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April 2015
In This Issue

  WAY2WORK
 powered by the Centralina Youth Council
What's Happening in the Region?

THE CENTRALINA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN ACTION, ENGAGING, AND EDUCATING!

 

Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting-April 14, 2015


The Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) has taken a different turn when it comes to Board meetings. The Centralina WDB no longer holds your ordinary lecture meeting. In fact, the Centralina WDB has shifted in a new direction providing a new vision for all Board meetings.

 

The Board's most recent meeting was held on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College's facility on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis.  Since the Centralina WDB has embarked on a new journey of creating 21st Century career centers for employers and career seekers in the region, the next step in the process was to showcase the opening of a brand new NCWorks Career Center. The agenda for the April WDB meeting started with the new look of the NCWorks Career Center in Mooresville. Sylvia Jones, Center Leader for the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville, took the audience on a virtual tour of the new center.  Board members and guests were very pleased with the new center and its open concept and its "non-governmental" look.  Please click here to see the exciting video presentation!

 

  Ronnie Bryant, President and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership and Andy Dulin, Regional Industry Manager with the Economic Development Partnership of NC were the guest speakers during the event. Bryant and Dulin both engaged with the Board during a conversational discussion involving three key areas in developing a talent pipeline for economic development-

 

1.) The role of economic development and workforce development in sector strategies for the region-and what the Centralina WDB can do to expand its efforts in this area. 

 

2.) Emerging workforce challenges for economic developers-and what the Centralina WDB can do to help meet these challenges. 

 

3.) How can economic development assist the Board in making the transition to a demand-side view of workforce development to serve the needs of businesses and career seekers-and how can the business leaders on the Board ensure that this occurs.

 

The Board approved the submission of 10 Incumbent Worker training grant applications to NC Commerce to assist existing local businesses in being successful.  The businesses were:

 

American Rewinding of NC-Monroe (Union County)

 

Amesbury Truth-Statesville (Iredell County)

 

Cabarrus Plastics-Concord (Cabarrus County)

 

Children's Homes of Iredell County-Statesville (Iredell County)

 

Dunn Manufacturing-Monroe (Union County)

 

Fischbein-Statesville (Iredell County)

 

Hornwood-Lillesville (Anson County)

 

MLMVentures, Inc. dba Carolina Counters-Midland (Cabarrus County)

 

Pass & Seymour- Concord (Cabarrus County)

 

S & D Coffee- Concord (Cabarrus County)

 

Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator provided a comprehensive overview of the national, state, and local economy.  Meeting attendees were also treated to an interview conducted by Centralina WDB Youth Specialist Solomon McAuley with US Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Jay Williams at the recent Advanced Manufacturing Awards event, co-sponsored by the Centralina WDB.  Please click here to see and hear from a national leader on economic development. 

 

The next Centralina WDB meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Rowan-Cabarrus CC-NCRC facility in Kannapolis. For more information on the Centralina WDB or to receive invitations to upcoming meetings, please contact David Hollars at (704)348-2717 or [email protected].

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Meeting the Talent Demands of Today's Business - NC Manufacturing Institute Launches

 

 

"We can't find qualified skilled workers," is often a statement heard in the manufacturing workforce today.

 

In fact, manufacturing companies has told local officials this frequently. Those worries are about to come to an end. Something new has emerged in the manufacturing world. The Centralina Workforce Development Board, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and leaders from Rowan and Cabarrus counties' Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development authorities, have developed a solution. Since last year, leaders from these organizations have been developing a new Manufacturing Institute designed to produce qualified workers into manufacturing companies in the region. The institute will shape the future leaders of the industry and provide baseline training so employees bring value to their company.

 

The NC Manufacturing Institute was launched at a community forum held on Tuesday, April 21 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College's facility on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis.  Over 70 business and industry leaders, workforce development and education representatives, and chamber and economic development staff attended the kick-off event.  

 

"We are taking existing partnerships with the focus being on the community college," said Patrick Coughlin, President and CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber and the Cabarrus EDC

 

In the past, Cabarrus and Rowan County companies have had trouble finding qualified skilled workers for the industry. 

 

"Bridging the skills gap" is one goal, said Craig Lamb, Vice President at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, who's leading the initiative. 

 

David Hollars

 David Hollars, Centralina Workforce Development Board's Executive Director said a recent Deliotte survey of manufacturing executives found that 84 percent believe there is a talent shortage. 

 

"We need a solution to meet the needs of our companies," Hollars said at the event. 

 

The NC Manufacturing Institute will consist of an eight week, 160-hour training process where individuals will earn a national certification and get hands-on experience in manufacturing. The training will be free to students recruited through this initiative.

 

Robert Williams

  Robert "Stick" Williams, Duke Energy Vice President of Community Affairs, said Duke worked with a similar initiative in Indiana and it was successful in providing trained workers.

 

"We all need good people," said Tim Diass, Vice President of Human Resources for Alevo. He also added that the Manufacturing Institute is a great way for startups to find the workers they need in the region.

 

Right now, the Institute wants to recruit at least 40 businesses to partner in the program. Funding for the institute will come from those businesses.

 

An orientation for people interested in participating in the institute will take place in the coming months.

 

The Centralina Workfroce Development Board is a proud partner in this initiative and fully supports manufacturing in the Centralina WDB region.

 

For more information regarding the NC Manufacturing Institute, visit www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com.

 

NCWorks Career Center Spring Recruitment Event draws hundreds in Rowan County

  

Courtesy of Salisbury Post
  
The 300 people entering the Salisbury Civic Center on Thursday, April 16, 2015 all had the same mindset. One thing they all had in common was the hunt for finding careers. People of all ages attended the Spring Recruitment Event organized by the NCWorks Career Center in Salisbury and co-sponsored by the Centralina Workforce Development Board.

 

Attendees ranged from all spectrums of the age curve. Many of the attendees attending the Spring Recruitment Event had various reasons of being there, which all led to finding a job. Some of the jobseekers attended the event to find a job so they can pay for college. Others attended the event so they can keep food on the table for their families.

 

The Spring Recruitment Event wasn't just for jobseekers but to also connect local employers with talent. In fact, the Rowan-Salisbury School System and Agility had a booth at the Spring Recruitment Event along with a host of others. According to the Salisbury Post, officials with Agility said they want to hire 150 workers between now and July.

 

Debbie Davis, the Center Leader with the NCWorks Career Center-Rowan said the turnout for the job fair was great considering rainy weather.

 

When it comes to finding a career, rain, sleet, or snow will never stop individuals from finding employment.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to have co-sponsored the Spring Recruitment Event.  For more information concerning the Spring Recruitment Event in Salisbury or for other hiring needs in Rowan County, contact Debbie Davis at 704-639-7529.

 

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Our Region, Our Partners

Iredell Students Explore the World of Manufacturing

 

On April 14, high school seniors from Statesville, North and West Iredell, Lake Norman and South Iredell high schools, along with Monticello School gathered together for the Advanced Manufacturing Day at Mitchell Community College.

 

During the fun filled day, students were able to tour the college's workforce development building where electronics, robotics, drafting, welding, and machining labs are all housed.  

 

Representatives from well known manufacturers and businesses such as Kook's Custom Headers, Niagara Bottling, J.C. Steele & Sons, and NGK Ceramics, spoke to students about the endless opportunities available in the region. The companies also talked to students about ways they can utilize Mitchell Community College and its resources as a pipeline to employment.

 

David Hollars, Centralina Workforce Development Board, Executive Director, provided a workforce development update for the region during the event. 

 

The trip was designed for students to see what is expected to be a growth industry in the coming years.

 

Carol Johnson

 The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with Mitchell Community College. The Board is happy to see its partners preparing students for a competitive workforce. 

 

 For additional information concerning the college's workforce development center, contact Carol Johnson, Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at [email protected].

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The Future of Healthcare Discussed at the Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Meeting-April 23, 2015

  

  

On April 23rd, the Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership held their quarterly meeting at UNC-Charlotte. The meeting consisted of alliance partners with policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and workforce development board members. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Christopher M. Blanchette, Associate Dean for Research and Public Engagement and the Director of the Data Science Initiative at UNC-Charlotte.

 

Dr. Christopher M. Blanchette

 Dr. Blanchette provided the audience with an informative presentation which highlighted what the future of healthcare will look like. Dr. Blanchette talked about how Big Data is predicted to grow drastically in hospitals and other healthcare fields. Big Data will be able to track a patient's health condition using high end technology systems that will send the data to the doctor immediately. Often times during regular visits, dangerous signs can be overlooked by humans and can later lead to complications or missed warning signs. Big Data will detect almost anything wrong with an individual.  

 

During the presentation, Dr. Blanchette talked about how to use Big Data to make better decisions in the future.   He also talked about how Big Data is changing the way interdisciplinary teams work in a hospital environment. Blanchette showed statistics, graphs, and analytics that displayed how practices can affect patients and the way employees work daily.  

  

The next Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership meeting will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2015.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to serve as the workforce intermediary for the Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership.  The Board provides horsepower and funds for the organization's website at www.agreatworkforce.com/alliedhealth.

 

For more information, contact the Centralina Workforce Development Board's Executive Director, David Hollars at [email protected].

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Centralina Council of Governments host Senior Service America Training  


Often times employers quickly forget about hardworking senior citizens when looking for qualified workers. There are thousands of talented jobseekers over the age of 55 years old. In fact, the Centralina Council of Governments and the Centralina Workforce Development Board have a growing program dedicated just for workers 55 years and up.

 

The Area Agency on Aging department under the Centralina Council of Governments, hosted a Senior Service America training session for a host of projects across North Carolina on Wednesday, April 22 through Thursday, April 23. The training consist of Senior Employment Title V workers from the State of Franklin Health Council, Urban League of Winston-Salem, United Way from the Cape Fear area, Cumberland County-local government, and Centralina Area Agency on Aging department.  

 

Senior Service America Inc (SSAI) is committed to making it possible for low-income and other disadvantage older adults to participate fully in determining their own future. The Title V program is also offered at Centralina NCWorks Career Centers in the region. The NCWorks Career Centers provide job listings and information about employers who are hiring. The Centers publish reports on regional labor market information that include predications about hiring trends.

 

Vail Carter

During the training, Centralina Workforce Development Board's Business Services Coordinator, Vail Carter, provided important labor market information. Carter highlighted the economic forces that affect the state of North Carolina, reasons why senior citizens are being rejected, and also stressed the importance of Title V participants in today's society.

 

 "We learned how vital the relationship between the Senior Community Service Employment Program, the Workforce Development Boards programs, and Career Centers are," said Natasha Pender, Senior Employment Program Manager and former Centralina WDB staff member. "Vail also opened our eyes to what NCWorks online has to offer."

 

Rian Howard, the SSAI Program Officer for North Carolina talked about program updates, addressed some of the program challenges, and shared best practices for the entire state.

 

"Job development isn't social work," Howard said. "Do something every day to get employment for participants."

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner and participate in the training session with the Centralina Area Agency on Aging department.  For more information concerning the Title V program, contact Natasha Pender at [email protected].

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Lynne Scott Safrit Resigns

 

Courtesy of the Independent Tribune

 

Lynne Scott Safrit has resigned as president of Castle & Cooke, the real estate company behind the North Carolina Research Campus. A 33-year veteran of the operation, she reported directly to billionaire David Murdock, the founder of Castle & Cooke and the owner of Dole Foods. There's no word on her replacement or what she plans to do.

 

Safrit graduated cum laude with a BA from Catawba College in 1980 and an MA from UNC-Charlotte in 1981. She earned a doctorate in Public Health last year from UNC-Chapel Hill.

 

A native of Kannapolis, Safrit is currently on the board at Catawba College, as well as the board at Cabarrus County Economic Development, where she is president.

 

She joined Murdock when he owned Cannon Mills.
 

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Kenneth Miller: Former NCWorks Career Center-Cabarrus employee passed away


 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is sad to announce the loss of Kenneth Miller who was a dedicated worker at the NCWorks Career Center-Cabarrus.

 

Miller 81, of Cornelius, NC passed away on April 7, 2015. For awhile, he was the oldest full-time employee of the state.

Miller is survived by son Michael and his wife Joan, daughter Debbie Monroe and her husband Rick of Cornelius, and grandchildren Audrey and Elaine Miller, and Richard and Robert Monroe. Our thoughts and prayers are with Miller's family.

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NCWorks Career Center Profile
Stanly County NCWorks Career Center Profile

  

"When people come into the Stanly County NCWorks Career Center, they don't feel like they are walking into a cold governmental environment."

 

That's something Center Leader, Donnie Mann of the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly hears all the time. When customers and employers in the Stanly County community walk into the NCWorks Career Center, they immediately feel the sincerity from every employee.

 

 "We get good comments from the comment cards. People are usually very complimentary of our staff here," said Mann. "It's because we all care about their needs and I think people actually feel that."

 

Most of the staff housed in the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly have worked there for 20 to 30 years. Many of the staff members have been together for years and when new staff comes in, they are incorporated into the family atmosphere instantly.

 

"Everyone gets alone very well and works well together in order to meet the needs of the customer and employer," Mann said.

 

Mann has worked in workforce services for 35 years. The first four years was spent in the Laurinburg office. Later, Mann moved to Concord and worked for the Center for 22 years. In 2006, he came to the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly as an assistant manager.  

 

The NCWorks Career Center-Stanly staff consists of two talent development consultants, several employment consultants, a resource specialist, and two title V workers. The Center has veteran services and a business relations specialist to service the county as well.

 

"We believe in establishing a good report with the business community and the assistance we can provide them," said Mann.

 

Intensive services are provided through workshops such as resume preparation, how to fill out an application, and how to dress for success. All of the workshops touch on the soft skills that people don't realize they lack.

 

Overall, what makes this Center so successful is the consistent team effort. It is evident that everyone is one big happy family.

 

For more information concerning the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly, contact Center Leader, Donnie Mann at [email protected].

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Employee Spotlight
MEET THE STAFF: Joy Brooks

  

 


NAME: Joy Brooks

 

OCCUPATION: Talent Development Consultant (TDC) at the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly

 

 

How long have you been working at the NCWorks Career Center and how did you start in the industry?

I have been working here for 8 months since June. I met a lady who previously worked for Centralina Workforce Services and she led me this direction. She saw my background and thought I was a pretty good fit. Since my grandmother had her own catering company I was always in the face of people which led me to being the people person I am today.

 

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most is about my job is the people, the employees, just the fact that I can help people and serve them even when they come in not feeling too great. My mission is to see customers succeed. I love seeing them obtain successful careers. When they come back and give me an update I love to see them happy. I want long term, permanent, secure employment for all customers. When this happens, I am able to leave my job everyday and go home with a smile.

 

How does working in an environment with seasoned co-workers motivate you everyday?

The people in this office make the day enjoyable. We just work well as one whole team. We just try to work together to get the job done. We all work as one cohesive unit and it just makes the job enjoyable to come into. The people I work with are just great!

 

Why should customers trust you to help them?

When they sit down, I tell them that I do my best to get things done. I don't over promise because I don't want to under deliver. I take a look at what they have and need and come up with a plan to see what we could come up with to get over the obstacles they are facing. I don't believe in road blocks so I try to do whatever it takes to get it done. I never tell them to trust me I let them do that on their own. If they have faith in me, I'll have faith in them and it'll be a great partnership. If you're willing to go the distance, I'll willing to go that and beyond for you.  

 

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Youth Corner

Hundreds of Youth Gather for Annual NC Youth Summit 


  

Over 400 youth across the state, gathered together for the 9th Annual North Carolina Youth Summit on April 23-April 25, 2015 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro for a fun filled weekend.

 

Students gained knowledge from impactful seminars like, "Save and Invest Money" which focused on finance, Leadership-"Know your strengths," Employment-"The Professional you, "Engagement-"Just do it," and Knowledge- "Information is Power".

 

Will Collins, Assistant Secretary at the NC Department of Commerce-Division of Workforce Solutions, gave the welcome address at the start of the event. 

 

The event included two college tours at UNC Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Students were also able to participant in a Summit Idol Talent Show and a NC Summit Dance.

  

The Centralina Workforce Development Board had a total of 28 students attending the youth summit this year.  The 28 youth participants came from a host of Centralina's WIA Youth Service Contractors. The Resource Development Center (RDC) in Stanly County, Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency (SRCAA) of Rowan and Cabarrus counties, Union County Community Action (UCCA) of Union and Anson counties, and I-CARE of Iredell and Lincoln counties.  

 

Centralina WDB funded youth were much involved with the event.  Mr. Hayward Brown from UCCA performed a dance during the Youth Summit Idol and won in the dance category.  Mr. Kevin McKinney from RDC, received recognition as a "Youth Summit Superstar" for assisting with setting up one of the conference rooms.  Ms. Joanne Carpenter from RDC, assisted Leading to Change during one of the youth summit breakout sessions.  

 

Feedback from participants was very positive.  In fact, one participant stated that they are now interested in attending college because they were able to attend college tours during the summit weekend.   

 

Centralina Workforce Development Board's Sherika Rich and Solomon McAuley was part of the planning committee for the summit.

 

For more information concerning the 2015 NC Youth Summit, contact Centralina Workforce Development Board's Youth Specialist, Solomon McAuley at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

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Stanly County Youth Build Muscle and Character


  

Centralina WDB's funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth in Stanly County get a really good workout at least a dozen times a year. In fact, for the past three years, the Resource Development Center's WIA youth participants have been faithfully volunteering at Mobile Food Pantries provided by Stanly County Christian Ministries (SCCM).

 

For nine months, SCCM held approximately 12 of the food distribution events.

 

Huge trucks originating from a central Charlotte warehouse arrive bright and early in Stanly County at local churches that sponsor the events. The trucks are then loaded with both perishable and non-perishable food items that are distributed to low income families and individuals.

 

 Jim Kohn, Director and Youth Development Specialist for the Resource Development Center (RDC), along with three or four youth participants are in attendance for most of the events to distribute food items and help recipients carry their share of goods.

 

"I think we've only missed one or two events in the three years RDC Youth have been volunteering," says Kohn. "It's a very important opportunity for our youth to give back to their community and to network with other volunteers."

 

Heather Kilde, who is the local Christian Ministries Director of Assistance Center, also praised the WIA Youth participation.

 

"They do so much of the physical," Kilde said.

 

The trucks are unloaded and the distribution tables organized exclusively by volunteers and the SCCM staff. Many of the volunteers who help at the food pantries are retired and have come to depend on the strength of younger volunteers, including the WIA Youth, to unload the trucks and help recipients to their cars with their boxes.

 

"We're not just volunteering," Kohn said. We're also giving our youth an opportunity to see the needs of the community. Along with distributing food items Stanly County WIA youth blends in a few kind words and lots of smiles."

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud partners of the Resource Development Center in Stanly County.  For more information regarding the WIA Youth program, contact Solomon McAuley at [email protected].

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Centralina WDB Funded Services Help Youth Get on Track for Employment in Iredell County


 

I-CARE (Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation), a non-profit agency that helps families and young adults between the ages of 16 to 21 years old find jobs, child care, and more turns 50 this year. 

 

Clients who visit I-CARE typically face obstacles that make it difficult to get hired, such as being a young single parent, a high school dropout, or having a disability or criminal record. The agency helps individuals with the tools and skills necessary to gain employment.   

Shelton Moore

 Earlier this month, Shelton Moore, I-CARE Family Support Services Director, had the opportunity to sit with the Statesville Record and Landmark newspaper to discuss I-CARE's Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program and its mission to put young people to work.

 

During the interview, Moore discussed the employment services offered through I-CARE such as job shadowing, mock interviews, computer skills, conflict resolution skills, and interview attire advice. 

 

The program serves young individuals in Iredell and Lincoln counties.  Clients not only receive jobs through the program but skills development, character, personal and finance skills.

 

"Our goal is to make sure they leave with certifications because they take those throughout life," Moore said. 

 

Through the program people are gaining employment and being certified in various occupational skills training, nursing, welding, and much more.

 

Becoming a client of I-CARE is quite simple. Clients first go through an application process to qualify for assistance.  They remain in the program until they enroll in postsecondary education, become employed or age out of the program. 

 

Overall I-CARE has seen great results through the program. 

 

"I just had a young man that was certified in welding who is now gainfully employed," Moore said. 

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud partners with I-CARE. The Board and Council are extremely pleased with the organization's efforts in the region. For more questions regarding I-Care services, contact Shelton Moore at [email protected].

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News You Can Use

O'Neil Digital Solutions Announces $140 Million Investment, 250 jobs in Union County        


 

O'Neil Digital Solutions recently announced that they will invest nearly $140 million in building improvements and new equipment at their facility in Monroe, North Carolina within the next 10 years.

 

O'Neil Digital Solutions has plans to buy the former 120,000 square-foot Safran Turbomeca building in the Monroe Corporate Center. The company will house a print management, warehouse and fulfillment center. Right now, the company services many industry sectors including Financial, Publishing, Retail, Healthcare, Entertainment, and Automotive.

 

"O'Neil is very excited to expand our operations to North Carolina," stated Jim Lucanish, President of O'Neil Digital Solutions. "We can feel the positive energy and vibrancy of the Charlotte Region. While, Union County has clearly demonstrated it has the best workforce to ensure our company's success."

 

Please stay tuned to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for more developments on these exciting stories.  For more information, please contact the Monroe-Union County Economic Development department at (704) 282-5780 or go to www.developunion.com.

 

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Pepsi Bottler to Open $12.5 Million Facility in Harrisburg

  

  

Pepsi Bottling Ventures has announced that they will invest $12.5 million to build a facility in Harrisburg which will consolidate operations at several other locations in the region. The facility will be housed on 32 acres off of Highway 49 and will consolidate operations in Midland and Charlotte.

 

The company is the nation's largest privately held manufacturer, seller, and distributor of Pepsi-Cola beverages, according to the company website. In fact, Pepsi Bottling Ventures distributes Pepsi products in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

 

Pepsi Bottling Ventures currently operates in 21 facilities. The Harrisburg location will employ about 176 individuals with an average salary of $38,000 to $42,000.

 

Steve Morris

 "Pepsi has been a valuable part of this community for quite a few years. They have contributed greatly to our community," said Steve Morris, Cabarrus County Commission Chairman. "I personally am so happy that you have chosen another location in Cabarrus County to expand into and consolidate some facilities."

 

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on exciting developments in the region. For more information, contact Pepsi Bottling Ventures, LLC at [email protected].

  

  

Alevo Reaches May Target for Hiring First Round of Employees at Concord Facility

  

Courtesy of the Charlotte Business Journal: The 3.5 million-square foot former Phillip Morris now occupied by Alevo.

 

In recent months, Alevo has received more than 8,000 job applications at the new utility battery plant in Concord, NC. The company will hire 50 workers for the production floor by the middle of May and will then hire 50 to 60 additional production workers as maintenance technicians monthly through September.

 

Alevo also expects to reach its goal of 300 employees working the first production line for its 1-megawatt GridBank utility-scale batteries. By the end of the year there could be up to 500 new employees working for the company.

 

Tim Daiss

 Currently there are 65 people working at its 3.5 million-square-foot plant housed in the former Phillip Morris cigarette factory. Tim Daiss, Alevo's Vice President of Human Resources, and Scott Schotter, Chief Marketing Officer, both said hiring in all divisions will pick up even more in late spring.

 

Alevo is getting key assistance in vetting and training the applicants from the Centralina Workforce Development Board, Cabarrus Community College, and other local organizations. The Alevo Concord website is a service of Centralina Workforce Development Board in conjunction with Centralina's NCWorks Career Centers.   For more information, visit www.alevoconcord.com.

 

  

  

 

Universal Technical Institute Partners with Roush Yates to Supply Industry's Need for Skilled Technicians and Machinists

 

  

 

 

 

 

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI), the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, and
Roush Yates Engines, one of the motorsports industry's leading manufacturers of performance engines, are partnering to develop a new Computerized Numerical Controls (CNC) program and to enhance UTI's specialized Power and Performance courses at their Mooresville, NC facility.

 

 

As part of its strategy to add new programs that complement core offerings and train students for fields where there is strong demand for skilled technicians, UTI will partner with Roush Yates to develop a comprehensive Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining and Manufacturing Technology program. The program will build on the curriculum currently in development by Roush Yates. This program will prepare students to succeed as entry-level CNC machinists, and position UTI to meet broad and growing industry demand.

 

Starting in 2016, following receipt of state approval and accreditation, UTI intends to offer its new CNC Machining program in Mooresville, North Carolina, home to both Roush Yates and UTI's NASCAR Tech campus. Following a successful implementation in Mooresville, the company plans to expand the CNC program to additional markets.

 

UTI is offering the program in response to strong demand for skilled CNC machinists, who produce precision parts used in high-performance engines and a wide variety of trucks, motorcycles, cars, boats, but also in industrial applications, aerospace components and medical and surgical equipment. Across these industries, employers are reporting that they simply do not have enough skilled CNC machinists to meet their needs.

 

Kim McWaters

"We are excited to partner with a company that has hired our graduates for years and is one of the most respected organizations in motorsports," said Kim McWaters, chairman and CEO at Universal Technical Institute. "By building on Roush Yates' substantial and specific expertise, and applying our 50 years of experience training professional technicians, UTI can give students the sophisticated, high-tech training CNC machining requires, and supply skilled CNC machinists to all kinds of industries."

 

In addition, Roush Yates will enhance the Power and Performance training courses currently offered at UTI campuses nationwide. This series of three, three-week courses (9 weeks total) gives students specialized training in designing, building and modifying high-performance engines. The popular series is a capstone to UTI's core automotive training, and covers topics such as cylinder head preparation, camshaft technology, engine assembly, and working in a zero-defect environment, giving students skills they can put to work in the motorsports industry, or as service technicians for leading auto manufacturers.

 

In 2015, Roush Yates Engines and Ford Performance made history by capturing all four races at Daytona International Speedway including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Daytona 500, NASCAR XFINITY Series™ Alert Today Florida 300, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™ NextEra Energy Resources 250 and the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. Not only does the company's cutting-edge technology win on race tracks, it ultimately makes it into the automobiles we drive today and benefits the more than 30 industry-leading manufacturers -- including companies like Ford, Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz -- with which UTI has training partnerships.

 

"Our agreement with Roush Yates will give our students access to technology right out of the leading shop in motorsports, making our students more attractive to potential employers," McWaters said. "Whether or not our students pursue a career in high-performance engines, they'll have the high-tech skills they need to be successful throughout the transportation industry, where demand for trained technicians far outstrips supply."

 

UTI's partnership with Roush Yates demonstrates the important role the company plays in helping close America's middle skills gap, and its commitment to continually expanding and improving the advanced training that can help students find stable, good-paying jobs and build rewarding careers.

 

"Partnering with a 50-year veteran technical educator who has a national footprint and the operational know how to deliver the CNC curriculum lets us provide what students and the manufacturing industry need," said Doug Yates, CEO at Roush Yates Engines. "We're thrilled to partner with UTI to develop a leading CNC Machining Program in Mooresville, and to enhance UTI's Power and Performance program. Together, Roush Yates and UTI will provide real-world industry training to the next generation of hands-on learners, and deliver the technicians we all need to be successful."

 

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on more exciting developments in the region.  For more information visit www.uti.edu.  

 

 

 

 

Kraftsman to Expand and Add 20 New Jobs in Albemarle

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ramseur-based
Kraftsman, Inc., plans to expand its operation in Albemarle, bringing 20 new jobs to the Stanly County area. 

 

Kraftsman Inc., is a manufacturer of trailers products for the transporation industry.  The company has purchased the former Palm Harbor Homes manufacturing plant. 

 

"We believe that our new location in Stanly County offers our company the type of location, workforce, resources, and support that we need to continue our success and build our business,"  Paul Kaufman, company president, said in a press release. 

 

Within the next 18 months the company will expand to the 133,550 square-foot space in Stanly County.  The company will work with Centralina Workforce Development Board's partners at Stanly Community College's Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center.  Future employees will receive training and production personnel needed to support the company's business growth. 

 

Ronnie Michael

 Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael added, "We are pleased to welcome Kraftsman, Inc. to Albemarle and look forward to supporting the Kraftsman team in the years ahead to ensure their success."

 

 

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for more developments with workforce expansions in the region. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Rebooting the Research Campus in Kannapolis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Murdock

 In 2008, David Murdock opened the North Carolina Research Campus to foster research and transform the former mill town.  Since then, the Research Campus has been expanding rapidly.  In fact, the number of employees has doubled to more than 1,000 in the past four years.  

 

 Campus officials invested $1.2 million to add two 1,500 square-foot "spec" laboratories called Ready-to-Go labs. The laboratories will have administrative areas, bench tops fume hoods, sinks and storage.  

 

Right now, they are in the process of building an additional 3,000 square-foot Ready-to-go lab and 1,800 square-foot flexible office suite.  Both will be completed later this year. This expansion is worth $1.5 million on its own.  The additional spec space could be used by anywhere from one to six businesses, depending on how much space each business needs. 

 

Clyde Higgs
  "We've missed several good opportunities by not having product available for companies, so that's why it was great Mr. Murdock approved building these two spec units and in the future we are going to do two additional spec units," said

 

Clyde Higgs, Vice President for Business Development with the Research Campus

 

The Research Campus has already seen success with the previous spec spaces they've created that have been filled.  One Ready-to-Go lab is currently empty, but it has been used for short-term projects conducted by General Mills.  Officials are currently in negotiations with a well-known multinational company to lease the suite. 

 

"The only reason that most companies want to be here is because of access to the university and community college talent that we have here," Higgs said.  "They are really the drivers of what we do here in Kannapolis."

 

With the expansion of the campus, the Research Campus is also helpng to develop a workforce for future companies. Partnerships are in place now with A.L. Brown High School and Rowan Cabarrus Community College, which has its biotechnology and nurse training on campus.  

 

One market study showed that by 2032 the campus could support more than 5,000 jobs as the developing workforce helps attract more companies to Kannapolis. 

 

"When you really start to peel the onion, it really is the lab technicians, the lab specialist that run the day-to-day," Higgs said.  "There is such a diversity of opportunities here on the campus."

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with the North Carolina Research Campus.  The Board is happy to see its partners preparing individuals for a competitive workforce in our region.  Please stay tuned to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for more developments on these exciting stories.

 

 

 

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To send a comment about our E-Newsletter,

email [email protected] 

 

 

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