Columbus awards $1.8M in grants to help 500 'underemployed' residents access job training

Columbus' unemployment rate is low, but too many residents are trapped in low-paying jobs and lack the resources to climb a better career ladder, says Columbus City Council President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans.

"We know that we have too many friends, neighbors and family members that live paycheck to paycheck," Dorans said. He calls these workers "underemployed."

Meanwhile, local employers need skilled workers. That's why Dorans and Aspyr, formerly called the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, are launching CAREER 500 (Columbus Access to Resources for Expanding Employment Readiness). The program intends to help at least 500 residents access job training in the next two years.

Columbus launches CAREER 500 to fund job training for more residents