Two worker transition workshops will put state and federal agencies in one place to help recreational vehicle workers coping with job loss find employment information and assistance.

The workshops are being organized as a response to the impending layoff of 1,430 employees at three Monaco Coach plants in Elkhart County but other workers will be allowed to participate, said U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Granger, who with U.S. Rep. Mark Souder, R-Fort Wayne, is organizing the event.

"Everybody's concern is the workers and their families," Donnelly said. "That's where all the focus is."

The Indiana congressmen talked about the workshops during a meeting Thursday in Washington with representatives of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to pair Monaco employees with representatives from federal agencies and local community service organizations to provide workers with resources they need as they look for new jobs.

Although specific dates and agencies have not been finalized, Donnelly said the workshops will take place at the Monaco plants in Wakarusa and Elkhart sometime in August. The events will not be limited to Monaco employees.

"If there are other people who want help," he said, "we are there to help them as well."

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development applauded the workshops.

"That would be great to have the federal representatives involved with the process," said Gary Abell, spokesman for the DWD. "That would be very helpful."

Officials from the DWD are working with Monaco to survey employees to assess their educational levels and skills, Abell said. When the surveys come back in the next couple of days, the state employment office will begin to put together a customized plan to help the workers.

Typically, Abell said, such plans include giving the workers assistance in writing and posting their résumés online, searching for a job and interviewing skills. The agency will try to match the employees with employers in the area.

The DWD tries "to get everyone moving forward so they can start preparation for their next job," Abell said.