Laid off Aaron's staff gets state assistance

The state has activated its Rapid Response team to help workers who will be dislocated from Aaron's Automotive Products Inc. in Joplin. About 180 employees will be laid off when the company reorganizes operations.

Workers at Aaron's Automotive Products rebuild automotive engines and transmissions. Occupations that will be affected by the layoffs include supervisors, assemblers, production, shipping, receiving, clerical, maintenance and inventory staff.

The Rapid Response team is comprised of representatives from the Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development (DWD), the Southwest Workforce Development Board and the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Employment Security.

The team responds to the needs of workers who have lost their jobs by providing special training and re-employment services.

In addition, Rapid Response teams from the states of Kansas and Oklahoma will collaborate in the re-employment efforts to accommodate workers from outside Missouri.

Joseph L. Driskill, director of the Department of Economic Development, has directed DWD to assist Aaron's Automotive Products employees by offering Missouri Career Center services.

"The Rapid Response team represents an efficient partnership between state and local agencies, dedicated to helping displaced workers find suitable employment again," Driskill said.

"We encourage these individuals to take advantage of these free services. The Career Centers provide invaluable assistance through the Rapid Response team in all areas of job searching and placement."

The Rapid Response team and the local Missouri Career Center will provide immediate services to workers needing assistance, including assessment and testing, career counseling, resume writing, interviewing skills, job search methods, on-the-job training and tuition assistance for vocational training or education. These services are free to the workers.

Representatives from DWD and the Southwest Workforce Development Board are working with the company to ensure that dislocated workers have access to Career Center services.

Meetings were held June 13 with workers to explain how these services could help them find new jobs.