MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Changing a job can be scary, especially if it is unplanned.
Several large Mid-South employers like FedEx and Amazon have recently announced layoffs. Many of those affected are then left applying for jobless benefits, which recently hit a two month high. However layoffs, as a whole, remain low.
In an effort to seek solutions, ABC24 went inside the American Job Center of Greater Memphis, to look at how the organization helps people through the process of layoffs.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to look at other things that are available,” said Sarita Alston, AJC of Greater Memphis One-Stop Operator.
The American Job Center is situated in downtown Memphis, but serves people throughout Shelby, Lauderdale, Fayette, and Tipton Counties.
With business services at the center, help could be anything from a direct line to a new job, resume workshop, or even expanding someone's skill set with on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program.
“We have about 42 registered training providers that are situated and ready to help job seekers upskill or learn a new skill," said Alston.
This effort was seen in full action during the aftermath of the 2023 tornado in Tipton County.
“For some they lost their home, they lost everything,” said Alston.
Not only did the tornado leave schools and homes unusable, businesses were also affected. The Delfield Factory in Covington was in the path of the tornado, and after it was hit, the factory was forced to close, leaving close to 200 workers laid off in the process.
However, this was when business services at AJC stepped in.
“We were able to help a number of those employees to navigate to other industries and to other companies,” said Alston. “We’re situated here to help people get back into the workforce.”
If you do get laid off, Alston said one of the first things you should do is file for unemployment benefits, which can be done online through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.