, usually ranging form four weeks to a year. At the end of this contractual period, travel nurses may go on to another facility in a different location or they may chose to take a permanent job offer if one is issued.

This career path has many perks. For starters, travel nurses are usually paid more than others in nursing, even though they provide the same services. In many situations, medical facilities also pay for their housing costs or provide a domicile. By nature it also provides the opportunity to travel, along with giving professionals the benefits they would receive in a more traditional setting.

Like all jobs, being a travel nurse does have its down points. Although you can request to only work at hospitals in a particularly area, fewer opportunities exist for those who limit themselves this way. Constantly being away from home can also be difficult for a variety of reason.
Another things that can be a down fall for some about this medical job is the fact that to be able to work in different states a travel nurse must be certified in all of the states that they wish to receive employment offers from.

For the most part, travel nursing agencies require that a medical professional have at least one year experience before they are willing to help them find employment opportunities. Those who think this is a viable but are just beginning their careers would have to get a little work experience before they would be able to start.

Labels: Healthcare Jobs