“Help Wanted” airs on City12 Wednesdays at 2 p.m, Sundays at 2:30 p.m.; and on WXXI Sundays at 4:30 p.m.
Help Wanted is a television series and multimedia project from PBS stations WMHT-Albany and WCNY-Syracuse focused on helping New Yorkers deal with the current economic crisis that is dramatically affecting individuals and families across the state.
This topical program addresses the current economic crisis which is dramatically affecting families across New York State. Citizens are eager for useful and trustworthy information in an accessible centralized manner regarding the factors affecting their current economic situation. Each episode features guests from various backgrounds and gives them real world advice for their real world situations from organizations that can truly help. Four elements of concern are addressed in each episode: Employment Resources, Job Training, Consumer Protection, and Family Finances. To learn more, visit www.helpwantedinteractive.org.
Help Wanted Program Descriptions
Program 1: Series Premiere
On the series premiere of ‘Help Wanted,’ meet Rebecca, a young woman who formerly worked as a marketing manager. When Rebecca lost her job, it was very difficult on her and her family, but she is now carving out a new path in nursing school that may offer greater stability in the future. Plus, we look at how the unemployed in upstate New York are trying to weather the economic storm, and shed light on a text messaging scam targeting recipients of unemployment insurance.
Program 2: Gov. Paterson on the New York Economy
Gov. David Paterson sits down for an interview with ‘Help Wanted’ host Dan Bazile to discuss what Paterson's administration is doing to help people in the Empire State get back to work, particularly in clean energy and energy efficiency-related fields. Also, we introduce you to Shefik, a web programmer from Brooklyn who was recently laid off even though he possesses skills that are tailor-made for the digital age. In addition, we examine what individuals can do to break the cycle of debt and return to fiscal stability.
Program 3: A Veteran Battles for Work
Meet a homeless veteran, Keith, who has found that getting a job is proving to be a major challenge, though not for lack of trying on his part. Also, we’ll explore some ‘recession proof’ jobs that have stood the test of time, even during challenging economic climates. Learn about some of the many available apprenticeship programs through workers’ unions in New York State. Plus, we investigate how consumers can avoid a common foreclosure scam.
Program 4: Self-Employment | Employment With Disabilities
On this edition of 'Help Wanted,' meet a single mother who took the leap into self-employment after being laid off in the middle of the recession. Also, we'll introduce you to a man who is reentering the workforce after a car accident left him without several brain functions. We’ll also take a look at public assistance options, which can be a helpful temporary solution for those out of work. Plus, we'll explain how to avoid giving con artists an opportunity to steal your identity while you're looking for a job.
Program 5: A Mother Repairs Her Credit
After getting divorced, Jennifer was left with a daughter to raise and a mountain of debt. We'll explore how Jennifer straightened out her finances and repaired her credit score with the help of financial advisers. Also, we catch up with some professionals who are learning new skills in order to land a new job, and we'll expose an Internet scam targeting those seeking unemployment insurance. Plus, we present some helpful tips for filling out an online job application.
Program 6: Highly-Educated and Unemployed
Even with a law degree and additional experience in the military and the Peace Corps, Leslie is having trouble finding employment. We’ll find out what this former state attorney does to remain positive in a tough economy. Also, as tax season is upon us, we speak to professionals who can offer some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your taxes. Plus, we explore how green jobs may provide new employment opportunities now and in the years ahead.