Big Red Job Book released

Gov. Craig Benson announced last week the release of the 2004 edition of the Big Red Job Book. The book

is a directory published annually that provides helpful job search information for high school college/university and technical school graduates. The directory profiles New Hampshire companies, their entry-level

positions, skill requirements, wages, and benefits. The Big Red Job Book is a free publication of nhfirstJob.

On receiving his copy of the Big Red Job Book, Gov. Craig Benson commented, "The Big Red Job Book is a great resource for New Hampshire graduates and it gives graduates a strong representation of the numerous

employment opportunities in New Hampshire."

Francoise Elise, coordinator of nhfirstJob, added, "By utilizing the jobsearch information in the Big Red Job Book students are more prepared and empowered to conduct their first career job search."

Dave Smith, NH Department of Education and Chair of nhfirstJob pointed out that, "The Big Red Job Book's format is easy to use and contains additional information valuable to first time entry level job seekers."

Aside from the company profiles the Big Red Job Book highlights work based learning opportunities, such as job shadowing, apprenticeships, and internships. The directory includes useful employment resources such as contact information for the thirteen NHWorks Centers located throughout the state, local Chamber of Commerce Offices and extensive listing of professional organizations.

nhfirstJob is a nonprofit organization working to reduce the outward migration of high school and college graduates by providing information about entry-level jobs and career-track opportunities within New Hampshire companies. To accomplish its goals nhfirstJob has developed a comprehensive educational program facilitated through visits to New Hampshire high school senior classes that include the distribution of the Big Red Job Book.

Other components of the program include a free job posting website, www.nhfirstjob.net and an inspirational video "Insights into Industry". New Hampshire companies can post full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs on the website at no cost. Job seekers can also post classified listings describing their qualifications and desired positions also at no charge. "Insights into Industry" is an award winning video that tells the story of not-so-long-ago New Hampshire graduates who are climbing the ladder of success in New Hampshire companies with the assistance of on the job training, apprenticeships, management, and tuition reimbursement programs. nhfirstJob is an initiative of NHWorks.org, NH Employment Security, and the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. This program has evolved out of the award winning "Insights into Industries" and NHFuture.net developed by the Belknap County Economic Development Council and the Lakes

Region Office of New Hampshire Employment Security.