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Welcome The New Centralina WDB Leadership Team for 2015-2016
MEET THE CENTRALINA WDB CHAIR-GISELLA APARICIO-BUSSE
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is pleased to announce its leadership team for 2015-2016. At the June 9, 2015 Board meeting,
Gisella Aparicio-Busse was elected Board Chair.
Gisella Busse is the Human Resources Director at Husky Rack and Wire, a lead manufacturer in the material handling industry located in Denver, NC (Lincoln County).
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Gisella Busse has served on the Centralina WDB for six years. During her tenure with Centralina WDB, Gisella has held several different positions including Chair of the Centralina WDB Youth Council, Vice-Chair of the Board, and now the Centralina WDB Chair. She brings 20 plus years of human resource experience in a variety of industries to the Board.
"I am very excited to be a part of this season of change. It is my hope that we embrace all the changes coming with the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and take advantage of them to make our Board the most effective it can be," Busse said.
Busse has several goals set for her term as the Centralina WDB Chair:
- To build a Board that is motivated to make a difference in the Centralina WDB region.
- Build collaboration between partners (colleges, middle and high schools, and the Centralina WDB NexGen Council).
- Continue to market the Centralina WDB flagship product, NCWorks.
- Strive for 100 percent satisfaction for all of the Centralina WDB customers, employees, prospective employees, and employers.
"Overall, I believe in order for us to be effective, we need to fully interact with our customers, schools, local government, and other boards," said Busse. "We also need to be identified as an organization that delivers results and meets the needs of our customers, and that's my ultimate goal."
In her spare time, Busse enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff, of 25 years and attending swim meets with her daughter Megan. She also enjoys spending time on the lake and enjoying a beautiful day on the beach.
MEET THE CENTRALINA WDB VICE-CHAIR-JOEY CHAMBERS
 The Centralina Workforce Development Board is pleased to announce its leadership team for 2015-2016. At the June 9, 2015 Board meeting, Joey Chambers was elected Board Vice-Chair.
Joey Chambers is President of ProEdge Precision, LLC in Statesville, NC (Iredell County).
Joey is an accomplished executive with a proven ability to develop and implement quality systems and core business strategies that support growth and financial objectives. With over 20 years of experience in advanced manufacturing and a heavy concentration in aerospace, he has led key initiatives that have substantially increased revenue flow without additional capital expenditures.
Over the years, he has effectively developed new concerns with well managed capital acquisitions and established new customer partnerships with Fortune 500 companies while establishing facilities and teams to accommodate growth.
Chambers has served on the Centralina WDB since 2014. He is a respected leader with the ability to build highly motivated management, quality and manufacturing teams focused on achieving company goals and objectives to support continuous improvements.
"As a small business owner I recognize firsthand the challenges that are being put on industries with regard to business growth and job creation by the lack of skilled talent available in the workforce," said Chambers. "I feel it is my obligation, not only to my employees, but also to my children, the community, and the next generation to provide my full involvement in developing the pipeline to fill jobs in this region."
Chambers has successfully provided leadership, strategic vision, and tactical execution while supporting the key business needs of several manufacturing operations for both small businesses and large corporation.
In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, cycling, spending time with his wife of 22 years, their son Andrew, and daughter Emily.
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Workforce Boards Fostering Regionalism Across North Carolina
Centralina WDB Leads Southwest Zone Training Provider Informational Session
 The recent implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has placed heightened emphasis on collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure service delivery systems for job seekers and employers.
With this in mind, Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB), Charlotte Works, Gaston Workforce Development Board, and Region C Workforce Development Board worked together to host a Southwest Zone Training Provider Informational Session on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at Charlotte Works. The Southwest zone is made up of Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, Union, Mecklenburg, Gaston, and Cleveland.
The purpose and mission for the event was to educate active and interested regional training providers about WIOA and how it affects their organizations. The event came about when Sherika Rich, Centralina WDB's Program Assistant and Alex Cooley from Charlotte Works thought it would be a great idea to get all the regional training providers together to hear important information at the same time. In July of this year, Centralina WDB took the lead and starting planning the event immediately while Charlotte Works was also a leader in this effort.
"We wanted to give them information on the new regional policy between Centralina WDB, Charlotte Works, and Gaston," said Rich. "Also, we wanted to demonstrate how to navigate NCWorks online and give them the opportunity to ask any questions that they may have had."
The event was very successful. The following topics were discussed during the event:
- Review of the new regional training provider policy
- Review of the regional memorandum of understanding (MOU)
- Live demo on how to register provider representatives
- Live demo on how to enter new/updated information for programs
- Overview of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as it relates to being an eligible WIOA training provider
Providers used the last portion of the meeting to express how helpful the session was for them. It also allowed the providers to get to know the staff leading the event and gain clarity about anything they needed. Overall the session was a great display of regionalism among the Centralina, Charlotte Works, Gaston, and Region C workforce development boards.
For additional information regarding the Training Provider Informational Session, contact Sherika Rich, Centralina WDB's Program Assistant at
[email protected].
Commerce Department Launches Mobile App for Job Seekers
Raleigh, N.C. -
NCWorks Career Centers are now registering more job seekers on the new NCWorks mobile app to connect them to meaningful employment.
The mobile app allows users to apply for jobs, compare their skills to job requirements, find training opportunities, and learn more about a career or industry through wage and employment projections. In the mobile app, individuals search for jobs by keyword or circling a select area and all job postings within that circumference will be displayed.
"We want North Carolina's job seekers to have access to the best jobs in the market," said Will Collins, executive director of NCWorks. "By connecting people to jobs and training resources in their areas, we can help them get back on their feet and improve the lives of our communities."
The app also contains special features for veterans, who can review job postings up to 24 hours in advance of the general public and search for civilian careers using the Military Occupational Code.
Registration for NCWorks Online is free. The app is free to download for the
iPhone, iPad and
Android devices. N.C. Commerce Workforce Solutions operates the NCWorks app.
About NCWorks Online
NCWorks Online is a free service that provides several benefits to job seekers and employers. Job seekers can search job posts pulled from thousands of websites and receive alerts through email and text message. Employers can post jobs to find the talent they need, as well as take advantage of real-time labor market information that will assist them in making competitive offers to recruit talented workers. For more information about NCWorks Online, visit
www.ncworks.gov.
For more information about the N.C. Commerce Workforce Solutions, visit
www.nccommerce.com/workforce.
It's a Magical Moment
Charlotte Alexander Career is Moving Ahead - Thanks to the Help of the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville and the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute
Around this time last year, Charlotte Alexander was at loose ends, she had been laid off from her job and didn't know which way to turn. After working at her job for 13 years, she was classified as the sole breadwinner of her household.
"My husband was and is still on disability and my circumstances quickly changed which caused me to live a lifestyle without pay," Alexander said.
Determined to change her life circumstances at the time, she wasn't going to come to terms with the conditions of being unemployed. With this in mind, Alexander instantly reached out to Centralina WDB partners, Goodwill Industries in Statesville, and begin working with them immediately. As a resident of Mooresville, traveling to Statesville became a hassle but she was steadfast during the process until eventually Goodwill Industries notified her about the opening of the new NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville.
Alexander was very focused on achieving her goal of becoming employed again despite her age. Immediately after the opening of the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville, she began utilizing the services offered by the Center. A Talent Development Consultant (TDC) at the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville began working with Alexander closely.
"When I would have a meltdown day, I was able to express that to my consultant and she continued to encourage me while I was weary and tired," Alexander said. "She embraced my job search as much as I did and put as much time into it as I did."
Together their collaborative efforts and determination made it possible for Alexander to enroll in the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI). Although she didn't think a manufacturing job would ever be in her future, she was very opened to the opportunity of participating in the eight-week training program to become a Certified Production Technician (CPT).
On August 21, 2015, Alexander walked away with a national certification for Production Technicians. Alexander's success didn't stop there, half way through the eight-week program, she obtained full-time employment at Agility Fuel Systems in Salisbury and will start in late October.
"All I needed was someone to critique me and tell me what I needed to do," Alexander said. "The NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville staff and the NCMI helped my confidence level, my resume, and the ability to go out there and obtain the tools needed for my future employment home."
The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) is a response to employers' need for solving talent recruitment issues in order to grow and remain competitive. The initiative was conceived last summer during meetings with leaders from Rowan and Cabarrus counties from both Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development authorities, the Centralina Workforce Development Board and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. This initiative builds a clear and achievable pathway for people to acquire those skills in order to access good jobs in the local community in a eight week training program.
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Apprenticeship 321: Alternate Routes to Manufacturing Careers
New Apprenticeship Program at Gaston College
To create an innovative, multi-employer manufacturing apprenticeship program over the next two years, Gaston College has been awarded $200,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Gaston College have already registered the program with the NCWorks Apprenticeship agency under the name Apprenticeship 321, a symbolic reference to the highway system that runs through the region and connects the college with employers and educational systems in many communities. With the NSF grant, Gaston College will work with area manufacturing partners to sponsor registered skilled trades apprenticeships starting in the Fall of 2015.
How do apprenticeship programs work?
- A registered apprenticeship is a tried and true method of career preparation for skilled jobs. It combines practical work experience with job related academic and technical instruction.
- A typical apprentice will work part-time for an employer while taking college courses specified by the employer.
- Apprentices earn hourly wages for their part-time work & tuition costs are paid by the employer.
- Upon completion of a registered program, an apprentice should be trained in a high-demand occupation, state certified as a skilled worker, and positioned to earn at least an academic certificate or diploma and perhaps even an Associate Degree.
Interested students should do the following:
- Complete the Gaston College student application, on-line or registration.
- Provide official high school transcript or proof of graduation at that level.
- Pass Accuplacer (or equivalent) test of readiness for Pre-Calculus Algebra and (Math 171) class.
- Express your interest in Engineering & Industrial Technologies to an advisor.
All apprenticeship applicants must be 18 years of age and able to meet specific employer requirements and have proven workplace skills shown by National Career Readiness Certificate test.
The first year of an apprenticeship program is meant to establish the basis for specialization in second year and third year. Routes to graduation from Engineering Industrial Technologies programs should be planned in coordination with Gaston College advisor.
For Gaston College students entering the second year of an Engineering or Industrial Technologies program, individual related planning is necessary.
For more information Gaston College's Apprenticeship 321 program contact, Dr. George Hendricks at
[email protected]
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Employer Spotlight
Southern States Cooperative, Inc. Finds Talent in Iredell County
NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville Connecting with Local Employers
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"After opening many new stores I have never held an event like this that allowed the employer to interact with potential employees before the interview process," said Frank Boeckmann, District Manager of Southern States Cooperative, Inc. regarding a recent Recruiting Event held at the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville.
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Over 50 career seekers filled the Center on July 28, 2015 for the Recruiting Event. The well-known company who specializes in all aspects of the farming industry, was looking for 20-25 dedicated potential career seekers for their new store in Mooresville.
 Just a few months ago, Southern States Cooperative, Inc. reviewed the demographics in the Mooresville area and saw a good surrounding of farming business along with an abundance of cattle farms needed to grow and expand their company in Iredell County. In order to meet their employment demands, Boeckmann and his regional manager came to visit Iredell County to look around the area. One day they stopped by the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce and was immediately directed to the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville as a place to have a potential job fair.
 "Over the years that I've done this I've held job fairs in many different venues, but we seem to get the best response and more applicants comes through when we use a career office where they are resources and have connections both inside and outside the community," Boeckmann said. "I knew this Center would support and help us draw in the candidates that we needed, which made my decision easy as to where to go."
There was a tremendous amount of hard work and effort that went into making the Recruiting Event a huge success. Within the first hour of the event, an immense line filled the lobby area of the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville. Just a week before, the staff at the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville worked diligently with Southern States Cooperative, Inc. for an Employer Spotlight event.
"As a result to the success of the Employer Spotlight, the company was excited to continue working with us," said Amie Coffey, Employer Services Consultant for Centralina Workforce Services.
Coffey worked with the employer one-on-one and was the main contact throughout the entire experience. During the process, Coffey made sure things ran seamlessly. In fact, she took care of all the leg work to make sure the facility was made readily available to individuals ready to apply in person at the Recruiting Event.
"I have to give a special thanks to Amie Coffey. She truly exceeded my expectations and went above and beyond to see that we had a successful event," Boeckmann said. "If I was to talk to another organization and they want a job fair to be easy and low maintenance for them at a place that will open their doors and give them access to whatever they need for the day, it would be NCWorks."
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Goodwill Reopens Workforce Development Center in Iredell County
A New Look, Same Location, Different Environment
Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC made significant renovations to its Iredell County Workforce Development Center and held a grand reopening celebration, ribbon cutting, and open house to showcase the new services and programs available to the community on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.
The open house showcased the new remodeled facility which included:
- Larger classroom space and curriculum in partnership with Mitchell Community College
- The Whitaker Room, state-of-the-art meeting space available to nonprofits and partners agencies
- E-commerce operations which help fund Goodwill's mission
Many community officials were in attendance during the grand reopening. The agenda was filled with guest remarks which consisted of, Dr. James T. Brewer-President of Mitchell Community College, Mayor Costi Kutteh from the City of Statesville, Mayor Miles Atkins from the town of Mooresville, Marvin Norman, Vice Chairman from Iredell County Board of Commissioners, David Bradley-President of Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, and Kirk Ballard, President of Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce.
Goodwill's Workforce Development Center started providing services in May 2006 and had its official Grand Opening in June 2006. The Center has been at the location for over nine years and will be reaching a decade in June of 2016. The remodeling process began in January of 2015 and was completed in June taking all of six months to remodel the facility.
During the course of the day, visitors were able to tour and learn about Goodwill's many workforce development services and programs made available to anyone in the Iredell County area. Some of the new and existing programs included:
- Iredell Crosby Scholars, a new college access program
- Project re-entry, which provides transition services for ex-offenders
- Operation: GoodJobs, which offers employment services and resources for veterans and their families, and
- Career Connections, which helps people find meaningful employment and offers resources for employers.
The new expansions will house more Allied Health classes through the partnerships with Mitchell Community College. The training and conference rooms can also be utilized by partner agencies through reservations.
"We will continue to see growth and change guided with the direction of the community and economy," said Malla Vue, Hickory District Director of Goodwill Industries of NWNC.
"As before, based on the input and feedback of our clients, businesses, and community leaders, and partners Goodwill intends to work with Mitchell Community College to be able to add more classes to meet the need of Iredell County," said Vue.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with the Goodwill Workforce Development Center in Statesville. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board e-newsletter for more exciting stories in the Centralina region
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Look out World, Young Business Leaders are on the Rise
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Small Business Center Hosts Youth Entrepreneur Summer Camp Sponsored by Centralina WDB
Often times when many adults want to start a business they generally reached out to an expert in the community to receive counseling but quickly discover that it's a little too late because they didn't save enough, have credit challenges, limited collateral, or don't have experience in the industry. Starting a business may be difficult for just about anyone.
In fact, research in entrepreneurship education says the best time to teach entrepreneurship is in middle school age and sometimes even earlier. With this in mind, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College's (RCCC) Small Business Center offered a week long Youth Entrepreneur Summer Camp August 3rd through August 6th, sponsored by the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDB Youth Specialist and Asia Wilson, Centralina WDB Communications Specialist both attended the event for two days. McAuley provided a presentation about the importance of networking and utilizing their skillsets to become a leader in today's society. He also participated as a judge on the final day of the camp. The judges evaluated overall presentations, organizations, team cooperation and participation, confidence, and marketing.
The week long camp was only three or four of the 58 Small Business Centers around the state to offer a youth entrepreneur camp.
"Centralina WDB has always had a strong youth program and also has Career Headlight to give students and parents access to employment and education information, so I knew they understood the importance of starting early in a young person's life when it comes to career decisions," said Barbara Hall, Director of the RCCC's Small Business Center.
"They were a natural fit for us to sponsor this youth camp and we're certainly grateful for their support and partners of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in general for many years," Hall added.
 The week began with 20 students getting to know themselves through an entrepreneurial self-assessment and getting to know others through team building activities.
"The biggest thing I learned this week is the ability to work in teams," said Karrington Walker, one of the participants of the entrepreneur summer camp. "Sometimes in order to see our vision come to past as far as my future career, it may take a team of people to help my vision come to past."
Their overall assignment for the camp was to develop potential businesses to revitalize Downtown Kannapolis. On the second day, the group took a tour of downtown Kannapolis with a city official and identified properties for their business ideas. Throughout the camp, the campers worked in groups developing a business based on the demographics and other information they discovered about the City of Kannapolis. Each group created an overall plan for their business, including financial information and a commercial highlighting the services offered at their locations. On the last day, group presentations were presented to parents and guest. Business ideas included, a '50's style diner, a sports shoe store, a teen game room/arcade and a healthy food restaurant and grocery store.
 The City of Kannapolis was also a great supporter of the camp. The City arranged for the tours downtown and transported the campers back to RCCC following the tour. Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant, a former Centralina Workforce Development Board member, also spoke to the campers, parents and guests on the final day about the important points emphasized throughout the camp and shared his personal story of business ownership.
"The revitalization of downtown Kannapolis isn't going to be an easy overnight task," said Hinnant. "It's going to take years, in fact maybe even 10-15 years, but by the time the children in this room become of age, they will be the future of this community and this camp is shaping them to become business leaders."
As he laughs, Hinnant ends by saying that maybe one day he could retire and pass the torch to one of the students in the room.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to have participated and sponsor the Youth Entrepreneur Summer Camp at RCCC. For additional information about the camp, contact Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDBs Youth Specialist at
[email protected]
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Union County NCWorks Career Center Profile
A Large Blended Family Serving the Residents of Union County
"God has truly blessed me when it comes to work, environment, and people," said Linda Ejlali, Center Leader of the NCWorks Career Center-Union. "I couldn't ask for anything better because it's like coming home every day. It's truly home away from home."
In a recent interview with Linda Ejlali, she expressed how the staff at the Center operates under a family environment. In fact, this statement is very true. When someone walks into the doors of the NCWorks Career Center-Union you will see every employee smiling, happy, but most importantly working together to provide the best services for all residents in Union County. The feeling is immediate as soon as you enter the lobby doors and the same warm tenderness is found all throughout the building.
"We thrive together, we cry together, and we all laugh together, but most importantly we treat everyone with respect and they get what they need when they come," Ejlali said.
The Center has enough support to go around for everyone in the community. In truth, the NCWorks Career Center-Union survives off of the community partners in Union County. The reception desk is manned by three Title V workers, two young adult volunteers from Union County Community Action Agency Inc. (UCCA), one work study employee from the Union Department of Social Services, a veteran's volunteer, a representative from the Union County Literacy Council, and a host of others. All of the employees, partners, and volunteers work together to provide and promote good customer service to enhance lives through job placement, training, and case management.
"We all have worked hard at becoming one family and blending our cultures. We work hard together and play hard together as a family and I feel our culture is of a family working together to achieve one goal for Union County," Ejlali said.
Ejlali has worked in this industry for over 35 years. Upon graduation she always knew she wanted to be in the Human Services field. One day she took the state merit exam and was placed on a state roster. Later she was interviewed with the former Employment Security Commission and was eventually hired. Prior to becoming the Center Leader for the NCWorks Career Center-Union, she held many leadership positions at several other Centers.
Her track record has been amazing throughout her years of service. Since she's been with the NCWorks Career Center-Union, the Center has had the highest number of placements in the physical year and calendar year in the Centralina region and it wouldn't be possible without the help and support from the staff and community partners.
The Center offers numerous amounts of services to all. Services such as assisting career seekers with job referrals, placements, career path assessments, career path planning and guidance, mock interviews, skills analysis, community resource referrals, and much more. They not only help people with employment but other needs like dental assistance. The NCWorks Career Center-Union also has a closet full of dress suits and shoes to prepare men and women for potential interviews.
The public is treated with kindness and respect from each person they encounter at the Center. Each staff, volunteer, and community partner makes sure they allow each person to know they are important and it's the main reason people return.
"Bottom line is, we do what we have to do to get people back to work," Ejlali said. "I have powerful people here, that even you would be proud to work with, but most importantly, proud to know. Overall, we are just one happy family serving the residents of Union County."
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Kick Starting a New Era: NEXGEN Has Talent
Centralina WDB Hosts NEXGEN Services Kickoff Session
 With the new implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) has enhanced and changed the name of the youth and young adult services offered by the Board. In the Centralina WDB region, these services are now known as Centralina NEXGEN services - developing the next generation of talent for our region's employers.
In the past, Centralina WDB has seen the benefits of starting every program year off with a blast. With this in mind, Centralina WDBs Services Manager Patricia White and Centralina WDBs Youth Specialist Solomon McAuley began planning an event that would get the Centralina NEXGEN service providers excited about the new implementation and program year. The NEXGEN kickoff was held on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College South campus in Concord.
The purpose of the kickoff session was to highlight requirements of the new WIOA law and to excite and encourage the staff at Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency Inc. (SRCAA), Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA), the Resource Development Center (RDC), and Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation, Inc (I-CARE) to meet the challenges and goals set forth by the Centralina WDB for the NEXGEN services.
"With the new direction that the Centralina NEXGEN Council is taking, it is very imperative that our vendors see Lisa Conger, NEXGEN Council Chair, and that the tone and excitement is seen at the top of the program year," said McAuley.
The event started with David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director discussing the vision for NexGen services.
"Our job is to prepare the next generation of talent," Hollars said. "It is our mission to help build opportunities for young individuals, and that's the focus of what we do. We are focused on career development," he added.
 Each of the Centralina WDB staff members made a presentation during the event. Lisa Conger and Solomon McAuley talked about the rebranding of services. Patricia White provided an overview of the WIOA Law Performance Measures, WIOA Validation, and much more. Sherika Rich, Centralina WDBs Program Assistant provided service provider information for the audience. Asia Wilson, Centralina WDBs Communications Specialist talked about the importance of telling each organization's success and how to document it. Vail Carter, Centralina WDBs Business Services Coordinator and Stephanie Robinson, Regional Talent Employment Solutions Supervisor for Centralina Workforce Services discussed career pathways and the importance of working with employers in the community.
"It was our mission to show each NEXGEN contractor that we will support them in assisting youth and young adults with the development of career pathways and linking them to the educational institutions that can train them so they will be skilled in jobs that will ultimately lead to great careers," said McAuley.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council are excited about the future of NEXGEN Services. The NEXGEN Kickoff was a great way to lay the foundation for the Centralina WDB NEXGEN contractors and provide them with the vision going forward.
For more information regarding the NEXGEN Kickoff and NEXGEN Services, contact Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDB Youth Specialist at
[email protected]
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Resource Development Center (RDC) WIOA NEXGEN Participants Attend National Night Out in Stanly County
Stanly County's third annual National Night Out celebration was held at Roosevelt Ingram Park in Albemarle on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Four (4) Centralina NEXGEN services participants from Resource Development Center, Inc. (RDC) in Stanly County joined WIOA Youth Specialist Jim Kohn for the event.
The nationwide event was created to bring the public together with law enforcement and other public safety agencies to foster better relationships with communities, law enforcement and their public service providers.
Centralina NEXGEN participants Joanne Carpenter, Shamaneik Howard, Aaliyah Richardson, and Joseph Wall
all enjoyed the evening which featured hotdogs, hamburgers, live music, and inflatable fun houses for children, among other entertaining activities. Many activities and vendors offered services for free or for limited charge and proceeds were donated in some instances. The RDC group had an opportunity to meet members of the local police department, fire department, EMS, and several additional agencies including Safe Kids Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, and Stanly County Partnership for Children.
Centralina NEXGEN participant Joanne Carpenter, who started classes August 17 at Stanly Community College for her high school diploma, joined right in the evening festivities. Carpenter enrolled with RDC for services in February of this year. Always one to take on a challenge, Carpenter volunteered to take on the police department's simulated "driving while impaired demonstration". Wearing a pair of goggles that obscured her vision, Carpenter navigated the course, laughing throughout, and was pronounced to have "done very well" by RDC Youth Specialist Jim Kohn.
Joseph Wall really enjoyed the evening as well. A participant of RDC's services since January of this year, Wall also is pursuing his high school diploma credits through Albemarle High School.
After meeting several law enforcement representatives, Wall stated, "They're not as hard as you think when you see them on the street. They have the same personalities like we do," he said.
Wall also told RDC's Youth Specialist, Jim Kohn that he was glad to have the chance to see the police in such a friendly environment.
The evening was hot and humid, one of those 99° days, and the RDC group only stayed about an hour. Although the group participated in the heat, they all agreed that the seeds of better understanding were planted for their local community. The Stanly News and Press characterized the National Night Out event as being all about community. RDC's NEXGEN participants agreed and unanimously declared the evening was a fun time.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina NEXGEN Council are proud of all of the NEXGEN participants. For more information regarding the Centralina NEXGEN Services, contact Centralina Workforce Development Boards Youth Specialist Solomon McAuley at
[email protected]
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Working Smart Soft Skills for Workplace Success
Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA)
NEXGEN Participants Complete Training at South Piedmont Community College
In June, Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA) NEXGEN participants from Anson County attended a Working Smart training provided by South Piedmont Community College. The Working Smart training was a 20 hour training course where the youth was able to receive training developing their soft skills.
UCCA, the NCWorks Career Center-Anson, and South Piedmont Community College all collaborated with the NEXGEN participants during the course of training. Nine (9) Centralina NEXGEN participants earned certificates for attendance in the training. The training was an intense 20 hour training which showed individuals how they can become valuable assets to local hiring companies.
The certificates the NEXGEN participants received are credentials they can now put on their resumes and in their professional portfolios and present them in future job interviews.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina NEXGEN Council are proud of all of the NEXGEN participants. For more information regarding the Centralina NEXGEN Services, contact Centralina Workforce Development Board Youth Specialist Solomon McAuley at
[email protected].
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Gaston College Receives National Science Foundation Funding
 Gaston College
has been awarded nearly $200,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create an innovative, multi-employer manufacturing apprenticeship consortium that will be built upon a single program established for STEAG Energy Services in August of 2013.
Substantial progress has already been made on the initiation, planning, and design of this project. Gaston College will act as a Program Sponsor once this apprenticeship program is registered with the North Carolina Department of Commerce's NCWorks Apprenticeship Office. With this NSF support, Gaston College will work with regional industry partners who will sponsor 20 to 30 skilled trades apprentices in on-the-job training assignments and company-funded community college courses as soon as the Fall of 2015.
 "We are happy to receive funding from the National Science Foundation to build a unique apprenticeship alliance with advanced manufacturers in Gaston and Lincoln counties," said Dr. Patricia Skinner, President of Gaston College. "The grant will help our students receive critical hands-on experience and related classroom instruction that will prepare them for good paying jobs in specialized occupations while also addressing this area's growing demands for a skilled manufacturing workforce," said Skinner.
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This new PACT consortium will be extraordinary because Gaston College is designing it with special program requirements in mind. It will be flexible enough to meet the changeable requirements of large and small manufacturing employers in different industry segments. At the same time, it will be structured enough to qualify for state agency registration as a manufacturing apprenticeship program that can certify graduates in nationally recognized skilled trades occupations. Successful apprentices will receive job-specific training and a cost-free education while earning a paycheck from local employers. Those who complete this apprenticeship program will qualify for nationally recognized certifications in a skilled trade and an academic credential from Gaston College (a certificate, diploma, or Associates degree). They will also achieve a National Career Readiness Certificate, (bronze, silver, gold or platinum) a nationally recognized portable work skills credential to add to their portfolio and resume.
Another important goal of the PACT project is to recruit and train greater numbers of women in recognized apprenticeship programs supported by advanced manufacturing companies. As is true across the country, women are under-represented in manufacturing technology programs at community colleges in this region. Gaston College plans to create a classroom and laboratory environment that helps women to better prepare for advanced manufacturing careers. Faculty will attend professional development seminars offered by the National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology, and Science that focus on retention strategies for women in technology fields. As more women enter its engineering and technology programs, Gaston College will be enriching the diversity of candidates getting ready to fill high-tech jobs.
Without the prospect of funding from the National Science Foundation, Gaston College would have found it difficult to cost-justify the project planning and scheduling of related instruction necessary to expand the scale of the single apprenticeship program it now hosts. Without the continuous support of STEAG Energy Services, Gaston College may not have developed the industry connections needed to recruit additional companies into the PACT consortium now taking shape. STEAG's president Hans Hartenstein and chief financial officer Brigitte Hartenstein, have been tireless advocates of German-style skilled workforce development initiatives in the Charlotte region. STEAG has received community and energy industry recognition for these efforts. It may be a leading example for Gaston College's new manufacturers' alliance as well.
The PACT program office will be located in the Engineering and Industrial Technologies Division at Gaston College. A part-time Success Coach will be hired to assist students throughout their two or three-year apprenticeship. Gaston College PACT project team members are Dr. Dennis McElhoe, Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development; Dr. George Hendricks, Associate Dean of Engineering and Industrial Technologies; Diane Metcalfe, Director of Business and Industry Training Services; Virgil Cox, Dean of Engineering and Industrial Technologies; Luke Upchurch, Director of Grants and Special Projects; Kathy Livsie, Program Coordinator of the Manufacturing Technology Program; and Michael Horrigan, Workforce Development Consultant.
About STEAG Energy Services -
In May, STEAG received the German American Chamber of Commerce's (GACC) Gateway Award which recognizes companies committed to German American business including achievements in creating jobs, getting involved in the community and fostering German-American relations. STEAG was honored especially for its work in successfully establishing the Apprenticeship College Training (ACT) program for dual track vocational training and helping to promote German-American ties. STEAG's NC Department of Commerce registered ACT program offers apprenticeship training as a Chemical Operator and Industrial Machinery Mechanic under the supervision and guidance of qualified seasoned employees and incorporation with Gaston College.
About the Engineering and Industrial Technologies Division of Gaston College -
The Engineering and Industrial Technologies Division at Gaston College offers technical curriculum programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Nuclear Technology, Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Technology, Architectural Technology, Computer Integrated Machining Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, and Welding Technology. Also, the division offers Broadcast and Production Technology and Automotive Technology.
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Stanly Community College Initiates Pre-Apprenticeship Program with Preformed Line Products (PLP)
Stanly Community College
has embarked on a new initiative in conjunction with a well-known and respected industry in Stanly County. The initiative creates a Pre-Apprenticeship program for the Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology (AMIT) students with Preformed Line Products (PLP) and is sanctioned by the NC Department of Commerce. The program will teach students the basic technical and job-readiness skills for a designated occupation or occupational sector. The program offers a classroom/lab setting and also involves work-site training. This is a wonderful opportunity for all local industry partners because this type of program builds a pipeline of skilled workers. It creates a prospective workforce who possess the skills required in the new economy.
The PLP's Pre-Apprenticeship program, which is a perfect model, operates as follows:
- Participants are interviewed and chosen by PLP from a pool of applicable SCC students.
- They will work at PLP for nine months while attending classes at SCC.
- The students will work 4 hours a day or 20 hours a week and be paid $12 an hour.
- As pre-apprentices, they will work in three different processes including forming, extruding and casting. The students will alternate between the three departments to get exposure to PLP's manufacturing process.
- At the end of the nine month period, PLP will evaluate the students' performance and based on the results of the evaluation, decide whether the students will be offered full time employment and entered into an apprenticeship program.
According to Kristy Huneycutt, PLP Human Resource Manager, "PLP believes that this is a unique opportunity to expose students and the community to the new roles in manufacturing. PLP is very excited about this opportunity and partnership. They feel it's vital to our local economy and to the future success of PLP."
The manufacturing industry has seen a renaissance in recent years and has a projected growth of over 16% by 2025 for production workers in our region. The Pre-Apprenticeship program is extremely important because young people entering the workforce are the first generation to face the demands of needing an education and skill within a new technological economy. The fact of the matter is that young adults need more education and training than ever before no matter their chosen career path.
This is the first pre- apprenticeship program that Stanly Community College has set up in Stanly County. The college looks forward to forming additional partnerships with other manufacturers in Stanly County and helping them to realize the return on investment value of a pre-apprenticeship and/or apprenticeship program.
For more information on Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs, contact Marion Kinley, Director of Economic Development, at 704-991-0234.
For additional information on our Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology (AMIT) programs contact, Jeff Parsons, Associate Vice President, at 704-991-0321.
New Director Leads the Rowan County Literacy Council
Cindy DeLorenzo named Executive Director
 The Centralina Workforce Development Board is pleased to recognize
Cindy DeLorenzo who recently begin her new role as the
Executive Director of the Rowan County Literacy Council.
The Rowan County Literacy Council has partnered with the Centralina Workforce Development Board for many years. The Rowan County Literacy Council is a United Way agency. DeLorenzo has served as the Executive Director for the Rowan County Literacy Council since February after replacing longtime Director Phyllis Martin.
Since DeLorenzo has led the Council since February, she has streamlined the tutor training process for the Rowan County Literacy Council. Instead of training quarterly, DeLorenzo trains tutors several at a time and over a shorter period of time. She also conducts student assessments often to see where the students start and track how they are progressing over a period of time.
Under DeLorenzo's leadership, new tutors will now have mentors along with a conversation class for non-English speaking students. Currently there are 45 students and 45 tutors and many tutors have two or three students. DeLorenzo usually sees an incline in students and tutors when school is in session.
"I am enjoying it. The people are wonderful, and the students and tutors are both dedicated," said DeLorenzo.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with the Rowan County Literacy Council. The Board is excited for DeLorenzo's new journey. Please continue to look to the Centralina WDB e-newsletter for more exciting news around the Centralina region.
Bodycote to Open New Facility in Mooresville, NC
 Mooresville, NC -
Bodycote, the world's largest thermal processing services provider, will open a heat treating facility at 128 Speedway Lane Mooresville, NC 28117. The company plans to invest in new equipment for Specialty Stainless Steel Processes (S3P) which increase mechanical and wear properties in stainless steel without adversely affecting corrosion resistance. Demand for S3P has grown exponentially from multiple market segments including automotive, food processing, medical, pharmaceutical among others in the United States.
The new facility will support the manufacturing supply chains in the region and is expected to be operational in 2016.
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners and Town of Mooresville Commissioners approved an Industrial Incentive Grant for Bodycote in open session on August 3 and August 4.
"We are truly excited about Bodycote's new facility that will be placed in Iredell County," said Chairman James Mallory, Iredell County Commissioners. "We take great pride in our low taxes, quality of life, educational systems and skilled workforce that makes us attracted to industry. We welcome Bodycote to our family and look forward to building a long-standing relationship."
 "It has been a pleasure working with Bodycote and their management through the site selection process; this is a great win for Mooresville, Iredell County and we are proud to have them join our existing industry base," said Robert Carney, Executive Director, Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corporation.
About Bodycote
With more than 180 accredited facilities in 25 countries, Bodycote is the world's largest provider of thermal processing services. Through heat treatment, metal joining, surface technology and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), Bodycote improves the properties of metals and alloys, extending the life of vital components for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, power generation, oil and gas, construction, medical and transportation. Customers in all of these industries have entrusted their products to Bodycote's care for more than 30 years. For more information, visit www.bodycote.com.
About MSIEDC
Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corporation is a private, 501c(3) non-profit corporation charged with facilitating industrial and office development in Mooresville-South Iredell. MSIEDC fosters economic development opportunities and strives to enhance the over all non-residential tax base and create jobs in order to improve the quality of life for the community's residents through new business recruitment and retention expansion of our existing industry. For more information, visit
www.edcmooresville.org.
NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grants
Information Sessions
Thursday September 3, 2015 - 10:00 AM
Gaston College - Lincoln Campus
511 S. Aspen Street
Room LC 120
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704-748-5200
Tuesday September 15, 2015 - 10:00 AM
Stanly Community College - Groves Building (downtown Albemarle)
Main Conference Room
143 n. 2nd Second Street
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-991-0355
Wednesday September 16, 2015- 9:30 AM
Rowan Cabarrus Community College
North Carolina Research Campus
399 Biotechnology Lane, Room 115
Kannapolis, NC 28081
Friday September 18, 2015- 9:30 AM
Rowan Cabarrus Community College, North Campus
Building 400, Room 4130
1333 Jake Alexander Blvd.
Salisbury, NC 28146
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Visit our websites at
centralinaworks.com, WAY2WORK, and NCWORKSONLINE
to learn more about the Centralina WDB.
To send a comment about our E-Newsletter,
email [email protected]
REMEMBER
Visit Centralina's NCWorks Career Centers in 7 counties!
ANSON, CABARRUS, LINCOLN, IREDELL-MOORESVILLE, IREDELL-STATESVILLE, LINCOLN, ROWAN, STANLY, UNION COUNTIES
CAREER CENTER LOCATIONS
Workshops are held daily at Centralina's NCWorks Career Centers.
If you are an organization interested in hosting a workshop, please contact your local NCWorks Career Center or David Hollars at 704-348-2717 or [email protected]
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