The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate nine businesses on receiving Incumbent Worker training Grants. The NC Department of Commerce - Division of Workforce Solutions announced that the following NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grants proposals submitted by Centralina Workforce Development Board has been reviewed and approved.

  

 

American Rewinding of NC-Monroe (Union County)

 

Amesbury Truth-Statesville (Iredell County)

 

 

Cabarrus Plastics-Concord (Cabarrus County)

 

Children's Home of Iredell County, Inc.- Statesville (Iredell County)

 

Dunn Manufacturing Corporation- Monroe (Union County)

 

Fischbein-Statesville (Iredell County)

 

Hornwood-Lillesville (Anson County)

 

Pass & Seymour-Concord (Cabarrus County)

 

S & D Coffee-Concord (Cabarrus County)

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board offers funding to local businesses for Incumbent Worker training. The funding for each company will be utilized to train their current workforce. The Centralina Workforce Development Board is extremely proud of all the applicants who applied for the 2015 Incumbent Worker Training Grants.

 

For more information regarding the Incumbent Worker Training applications and guidelines for the next round of funding, contact Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator, at (704)-348-2710 or by email at vcarter@centralina.org.

Back by popular demand, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Science and Technology Camps are set to return this summer. The College is excited to announce that popular topics like game design and mobile app development will return as well as the addition of youth entrepreneurship and a space balloon launch.

 

This summer will mark the fifth year of ever-expanding Science and Technology Camps at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The camps help students imagine, plan, design and create their very own video game or mobile app. Students can also participate in the new youth entrepreneurship camp and learn how their new skills can grow into a thriving business.

 

The camps are designed to excite and inspire young minds as they explore their interests and consider career options for the future.

 

"Game development is being implemented in many different types of industries and professions. Simulation and design are already being used in Fortune 500 companies for education, training and management modules," said Ian Stevens, associate dean of Information Technologies. "The expansion of game design development techniques within all industries will eventually be inevitable."

 

Rowan-Cabarrus developed the Science and Technology Camps to introduce students to the world of computer programming, and the course offerings have grown based on feedback and industry needs.

 

"These budding developers are often unaware that  they're learning important transferrable skills and concepts they must eventually master to succeed in the competitive global IT workforce - things like object-oriented and event-driven programming, agile development, graphic interface design, idea sharing, peer review, the revision process, presentation, and, above all, confidence," said Zach Hubbard, camp coordinator. "Students leave having completed a game in a week that would have taken seasoned developers from earlier generations a year to develop."

 

Students interested in a science career will be excited about the brand new space balloon launch camp. Following NASA guidelines students will participate in the entire process of a helium weather balloon, from design to launch.

 

"These camps bring education and fun together," said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. "I'm excited about the new ways Rowan-Cabarrus is reaching the community. From creating camps like this to developing more online courses and degrees, we are trying new and different ways to improve the access and availability of quality education. These camps are further evidence of the College's commitment to STEM - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - education." 

 

The camps cover a variety of topics:

 

Xbox Game Development  

In this camp, we don't play games, we make them! This summer camp will teach the fundamentals of computer programming through the use of Microsoft's XNA Game Development Software Package. Each camper designs and creates a fully functional game. Basic computer literacy is necessary.

 

Xbox Game Development Level 2 

In this camp, students will build more complex games with more enhanced sounds, music, levels and gameplay. More complex game rules and more sophisticated games will continue to satisfy the camper's need to be intrigued and to creative. Successful completion of the Xbox Game Development Level 1 is required.

 

Unreal Game Development          

In this advanced course, campers who have honed their skills in previous game development camps can take their creativity to a whole new level using the open source software Unreal Engine 3. Unreal Engine 3 is a complete game development framework. Every aspect of the Unreal Engine 3 game development toolset has been designed with ease of content creation and programming in mind, with the goal of putting as much power as possible in the hands of artists and designers to develop assets in a visual environment with minimal programmer assistance. Intermediate game creation skills or completion of an Intermediate Game Development Camp is required.

 

Android Mobile Apps Development

Have you ever wondered how to create your own app? Develop and launch your own mobile app in four days! The Rowan-Cabarrus Mobile Apps Camp introduces students to the growing world of mobile apps, and teaches them the technology and skill of creating apps from conception to development. Basic computer literacy is essential; however, prior application development is not necessary.

 

Space Balloon Launch

In this unique course students, following the guidelines of a NASA-sponsored college competition, will work in a small team that will design, engineer and launch a helium weather balloon to the edge of space.

 

Youth Entrepreneurship

In this course, young moguls will develop critical thinking and leadership skills and gain an understanding of entrepreneurship as a career option while having fun creating and planning their own business.

 

"We want people to know about the great offerings at Rowan-Cabarrus," said Spalding. "The Science and Technology Camps show students and parents that we offer innovative courses and programs that they might not think about otherwise."

 

In addition to the camps, Rowan-Cabarrus also offers high school students tuition free courses for college credit through the Career & College Promise program. The program allows students to simultaneously enroll in high school and college so that they can receive both high school and college credit for courses taken as part of the program.

 

"This tuition-free program for high school juniors and seniors gives them the opportunity to get a 'jump start' on a two-year or four-year degree while still in high school," said Spalding.

 

Rowan-Cabarrus offers options for students to get a head start in careers like fire protection, criminal justice, machining, web technologies, welding and more. In addition, the College offers college transfer and general education classes as part of the Career & College Promise program. These courses are weighted just like honors classes, making them a great alternative to Advanced Placement courses.

 

"As an AP Computer Science student at Cox Mill High School... the RCCC summer camp truly helped me gain a better understanding (in) my computer programming studies, as well as enlightened me to continue a career path of computer science," said Andrew, a student in one of the College's 2014 camps.

 

For more dates, times and more information on the camps, please visit www.rccc.edu/camps or call 704-216-3546.

 

The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) held its first Discovery Sessions of the year on Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. Participants learned about manufacturing job opportunities, training available to earn and become Certified Production Technicians, and scholarships to fund training and certifications for interested individuals.

 

The Discovery Sessions provided local citizens the opportunity to learn more about the kinds of jobs available and the chance to earn Certified Production Technician certifications.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, leaders from Rowan and Cabarrus counties Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development authorities launched the new initiative last month in an effort to solve local employers' talent recruitment issues in order to grow and remain competitive.

 

Centralina Workforce Services is partnering with the NCMI providing aid with enrolling individuals into the program at the NCWorks Career Centers.

 

More Discovery Sessions for people interested in participating in the Institute are scheduled during the course of the summer. Those interested in learning more about the sessions and scholarship-funded training for manufacturing jobs in Rowan and Cabarrus counties are encouraged to visit, www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com.  

  

   

"We have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of every single person who walks through that door."

 

That's something Center Leader, Karen Adams and the staff of the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville lives by every day.

 

Immediately when walking into the doors of the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville a sense of diligence is quickly felt from every employee. The entire staff at the NCWorks Career Center, takes their job seriously. In fact, they take it so vigorously, that they would go above and beyond for every customer, and it's truly displayed.

 

"Quite often we treat our job here as a ministry," said Adams. "We are not evangelist and we're not ministers but we do have the ability to minister to people and make a difference."

 

The NCWorks Career Center-Statesville is unique not only because of the way they treat their external customers but how they interact with each other internally.

 

"You know it's interesting, no matter where you work, the way you treat your external customers when they walk through the door is a direct reflection of how you treat your internal customers," Adams said. "If you treat the people who come in at 7:30, 7:40, or 7:50 with dignity and respect, then the people who walk through that door will get the same treatment."

 

Every morning the staff at the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville has a "Camp Fire Meeting" minutes before opening the Center doors to discuss what's going on, eligibility assessments, orientations, and workshops. Every Monday someone who displays outstanding customer service is honored for the week.

 

"When a customer comes in we know that we have goals that has to be met for WIA (Workforce Investment Act) and it is our job as a Center to meet those goals," said Adams.    

Adams has worked in workforce services for 16 years. Prior to becoming the Center Leader for the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville in 2011, she worked in the Gastonia and Charlotte offices as well.

 

The NCWorks Career Center-Statesville is a team collaboration. There are four talent development consultants, one veteran employment consultant, three talent engagement employees, and one assistant center leader. The Center works very closely with employers and community partners. I-CARE Inc., (Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation), Goodwill Industries, Vocational Rehabilitation, Mitchell Community College, the Department of Social Services, Cooperative Extension, and Gardner and Webb University are all resource partners. 

 

"We care about serving individuals in our community and we do the same with the partner agencies as well," said Mary Haigwood, Assistant Center Leader for the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville.  

 

Overall, the Center shows extraordinary compassion for all customers.

 

"One of the things that has given a lot of us great compassion is the fact that almost everyone here has been on the other side of the desk," Haigwood said. "We take our jobs serious and we are all glad to be a public servant." 

     

For more information concerning the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville, contact Center Leader, Karen Adams at Karen.adams@ncommerce.com.

 

  

NAME: Atlantis Smith   OCCUPATION: Veteran Employment Consultant at the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville

 

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

I've been at this office three years now. I started in Greensboro as regular Employment Consultant where I would just help the general public. As an Employment Consultant, what we did there was claims, helping with job placements, and we also assisted with Veterans if we didn't have Veteran staff. That's how I got started and by me being a Veteran myself, I applied for this position as the Veterans Employment.

 

What do you like most about your job?

I like helping the Veterans since I am a veteran myself. I know exactly what they are going through. I love sitting down talking to them to have that personal relationship because they can share with me what they went through and I understand them because I may have been through that also. It's more of the personal relationship with the customers, and that's what I love about my job.

 

Give an example of a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

One of my co-workers had a friend who lost her husband. The customer's husband served in the military and desired a flag for his funeral and a Veteran plot for his burial. By me being in the military, I knew what to do since I worked in Human Resources where we had to take care of all that. In situations like these, we had to do the same things for fallen soldiers overseas. I emailed my commander and they sent me the proper paper work to follow through the procedure and the wife filled it out and as a result they were able to have everything they needed for the funeral. If it's something that I can do and it's not a part of my job title, I will still do it just to help as much as possible.

 

Why do you feel like you have to inspire people?

I feel like I have to inspire people because if I didn't know how to do something I would want somebody to do that for me. I think it demonstrates a kind deed when you help someone with the knowledge that you have. I feel that I have to go above and beyond for our customers because I can empathize with them. To me, it's all about the person in my chair. If they really want a career I believe everyone in this office will demonstrate their efforts to go above and beyond for all individuals.

  

On Friday, May 15, 2015, the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc. (SRCAA) hosted a Community Action Day event as part of National Community Action month, held annually in May. Approximately 200 families flooded the property of the organization's central office in Salisbury.

 

The entire property was covered with enjoyable activities such as balloon bounce houses, games, and tents which was occupied by a host of community partners from the Rowan County area. Over 50 companies and organizations partnered and participated in the event. Organizations such as the Social Security Administration, the Family Crisis Council, the City of Salisbury Park and Recreation Center, ITT Technical Institute, and many more were in attendance.

 

"When I pulled up to the event, I was totally surprised because it was such a community atmosphere," said Curtis Lewis, a retired Administrator from Tuskegee University. "This event was really educational and fun for my granddaughter at the same time and this is what the community needed."  

 

Centralina Workforce Development Board's Youth Specialist, Solomon McAuley and Communications Specialist, Asia Wilson were both in attendance for the Community Action Day.

 

Typically the annual event is showcased to highlight Community Action Agency's work helping millions of families break free from poverty and gain economic stability. The event was designed to call attention to poverty and economic inequality in Rowan County.

 

"This event was important because it helps the community learn more about SRCAA and the various services that are offered by our partner agencies," said Stan Wilson, Executive Director of Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency Inc.

 

Each year Community Action Agencies help 20 million Americans achieve and maintain financial stability through programs such as Head Start, Weatherization, job training and placement, financial education, housing, energy assistance, and transportation.

 

Next year, the organization plans to have smaller events and workshops leading up to the Community Action Day and they are currently planning future events around financial literacy and employment.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud partners of the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc. For more information regarding the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc., visit www.srcaa.com.

  

Centralina WDB's funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth from the Resource Development Center (RDC) in Stanly County traveled through the Levine Museum's award winning exhibition, "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers" and the NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 20, 2015. The trip was designed for youth to understand what life was like in the south many years ago and equate it with the South today. During the full day event, youth participants was able to see how things has changed through the years and how their ancestors paved the way for them today.

 

At the Levine Museum, youth participants traveled through the "Travel through Time" museum which offered more than 1,000 artifacts, images, video clips, music, and oral histories. Much of the exhibition was interactive where WIA youth was able to participate trying on hats and clothing from an early Belk department store. WIA youth also sat at an historic lunch counter and experienced life in what was early Charlotte.   They also visited "Life in a Mill Village" where they learned the dangerous of old Cotton Mills.

 

WIA Youth participant, Jaquana Bailey said, "People of color have come a long way which demonstrates how brave my relatives were."

 

Later in the day, WIA youth visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame where WIA Youth participants, Shamaneik Howard and Jaquana Bailey completed the Pit Crew Challenge and battled against each other to see who could jack up a race car, put in fuel, and change a tire in the fastest amount of time. Everyone received the chance to sit in their favorite race car, do simulated laps around Charlotte Motor Speedway and observed the banked ramp simulating various racetracks.

 

Chelsea McLendon, a WIA youth participant, expressed a possible desire to become an Auto Mechanic.

 

"I could learn to do that," McLendon said.

 

Much like the Levine Museum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame gave the youth the chance to see the old south and the new south like they've never seen it before.

 

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 Centralina Workforce Development Board's Youth Specialist, Solomon McAuley at SMcAuley@centralina.org.  

   After completing high school in 2014, Desiree Colston, WIA youth participant from Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA), felt loss due to not having a plan for her future. She was a single parent of a little girl and knew that she needed to do something that would provide physical and financial support for her family. As a result, she was forced to look relentlessly for employment but was unable to do so due to previous work experience.

 

Colston discovered the WIA program through a cousin who was already in the program. After being hesitant, she later decided to come into the agency to find out what the WIA program was all about. Needless to say, Colston joined the program. From the beginning she wanted to go into the military but did not know how to stride towards her goal.

 

Over the course of the year, Colston has been very active in the UCCA program. She attended all leadership sessions and has been very successful in her work experience as a receptionist at the Community Development Corporation (CDC). Colston's supervisor at work said she has good work ethics, is a fast learner, and has good rapport with the customers. Colston is also described as someone who gets along well with all staff members and is highly motivated to do her job.

 

After successfully passing all testing requirements, Colston was accepted in the Army National Guard on April 30, 2015. She will begin her military career on October 1, 2015 by attending basic training for sixteen weeks in Missouri. Colston will be trained as a Transport Truck Driving Operator. After she completes the training, she will report one weekend a month to fulfil her military requirements in the Army National Guard.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud partners with Union County Community Action, Inc. The Board and Council are extremely pleased with the Colston accomplishments and with the organization's efforts in the region. For more information regarding the WIA Youth program, Centralina Workforce Development Board's Youth Specialist, Solomon McAuley at SMcAuley@centralina.org.  

  

Finding Career Success-A Healthy Start

Centralina WDB Funded WIA Youth from I-CARE, INC Completes CNA Training

  

 

Gary Nichols was enrolled in Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation, Inc., (I-CARE) in the Centralina Workforce Investment Act as a youth participant in September 2014. Nichols was referred to the WIA Youth services through the Community Services Block Grant, an adult self-sufficiency program, at I-CARE, Inc., in order to take advantage of various leaderships and work readiness activities offered in the youth program. At enrollment, Nichols was a high school graduate lacking needed skills for employment. He expressed an urgent need to gain employment in order to assist his father and mother, who was also unemployed.

 

Nichols began to attend Work Readiness sessions on Tuesdays in the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville office and was encouraged to consider an Occupational Skills training to gain transferrable skills. Nichols also attended Career Readiness Certification (CRC) class and received a Silver Certificate. After careful thought, Nichols expressed an interest in becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant, and was given supportive assistance for enrollment, registration fees and equipment. He began attending the CAN course at Mitchell Community College in January 2015.

 

In March 2015, while attending evening classes, Nichols began working in a paid work experience at Autumn Care Nursing Facility of Statesville in the dietary department as a dietary aide. Nichols quickly earned the favor of his worksite supervisor exhibiting a positive attitude along with his willingness to learn and perfect his tasks at work.

 

Nichols completed the coursework for the Certified Nurse Assistant course at Mitchell Community College on May 7, 2015 and will be taking the state examination on June 28. After passing the examination, he plans to accept a position as a CNA and continue working in that capacity at Autumn Care and desires to further his education to become a registered nurse.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud of all of the WIA Youth participants. For more information regarding the WIA Youth program, contact Centralina Workforce Development Board's Youth Specialist, Solomon McAuley at SMcAuley@centralina.org.   

 

 

As part of the Partnership's continued focus on business development, the Charlotte Regional Partnership has named Margie Bukowski as the new Director of Business Development Services beginning June 1, 2015. The Charlotte Regional Partnership and the Centralina Workforce Development Board are both excited about Bukowski joining the team, as she's bringing years of marketing, sales, and economic development experience to the organization.

 

Bukowski is a native of Asheville, NC and was previously the Senior Vice President at the Cabarrus Economic Development. Over the years she has worked for respected companies like Sara Lee Branded Apparel, Microban International, and Benchmark Brands. Prior to the Cabarrus Economic Development, Bukowski was a statewide economic developer for the N.C. Department of Commerce, where she assisted recruiting projects including Caterpillar, New Belgium Brewey, Facebook, Sheetz Bakery, Disney Data Center and Gordon Food Service.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with the Charlotte Regional Partnership. The Board would like to congratulate Bukowski as she embarks on her new journey. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on exciting developments in the region.

 

 

 

David H. Murdock, founder of the North Carolina Research Campus, appointed Clyde Higgs as the Executive Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Castle & Cooke North Carolina, LLC and Atlantic American Properties, Inc.

 

Higgs will continue to oversee the North Carolina Research Campus's business development department as he has since 2006. In the past, Higgs recruited North Carolina Research Campus partners like General Mills and Carolinas Healthcare System to the campus. The move comes after long-time Castle & Cooke leader Lynne Scott Safrit stepped down on April 20, 2015.

 

"I look forward to the new challenges ahead of me and building on the terrific work that has already been achieved in collaboration with all of the campus' partners," Higgs said.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with the North Carolina Research Campus. The Board is proud of Higgs' new accomplishment. Please stay tuned to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for more accomplishments in the region.

  

Leeann Nixon New Existing Industry Specialist with Cabarrus Economic Development

  

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is pleased to announce Leeann Nixon as the new Existing Industry Specialist with Cabarrus Economic Development. Nixon embarked on her new journey on April 22, 2015. With a solid background in customer service and account management, Nixon will maintain existing industries, small business and entrepreneur relationships, facilitate incentive projects for expansions between industry and local and state government, and interact with many resource partners and secured granted opportunities.  

 

Nixon will play a vital role for the Cabarrus County community by listening to industries needs and offering potential resources and contacts that will assist in overcoming obstacles to growth. In her new role, she will also recognize opportunities for expansion and facilitate the process that will encourage them to continue to grow and thrive in Cabarrus County.

 

"It is vital to continually reach out and let our industries know that we appreciate their commitment to employ our citizens and do business in Cabarrus," Nixon said.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with Cabarrus Economic Development. The Board is proud of Nixon's new journey. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on exciting developments in the region.

 

Visit our websites at   

centralinaworks.com, WAY2WORK, and NCWORKSONLINE 

 

To send a comment about our E-Newsletter,

email awilson@centralina.org 

 

 

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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 dhollars@centralina.org 

 

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