With so many of NJ’s unemployed up in arms about a recent announcement concerning the restructuring of the PSG (Professional Service Group), I’d like to address the rumors. PSG is not being disbanding; it’s coming back with a new name and will be bigger and better than ever!

PSG is being rebranded and will be rolled out in July, 2012 as Jersey Job Clubs. The goal of the transformation is to have Jersey Job Club coverage in every local area - county and major cities throughout the state, and also to begin six statewide sector-based Jersey Job Clubs. This is exciting news!

The former PSG group serviced less than 1% of the over 400,000 unemployed people in NJ. In addition, the people serviced were located in mostly suburban areas and not the cities where unemployment rates are the highest. Many people who would have liked to attend the meetings, trainings and networking events were put off by the word, “Professional” in the title; they felt the group was for managerial level professionals or those with advanced degrees.

Over the next two months, members of the Bureau of Labor and Workforce Development will be conducting a series of focus groups with former PSG members, facilitators and jobseekers to understand the needs of jobseekers and to compile a list of best practices. The Jersey Job Clubs will also incorporate many exciting tools including jobs4jersey.com resources and resume registration, effective job search techniques, interview preparation, labor market information and speakers who will provide consistent information around the state.

I look forward to the rollout of the Jersey Job Clubs and hope that you will join me in welcoming the change.