rpatte1637

TRY ME FOR FREE

Now that I got your attention, I am trying to do some networking here in Georgia, does any one know of any aviation departments in the Atlanta area or Northwest Georgia area that that would like a trainee to help out their business for six weeks free. I am a commercial ASEL/AMEL instrument pilot with 800 plus hours (no CFI ratings) that would like the opportunity to receive some additional experience in the aviation world. I am willing to work the ramp, dispatch, charter operations, sky diving, FBO, pipeline, aerial photo or other positions that are related to an aviation career. Now, before I get bashed too much by the, “we are professional and shouldn’t work for free or low wages group”, let me explain. I am currently on unemployment and the Georgia Department of Labor has a program that will continue to pay me my unemployment plus $600.00 over a six week period to receive training from a Georgia company, the employer basically get a free trainee for six weeks and has the option of hiring the trainee after the six week period or not. I am a pilot and would like to get my foot in the door somewhere that I can work my way into a pilot position. Sorry this opportunity is only open to Georgia residents on unemployment and companies with a base in Georgia (HQ can be in another state, but must have a base here). Thank you for your help, anyone on unemployment or employers in Georgia that would like information on this program, feel free to contact me and I will assist as much as possible.

Scott

Diver Driver

Scott: Just so I understand you correctly, you are offering to work for free?

TonyWilliams

I suggest that you're title might get more responses from the intended audience if it said something like "Internship wanted in Georgia".

Ok, I changed the title.

Ewfflyer

It appears it's a system in place by the GA unemployment to encourage companies to bring on new hires, with lower risks in that the Unemployment will pay for the "potential" employee during the initial feeling-out period.

Not necessarily a bad idea. He is still getting paid unemployment, so he's not working for free, it's just that the company is getting a "Free" worker in a sense, although there is obviously nothing free.

Good luck to you.

esa17

This smells like a troll.

Burrito Bandit

Nope, he's serious. It's on another board also. Catching heat there too, thanks for lowering the bar for pilot compensation.

AtlCSIP

This is for real. The State of Georgia will pay the wages for a worker for 6 weeks. This gives the timid employer the opportunity to try out a new worker to see if he is going to work out, or if he is actually going to be needed for the long term, with no risk to the employer. I agree, this guy should change the title of this thread.

meeko031

internship vs. working for free? it's all the same, BS

Ewfflyer

I don't agree. It's actually trying to promote the hiring of new employee's. They could just extend his benefits with no outlook at a job, but this program appears to actually put people to work, first being paid by the state, then the employer will take over pay if all works out.

I'm sure there's got to be some sort of restrictions on the potential employers that they can't just keep getting free 6-week helpers, but it can get someone in the door.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather see people attempting to work, than jusst sitting on their rear and collecting!

I don't think this program is specific to pilots either, am I incorrect here? Seems it's an open program to any employer in any field.

rpatte1637

First, how many people looked at this post just because of the title. I did a post on “GAWorks” on March 30th on Jetcareers and received less than a one hundred views in nine days. I posted “TRY ME FOR FREE” on Jetcareers and in less than 12 hours, I had almost 200 views. The Georgia Department of Labor has very few aviation leads, so the encourage people to market themselves (aviation or other wise). This got peoples attention and if it upsets 100 people, I’m sorry, but it could also make one network connection that knows of a company that is looking for someone and has not advertising it. The title was all about marketing and getting people to look at the post, which it has, hopefully it will get to someone attention that may know of a position available or a company willing to at least see if I fit in their environment.

Now on to “GAWorks”, this is a program created by the Georgia Department of Labor to boost employment in the state after 9/11. I have been on unemployment for the past seven months and knew nothing of the program, until a week ago, when I certified and a note came up to advise people of the program. To be eligible, you must be a Georgia resident, collecting unemployment benefits and “looking for work”. The program allows you to “train” with an employer for up to 24 hours a week for a maximum of six weeks (the rest of the time you are to look for work, why not 40 hours a week training, because then Georgia considers you employed and can not collect benefits). The state also pays you an addition $200 after the first week, then and additional $200 in the fourth and six week to help with expenses, such as child care and transportation cost. You are allowed a maximum of six weeks of training and it can be split between employers or all at one employer, but six weeks is it, there are no extensions. How many times have you taken a job and a week later said “What have I done?” Well with GAWorks, if you find that the position is not for you or the employer decides you are not what they are looking for, then all you have to say is “thanks for giving me the chance to see how your company operates” or they can say “sorry your not working out, but thank for coming in” and no harm, no fowl. As far an employers taking advantage of the system, sure you will have some that will try, but they must sign training agreements with the state and the companies are monitored. If the state sees one that keeps bringing in “trainees” and letting them go at the end of six weeks, just to bring in another, they will quickly drop them from the program. Georgia is not the only state that has this program, the person conducting the orientation said she knew of at least five other states that modeled their own programs after Georgia.

Now for the people saying I’m using their tax dollars. The maximum the state will pay for the six week period is $600, not a penny more. So let’s see, I’ve worked in Georgia since I was 14, I’m now 46, that 32 years of taxes I’ve paid Georgia, which comes down to $0.38 a week refund on the taxes I have paid over the last 30 years, not you.

If you would like more information on GAWorks, please visit the Georgia Department of Labor GAWorks website at GEORGIA WORK$ | Spotlight | Georgia Department of Labor.
Again, any Georgia company and any unemployed Georgian collecting unemployment benefits can use this program.

For anyone in the Florida area, they did have a first officer position and several other aviation position listed through the WorknetPinellas site not long ago, but not being a Florida resident I could not apply. I guess since I’m not a Florida resident I should be furious, because I could not apply, I’m not.

Again thanks for everyone input, good or bad.
Scott