OCEDA’s Digital Works graduate celebrates success

Just a few months ago, Sarah Chinn found herself unemployed and looking for a new remote work opportunity. But finding jobs during COVID-19 can be challenging. After about five months of unemployment, Chinn stumbled upon Ohio County Economic Development Alliance’s Digital Works opportunity — and the rest is history.

Chinn is from Beaver Dam and was among the first of many students to participate in the new virtual Digital Works class in Ohio County. She has been working remotely for Teletech since April and has already been promoted for the second time making above the Kentucky average income.

“I am grateful and excited to have had the opportunity to be enrolled in and have graduated from the Digital Works program to qualify for a work-from-home position,” said Chinn. “The class was very insightful, fun, relaxed and definitely informative.”

The Ohio County Economic Development Alliance is proud to partner with Digital Works to present the people of Ohio County with technology training for online teleworking jobs.

Digital Works, a program of Connected Nation, was developed to help meet the need of filling remote job positions. But it goes beyond job placement assistance: The program teaches a variety of marketable skills such as typing, communication, customer service, résumé building, and technical capabilities needed for optimal at-home computer usage.

Digital Works in Ohio County finished their first all-virtual class earlier this summer, with seven graduates completing the course. The program is now looking for more Ohio County participants to sign up for the next class.

“We understand that families and individuals in Ohio County are looking for new opportunities,” said Jodi Ashby, Executive Director, OCEDA. “Our organization has provided training opportunities in the past, but Digital Works partners with more than 70 companies nationwide and we knew this would open up new avenues to jobs and future careers.”

For the next class, participants will have the choice of training and/or working from the HUB if they do not have adequate internet or equipment at home. The HUB is a business incubator, co-workspace, and training facility located in Hartford. and is available for DW participants if needed.

“The Ohio County Economic Development Alliance and Digital Works is taking a positive step toward helping local residents take part in the flourishing job market of telework and work-at-home opportunities,” said Chris Pedersen, VP of Planning and Development, CN.