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Centralina Workforce Development Board Welcomes Mark Seifel as New Business Services Leader
 The Centralina Workforce Development Board has hired Mark Seifel as its Business Services Leader effective Wednesday, April 27, 2016.
Seifel has held Business Director and General Manager positions with large manufacturing employers in Rowan County where he was responsible for a custom integrated electrical equipment manufacturing business serving industrial, commercial, and retail construction markets. He has also been involved with the local Economic Development, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and statewide manufacturing networking organizations. Seifel has also been on volunteer committees composed of business leaders concerned with finding ways to improve the economic and social well-being of the local community.
Seifel has also worked extensively with the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) one of Centralina WDB's initiatives.
"As an instructor in the Certified Production Technician Program, I've gotten to know many job seekers in the area and work with companies who have joined the program as partners," Seifel said.
Seifel will serve as a resource to businesses, the regional economic, the Centralina Workforce Development Board, and its stakeholders to highlight the needs and trends impacting the skills and the experience that aligns with the current and future needs of employers. Mark will lead the local Collective Business Engagement Teams that reach out to local employers and deliver workforce solutions in a coordinated effort through NCWorks.
"I have established relationships with local companies who provided vendor services for us and my work with NCMI, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the local chamber of commerce, economic development commission and the IES Manufacturers Network has given me the opportunity to establish contacts with many businesses in the Centralina region," said Seifel.
"I look forward to growing more relationships across an even bigger portion of the region through my activities as the Business Services Leader for the Centralina Workforce Development Board."
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Community Organizations Bring 40 Employers Together for Rowan County Job Fair
By Amanda Raymond
amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com
 SALISBURY - Seven community organizations worked together to host a community job fair for Rowan County on Tuesday April 26, 2016
The Centralina Workforce Development Board, the NCWorks Career Center-Rowan, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the City of Salisbury, Rowan-Salisbury School System, RowanWorks Economic Development and Jobs for Life
hosted a community job fair at the Salisbury Civic Center.
Dozens of people spoke to the 40 different employers at the event, including FedEx, Novant Health, Henkel, Gordon Foods, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Department of Prisons and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
This is the second year for the community-sponsored fair, said Brianna Price, human resources analyst for Salisbury. "There was a need in the community," Price said.
 Price said attendees got a chance to ask questions during an employee panel before the fair. Because of the informal setting, attendees were able to ask questions that they might not have felt comfortable asking employers during an interview, Price said.
Salisbury Transit provided free rides to the Civic Center for those who presented flyers for the event.
Price said organizers realized transportation can be an issue for some citizens. "We don't want that to stop people from coming," she said.
Free transportation from Salisbury Transit was also provided to get people to the workshops at the NCWorks Career Center last week. Debbie Davis, NCWorks-Rowan center leader, said people were able to get help with their resumes, tips on how to be successful at a job fair and tips for interviews and professional attire.
Jobs for Life hosted a session about what job seekers can bring to any job, and a counselor from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College also hosted a session, Davis said.
Price said about 42 people attended the workshops. Those who attended the workshops were able to enter the job fair 30 minutes earlier than the rest of the public.
 Davis said talking to employers face to face gives potential employees a better chance.
"I hope folks get a lot of good leads for interviews," she said, adding that she hoped the companies could find the employees they were looking for.
Kendra Sharp, assistant director of Career and Professional Development at Livingstone College, brought Livingstone College students to the fair.
Darius Welch, a senior graduating in May, said he was looking for a job for after graduation. "A lot of the companies here were very informational," he said.
Welch has a YouTube channel called Yard Talk 101 that promotes historically black colleges and universities. He said he was able to get advice from the business representatives at the fair. "It was a networking ground for me," he said.
Tabitha, who did not want to give her last name, said she liked the fair because she was able to ask questions and meet people, instead of just submitting a resume online. "When you come here, there's personal contact," she said.
Brittney Shupe, another attendee, said she was having trouble finding a job. She said some of the businesses referred her to online applications. "Some people don't have computers," she said.
She said she wanted the fair to bring in more businesses that were open to hiring people with criminal backgrounds.
Attendee Rose, who did not want to give her last name, said she retired from her job after 15 years and was looking for a change of pace. She said there were many job opportunities at the fair and she was able to gather brochures and contact information.
Price said the organizers hope to continue the fair and increase both employer and participant attendance.
"We're hoping each year that it does increase and the word does spread," she said.
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Where Will the Jobs Be? The New Healthcare Workplace
Hot Discussion at the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Meeting
On April 20, 2016, the Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership held its second quarter meeting at Goodwill Industries Workforce Development Center in Statesville.
The purpose and mission of these meetings is to advance and increase awareness of Allied Health professions and opportunities in the region by engaging with community leaders so they understand the role of Allied Health careers. The organization was started nine years ago by a grant under the NC Department of Commerce. Since then, the organization has made efforts to collaborate with healthcare organizations and area education and training providers to ensure learning opportunities are available to meet the present and future healthcare needs.
 Many educators, healthcare and workforce development professionals were in attendance during the April meeting. John Green, Vice President of Professional Services and Facility Planning at Iredell Health System was the guest speaker during the event. Green talked about the new healthcare workplace and how it is changing.
During his presentation, he covered the following angles:
- Healthcare industry changes
- Healthcare participant changes
- Challenges for healthcare industry
Green's presentation covered a lot of interesting and factual
statistics. One fascinating statistic he mentioned is that 1.3 million positions are lost in the state of North Carolina and out of 39 positions, only two of those positions are under the healthcare field. This shows that healthcare jobs are increasing and is needed. His presentation showed clinical growth numbers going up in Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Respiratory Therapist, Radiology Techs, and Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT/MT). He ended the presentation by forecasting the healthcare industry and the next steps for healthcare professionals.
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The Vision is Moving Forward
North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) Reaches Success and Makes Great Strides in Solving the Skills Gap Problem for Businesses
The fifth class of Certified Production Technicians from the NC Manufacturing Institute recently graduated. The 13 graduates of the eight-week program have gained knowledge in this fast growing industry. The group was led by Centralina WDB's new Business Services Leader, Mark Seifel.
To date, the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute has made great progress since its beginning. The first NCMI class was held in August of 2015. Since then, there has been some exciting updates with the institute. Within the fourth class that graduated on March 15, 2016 they've had 100% employment as of April 26, 2016. Out of the seven graduates in the fourth class, six of them are working for and have accepted offers from NCMI partners.
The last class of 13 recently had successful "Meet & Greet" sessions with 6 NCMI partners. Two graduates came into the session with offers already from Custom Golf and Integro (both NCMI partners), and all of the others without jobs were invited to contact the companies individually for interviews.
A total of 47 individuals have graduated from NCMI with nine more graduating on June 2, 2016. The next class will begin on June 20, 2016.
Of the 34 former graduates, 30 (88%) are employed and 22 of those are with NCMI partners. Out of the new 13 graduates, six already had jobs but are looking for a career change, and all except one are actively interviewing now.
 Due to the success of the current efforts in Rowan and Cabarrus counties, NCMI leaders are currently working with Mitchell Community College to expand the institute into Iredell County. On April 11, 2016, Craig Lamb, Vice President of Corporate and Continuing Education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and David Hollars, Executive Director for the Centralina Workforce Development Board, met with Dr. Tim Brewer, President of Mitchell Community College, his staff, and community partners about the new expansion.
During the meeting, leaders from the Town of Mooresville, Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development, Statesville Regional Development, the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, the Centralina Workforce Development Board, and the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville all were on board with the new expansion.
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A Customer's Determination Lands Him the Job
Centralina WDB NEXGEN Talent Is Filling Employer Needs
Lemuel Rivera, a Centralina Workforce Development Board NEXGEN customer from Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation, Inc. (I-CARE)
completed his occupational training and the Centralina Workforce Development Board's On-the-Job-Training services that led to full-time employment.
Lemuel was unemployed and looking for employment opportunities. Lemuel agreed to adhere to Individual Employment Plan (IEP) and Individual Services Strategy (ISS) goals to complete occupational skills training and develop skills for employment. In June 2015, Lemuel completed and was certified in Welding through Mitchell Community College. In an effort to complement the instructional training, Lemuel also participated in Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) NEXGEN Paid Work Experience at Bill's Welding. This work-based learning was significant in building experience in welding, cutting, and cleaning various materials that would be attractive to employers. Lemuel remained committed to self-investment until he could demonstrate confidence and skills needed to advance into full-time employment.
WIOA funds were used to help Lemuel achieve several mechanical pathways of interest. Lemuel received Career Readiness (CRC), Forklift, and Welding Certificates to improve his chances at gaining full-time employment. In spite of his accomplishments, Lemuel still lacked the necessary experience and remained unemployed. Utilizing Labor Market Index occupational demand information, he utilized (WIOA) funds to enroll in CNC Machining at Mitchell Community College in October 2015.
Lemuel remained focused and committed to achieving his goals. In December 2015, Lemuel completed and received his CNC Machining certification. His resume was uploaded in NCWorks Online and caught the attention of Jeremy Norris, which led to On-the-Job-Training (OJT) with the Sign Clinic as a Welder. Jeremy Norris of the Sign Clinic stated the dual certifications would allow them to eventually cross train Lemuel on the CNC Machines. Lemuel successfully completed the OJT on April 8, 2016 and is now gainfully employed with benefits.
"I-CARE gave me a second chance to be a better person and and change my adult life", Rivera said. "I knew when I met I-CARE, my life would be changed forever."
The Board and NEXGEN Council are both proud of Lemuel's accomplishments. For more information regarding the Centralina NEXGEN Council, contact Solomon McAuley, NEXGEN Specialist at 704-348-2725 or
smcauley@centralina.org
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Celebrating A Decade of Excellence
Hundreds of Young Adults Come Together to Lift One Voice at 10th Annual NC Youth Summit
 Boom Boom clap, Boom Boom clap was the sound that filled a room full of more than 450 young adults on April 1, 2016 for the 10th Annual NC Youth Summit in Cary, NC. Leaders from "Leading To Change" started the opening session by getting individuals engaged during a muscial exercise that would demonstrate the effect of working together to create one common goal.
It all started with one person at a table creating a beat boxing sound. After creating this sound different rhythms began to spread throughout the large room like wildfire. In the end, it created one heartbeat that created one voice and one sound. This activity went hand and hand with the theme of this year's youth summit. The NC Youth Summit affords young adult members of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Workforce Investment Activities Programs, throughout the state of North Carolina, the opportunity to collectively come together as "One Voice". As One Voice, young adults collaborated, learned from one another and exchanged ideas on issues relating to workforce development in North Carolina.
"We all may have our own unique voice but together we can make one sound," said Fred Baker, from Leading to Change, during the opening session.
Many individuals felt this activity in the opening session set the tone for the rest of the conference.
"I loved the energy of the opening session," said Jane Balfrey, WIOA Career Development Specialist from the Resource Development Center (RDC) in Stanly County.
A young adult attendee said, "I really enjoyed the opening session. I thought it had a lot of energy towards the youth. I'm pumped, everyone around me is pumped and I can't wait to see what's next in stored."
 The young adults had a long list of things in stored during the three day event. On Thursday, March 31, 2016 some of the young adults from different local areas came for Pre-NC Youth Summit activities. During this time, the individuals were able to tour Louisburg College and attend a host of networking social events in the evening. Over the course of three days, the young adults enjoyed the following networking events in the evening:
- Laser Tag
- Henna Tattoos
- Caricatures
- Video Game Truck
- Photo Booth
- Ice Cream Social/ Dessert bar
By Friday, April 1st, people from all local areas arrived and were able to tour St. Augustine's University and Shaw University. Later, the opening session kicked off the weekend event with Kwain Bryant, Founder of Empowerment Exchange as the keynote speaker. Immediately following the highly energized opening session, individuals were able to attend educational breakout sessions. The young adults attended the following sessions during the three day course:
- Drama Won't Get you Hired: But, Could Get You Fired
- No Such Thing as Work Flip Flops: Tips & Tricks to Raise Your Game
- Real Talk 101: It Has to Be More Than A Paycheck
"What I enjoyed about the seminar was the fact that everybody communicated together and it was very entertaining and educational," a young adult said. "Everybody was involved. It was just a great experience."
 The Centralina Workforce Development Board played a major role in the successful event. Centralina WDB's Solomon McAuley, NEXGEN Specialist served on the executive planning committee as the 2016 NC Youth Summit Co-Chair. Centralina WDB's Sherika Rich, Services Specialist also served on the planning committee. Asia Wilson, Centralina WDB's Communications Specialist participated as one of the Summit videographers.
A formal dinner and recognition ceremony also took place, where McAuley and Rich were both honored for their efforts. In addition, Marcus Pryor, Centralina WDB's NEXGEN Council Vice-Chair accepted a ceritificate on the behalf of the Centralina Workforce Development Board for its efforts with the Summit.
After the formal dinner and recognition, young adults were able to participate in a Youth Summit Idol Talent Show. Customers from from the Centralina region participated by dancing, singing, and rapping. Customers present at the Summit in the Centralina region included those from the Resource Development Center (RDC), Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation Inc., (I-CARE), the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency (SRCAA), and Union County Community Action Inc., (UCCA).
Overall, the event was a great success. In fact, one young adult said, "after I leave here, I'm going to get up and do what I have to do to prepare for my future. They need to do Summits like this all the time."
At the conclusion of the conference another youth said, "my favorite part about the conference is that it gave me the passion to go after what I desire, my goals, and things I felt was too late for me to accomplish, however, now I feel I can reach those goals."
To see what happened at the 2016 10th Annual NC Youth Summit, click here for a short recap.
For more information about the Summit contact, Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDB's NEXGEN Specialist at 704-348-2725 or
smcauley@centralina.org
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ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS SUMMER CAMPS FOR YOUTH INTERESTED IN BECOMING ENTREPRENEURS, ENGINEERS, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS AND MORE
Students learn cutting edge technology and skills; camps include exciting new offerings in babysitter certification, pet sitter prep, fashion design, healthcare and robotics
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Back by popular demand, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College youth summer camps are set to return this year. The College is excited to announce that popular topics like graphic design and youth entrepreneurship will return as well as the addition of courses including babysitter certification, pet sitter prep, fashion design, robotics, healthcare and cyberdrone discovery.
 This summer will mark the sixth year of ever-expanding summer camps at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The camps help students learn the basics of starting their very own baby and pet sitting businesses, learn the art of fashion design, build a robot, fly a drone and more. Students can participate in the youth entrepreneurship course 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.
"These camps are not only fun, but a great way for youth to learn to start their own business and investigate future career opportunities," said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of the College.
Rowan-Cabarrus developed the summer camps as an introduction for students to the world of technology and the course offerings have grown based on feedback and needs.
"These budding entrepreneurs, engineers, healthcare professionals and graphic designers often don't even realize they are learning important transferrable skills and concepts they will eventually need in order to succeed in the competitive workforce" said Spalding. "Students complete the camps with an affordable exposure to the college experience and a blend of learning and doing."
 The camps cover a variety of topics:
Babysitter Certification
June 13-14, North Campus, Salisbury
June 20-21, South Campus, Concord
Designed for youth who plan to babysit, this camp includes American Red Cross Babysitter Training, CPR certification and instruction in operating a small business safely. Participants will learn leadership skills in developing a babysitting business, learn to keep themselves and others safe, and learn about basic child care. Ages 11-18. $149
Petsitter Prep 101
June 15-16, North Campus, Salisbury
June 22-23, South Campus, Concord
Designed for youth who plan to provide care and company to pets, this camp includes nationally- recognized certification from PetTechtm in Pet First Aid and CPR. Campers will learn basic care, pet CPR and basic first aid, how to safely walk and hike with pets, as well as receive tips from the Rowan-Cabarrus Small Business Center on how to develop a pet care business and safely market themselves. Ages 11-18. $149
Be a Fashion Design Diva
June 20-23, North Campus, Salisbury
July 18-21, RCCC@NCRC, Kannapolis
This camp is designed for students to learn about the art of fashion design. Campers will explore the history of iconic fashion designers, learn about career opportunities in the fashion industry, and discover what it takes to be a designer. Students will design and create their own garment and model their creations at a fashion show for parents held on the final day of camp, which will meet at Maia's Fashions in downtown Salisbury. Ages 14-18. $149
Lego Robotics
June 27-30, North Campus, Salisbury
July 11-14, South Campus, Concord
Taught by instructors from CyberKids Robotics, this camp includes construction, team-building, problem-solving, and a whole lot of fun. Campers will study robotic movements and take turns at different roles within the team as they construct and program their robot and complete a series of challenges. Ages 9-13. $149
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Metal Robots
June 27-30, North Campus, Salisbury
July 11-14, South Campus, Concord
In this camp, taught by instructors from CyberKids Robotics, students will learn about kinesthetic robot construction and as a team build an advanced FTC metal robot using computer-aided design (CAD) software to design the chassis, drivetrain and attachments. As they learn how coding relates to robots and basic programming, students will work as a team to accomplish a variety of challenges using the robot, ending with a demonstration for parents. Ages 12-18. $149
Healthcare Superheroes
July 11-14, North Campus, Salisbury
Does a strawberry have DNA? Can you tie shoes with only one hand? In this camp, students will learn about the unique "super powers" of various healthcare superhero careers including nursing, radiography, dental assisting, occupational therapy, physical therapy, biotechnology, and emergency medical services, through hands-on activities like listening to heart and lung sounds, making dental plaster molds and more. Campers will also learn CPR and receive a bag with healthcare superhero gadgets. Ages 11-14. $299
Groovin' On Graphics
July 18-21, South Campus, Concord
Over four days campers will become familiar with Adobe Creative Suite and will learn how to make layer-based images, merge photos, use filters to create unreal effects, and much more in order to develop the kinds of visually compelling images used for games, photography, film and graphic arts, as well as websites. Ages 14-18. $299
Groovin' On Graphics - The Next Level
July 25-28, South Campus, Concord
Campers will explore the Adobe Creative Cloud and its application to web development, learning intermediate and advanced image editing techniques. Pieces worked on in the first camp will be further polished and made into an online portfolio to allow students to market their graphic design and web skills. Prerequisite: Groovin' on Graphics I or prior experience using Adobe Creative Suite. Ages 14-18. $299
Cyberdrone Discovery
July 18-21, North Campus, Salisbury
July 25-28, CBTC, Concord
Once deemed futuristic, drones are becoming increasingly common. In this camp, students will be introduced to the world of "flying robots" and learn navigation, GPS technology, common aerodynamic concepts and autopilot technology. Exciting, hands-on activities will include flying the drones in an outdoor obstacle course, taking aerial selfies and video, landing the drone on a bullseye and flying it through hoops. Ages 12-18. $149
Youth Entrepreneur Summer (Y.E.S.) Camp
August 1-4, RCCC@NCRC, Kannapolis
Participants will gain an understanding of entrepreneurship as a career option, identify and evaluate various opportunities, and create and plan their own business. They will meet and learn from successful entrepreneurs in our community and participate in numerous activities that promote team building, critical thinking and leadership skills, all in a stimulating, fun environment. Ages 11-14. $149
Photofun I
June 13-16, South Campus, Concord
June 20-23, North Campus, Salisbury
Students will learn basic skills required to shoot and edit high quality images, and through a succession of fun projects will create both portraits and landscapes with their Digital SLR camera. Ages 14-18. $299
Photofun - The Next Level: Digital Design Portfolio
July 11-14, South Campus, Concord
Campers will build on skills learned in Level 1, explore more advanced photographic and editing options, and build a portfolio. Ages 14-18. $299
"Rowan-Cabarrus is pleased to offer summer camps to students," said Spalding. "The camps are a great example of our innovative courses and programs."
In addition to the camps, Rowan-Cabarrus also offers high school students tuition-free courses for college credit through the Career & College Promise program, which 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.
"High school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to begin their two-year or four-year degree tuition-free at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College," said Spalding. "These courses are weighted just like honors classes, making them a great alternative to Advanced Placement courses."
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.
For more information on the camps, please visit
www.rccc.edu/camps
. For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, please visit
www.rccc.edu
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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 awilson@centralina.org
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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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