News 12 at 6 O'Clock, February 8, 2010

AIKEN, S.C. --- Aiken One Stop is a somewhat popular place these days. Come in anytime and you'll see people filling out applications and talking to career counselors.

"Obviously, we're facing a difficult time in the economy right now," said One Stop's Denise Raymond. "However, there is the opportunity for employment."

Opportunities that are fulfilled. 180 people each month get a job after coming here. As part of the WIA program -- 199 people got a job last year. 928 people were a part of the program.

WIA -- or the Workforce Investment Act -- is one way to get back to work. It includes workshops and money to go back to school.

You can get your GED, two-year Associate's Degree, or get other technical certification.

Its a program that worked for hundreds of employees of Avondale Mills when it closed.

"WIA was able to get those individuals in, help them get training, and help them understand how the skills they had were easily transferable to other industries," said Raymond.