Job-seekers are out in droves and one local employer is looking to give the unemployed a competitive edge.

The Target distribution center is promising at least an interview to any applicants who complete a preparation course through Savannah Technical College.

The 14-week long course, taught by instructors at the school, will prepare interested people for warehouse work. It’s a necessary part of the hiring process, according to James Bostic, assistant vice president of economic development at STC.

"We just do regular interviews based on the hiring forecast for Target," Bostic said. "And right now the forecast looks pretty good, based on the economy."

Information sessions for the certified warehousing distribution specialist program started yesterday and will continue through August.

The course starts Aug. 24 and financial assistance is available through the HOPE grant.

Gary Varner, manager at the Hinesville Career Center, said investing time in advanced training or higher education makes the job search easier and more profitable.

"The obstacle that I see out of this is just preparation," Varner said.

The career center offers workshops to assist people who recently have been laid off and are looking for work.

Varner suggests job-seekers get in to researching industries so they know when openings become available.

"We also push, any time the job market is slow, people look at their skill levels … enhance their skills so when the market does pick up, they’re better prepared to find a job," added P.J. Schneider, the center’s employment marketing specialist. "Now is an ideal time to take advantage of the HOPE grant and HOPE scholarship."

The next information session is July 21 at 6 p.m. at Dorchester Academy. For more information, call (912) 443-3018.