WALHALLA — Thanks to a windfall of federal stimulus money headed to South Carolina, job training programs for adults out of work and young people in need of employment opportunities already are being planned for the WorkLink service area that includes Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.

On Friday, WorkLink posted Request for Proposals (RFPs) to create programs geared to help train adults over the age of 18 and youths who are at least 14 and not older than 21. The programs have a combined price tag of $5.5 million that could aid hundreds of unemployed or underemployed workers in the tri-county area.

WorkLink’s RFP postings coincide with this week’s announcement that South Carolina is in line to receive $65.4 million out of $3.5 billion in federal stimulus money being directed specifically to help Americans get back to work through the national network of One-Stop Career Centers.

The breakdown in job-training funding for the Palmetto State includes $24.7 million for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Activities, $24.7 million for WIA Dislocated Worker Activities, $10.4 million for WIA Adult Activities and $5.6 million for Employment Service.

WorkLink, 511 Westinghouse Road in Pendleton, is the central office that oversees the One-Stop Centers in Anderson (309 W. Whitner St.), Oconee (11091 Radio Station Road in Seneca) and Pickens (317 Summit Drive in Liberty). The goal of the agency is to have a fully employed and skilled workforce in the three counties by developing a link between employers and the workforce.

WorkLink is wasting no time in putting its share of South Carolina’s kitty to work.

For instance, $3.7 million is set aside to fund a trade program for adults and dislocated workers. According to the guidelines, the program should provide orientation, employability assessment, an individualized employment plan, referral and support services such as help with childcare and transportation.

Another $1.4 million is earmarked for a WIA Youth Program that would include tutoring, study skills training, summer employment opportunities, internships and job shadowing.

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis called the $3.5 billion federal commitment a “significant investment in employment and training” that presents a unique opportunity for workers and employers throughout the country.