Displaced Workers’ Guide: Local Gems for Reskilling and Career Advancement

Local and state governments offer hidden gems for those wishing to further their education. With increasing unemployment and new advances in technology, many workers are feeling displaced. Whether they be programs at the Ag extension office, community colleges, or the public library, resources abound - but many don’t know how to find them. Let’s list some of the resources that residents of a community may not have considered in their preparation for a new or lateral career placement.

Leveraging Workforce Development Boards and One-Stop Centers

Workforce development boards play a central role in connecting residents to training and employment opportunities. These boards, established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), coordinate services through local One-Stop Career Centers. These centers, often housed in libraries, community centers, or stand-alone offices, offer career counseling, job placement assistance, skills assessments, and access to short-term training programs that are aligned with regional labor market demands¹.

Residents may not realize that many of these services are available at no cost. For instance, dislocated workers and low-income adults can receive Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) to fund certifications in high-demand fields such as healthcare, logistics, and information technology. These programs are designed in partnership with local employers to ensure that training aligns with current job openings, making them a practical and efficient path to reemployment².

Community Colleges as Anchors for Career Transitions

Community colleges are increasingly recognized as agile institutions capable of responding to workforce shifts. Many offer non-credit, short-term credentialing programs that appeal to adult learners and career changers. Examples include certified nursing assistant (CNA) training, commercial driver’s license (CDL) certification, and cybersecurity boot camps. These programs are typically developed in collaboration with local employers and economic development agencies, ensuring they are relevant and focused on job placement³.

Municipal governments can support access to these programs through tuition subsidies, transportation vouchers, or childcare assistance. In some jurisdictions, local governments have formalized partnerships with colleges to co-create workforce academies or training hubs. These initiatives reflect a strategic investment in local talent and provide a practical model for replicating success in other communities⁴.

Libraries as Lifelong Learning Hubs

Public libraries have evolved beyond books and storytime. Many now offer digital literacy courses, resume workshops, and access to online learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. These resources are particularly valuable for individuals who may lack reliable internet or computer access at home. Libraries also provide a supportive environment for self-paced learning and peer support⁵.

Some libraries partner with local workforce agencies or nonprofits to host career fairs, employer panels, and mock interviews. Others serve as satellite testing centers for professional certifications or GED completion. Municipal staff can enhance outreach by promoting these offerings during community events, utility bill inserts, or through neighborhood associations. Raising awareness is a low-cost strategy that can have a high return in terms of community engagement and economic mobility⁶.

Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Training Programs

University-affiliated Cooperative Extension offices offer a surprising array of adult education programs, especially in rural or semi-rural communities. While traditionally focused on agriculture, these offices now provide training in business development, food safety certification, natural resource management, and digital marketing for small en