NEW JOB SEARCH TOOL: The Rhode Island Red, a new self-service, online job search and research tool available for free through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Web site, has quadrupled the number of job listings available to job seekers. This dramatic increase was made possible by enhanced “spidering” — a software program’s ability to search the Internet.

Sandra M. Powell, director of labor and training said, “By improving our technology, we hope to simplify the job search process and connect job seekers with employment as quickly as possible.”

To search for employment using Rhode Island Red, visit www.dlt.ri.gov/rired and click on the “Find a Job” link under Individual Services. Job seekers may search by location, keyword, occupational group and/or salary range. They may also limit their search by source (newspapers, private employer job boards, etc.) and posting date.

In addition to aiding in the job search process, Rhode Island Red offers a free online skill assessment test that can match a job seeker’s skill set with appropriate occupations. It also contains helpful industry and occupational data, from average wages to future employment outlook. Lastly, Rhode Island Red offers links to area education and training programs that can help a job seeker acquire the necessary skills for his or her chosen career.

Rhode Island Red is one of several tools used by the netWORKri counselors to help customers find employment. The netWORKri One-Stop System includes walk-in career and reemployment centers in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and West Warwick, as well as a satellite facility in Middletown. For more information on available jobs in Rhode Island or the netWORKri One-Stop centers, call 1 (888) 616-JOBS or visit at www.dlt.ri.gov.

NEW ON-LINE RESOURCE: The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a new online resource to help employers who hire veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), two increasingly common battlefield conditions. The new America’s Heroes at Work Web site ( www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov) provides information about TBI and PTSD as well as tools and guidance on how to implement workplace accommodations and other services for the veterans. In addition, the Web site includes the toll-free phone number of the Job Accommodation Network, which employers can call to receive personal assistance relating to job accommodations for veterans with disabilities.

“This America’s Heroes at Work initiative focuses on the employment challenges of returning service members who are living with traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “One of the best ways we can help these courageous men and women and honor their sacrifice is to help them return to full, productive lives through work. Employment can also play a role in their recovery.”

APPRENTICE PROGRAM TESTING: The Rhode Island Carpenters Local Union 94 of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters will hold a qualifying test for its apprenticeship program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Carpenters Union Hall, 14 Jefferson Park Rd., Warwick.

Openings for the program are based on the needs of the industry and on future work expectations. Completing the test and application process does not mean that openings exist now or will exist in the future.

Effective on Sept. 5, all apprenticeship applications and testing will be placed on hold until further notice.