New Chesco jobs program targets long-term unemployed

Kirt Barden used to be an executive at a truck rental and leasing company.

Twelve years ago, the company let Barden go after Penske bought it.

Barden moved to New Orleans to help his sick mother-in-law and bought a business that did underwriting exams for insurance companies.

Two years later, Hurricane Katrina hit and destroyed his business. He sold it at a loss.

Then, he had a job raising money for the Salvation Army. Then, he became a sales consultant.

Barden, 63, has been out of work for 10 months.

"It's been a challenge, being older, to find a job, even though I have skills and enthusiasm, and I keep up on technology," said Barden, who lives in Downingtown.

Barden is one of 25 people chosen to participate in an employment training program for the long-term unemployed that started Tuesday in Chester County. The Platform to Employment program started five years ago in Connecticut.

Chester County is the first in Pennsylvania to try the program. It will use $179,500 in funds from the state Labor Department.

Joe Carbone, president and chief executive officer at the WorkPlace, a workforce development board in Connecticut, helped develop the program to specifically target the long-term unemployed.

Carbone said he wants to target people who may have given up looking for jobs.

The program teaches interview techniques, resume building, goal setting, social media, and financial education. It also aims to help people take care of their motivational and emotional needs and regain confidence.

"It's going to bring out the old you," said Carbone, who said he became depressed when he was unemployed for eight and a half months a couple decades ago.

Cities such as Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco, and Newark have replicated the program.

The Chester County residents gathered for the start of a five-week pilot program at the county's career and financial stability center office in Exton.

The 11 women and 14 men have been unemployed anywhere from seven months to more than three and a half years.

They come from business, finance, engineering, healthcare, law, sales and the transportation industries.

Their zip codes include Devon, Coatesville, Exton, and West Chester.

Some have master degrees. One has a doctorate.

Almost half are using their savings and investments as a primary source of funds.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline told the participants that her father was unemployed for two years when she was in high school.

"I understand the psychological impact it can have on people," she said.

"You are a valued member of Chester County," she told them.

Brian Edwards, 41, was an aerospace engineer before he was laid off in 2013. There are not many jobs in his field near Downingtown, where he lives and where he wants to stay to be near family.

His wife works part time as an information technology consultant. His son just started first grade, and his daughter starts pre-school next week.

During the program, he hopes to find a way to transfer his skills to other industries, he said. He was thrilled to be chosen for the program.

"It was definitely encouraging," he said.

During one part of Tuesday's orientation, Edwards and his fellow participants were directed to say, loudly and with conviction: "I am successful. I am strong. I am talented. I am disciplined. I am focused. I am committed."

Then they all clapped.

mbond@philly.com

610-313-8207 @MichaelleBond