Join Us at the iamSTEMCLT Youth Expo July 22!

Charlotte Works announces its second annual iamSTEMCLT Youth Expo in partnership with Freedom School Partners. We are looking for partners and vendors for the event.

The interactive event for middle school scholars helps them learn about opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from major Charlotte businesses and organizations. A total of 315 middle school students are expected to attend the event. 

If you want to be an interactive presenter or vendor, the deadline to RSVP is May 15 on our website .

The event will be held Monday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Red Ventures, 1101 Red Ventures Dr, Fort Mill, SC 29707.
 
We look forward to partnering with you to open the minds of our youth while exposing them to the vast STEM opportunities. 


Coalition for Construction Careers (C3) hosts inaugural event
The Coalition for Construction Careers a construction partnership convened by Charlotte Works, hosted its inaugural Shop Talk event on April 10 th at Heist Brewery. The event brought together more than 50 professionals in the construction industry to network and discuss challenges in the labor market. Shop Talk discussion facilitators, Steve Corriher (CPCC), Tammy Ford (CarolinasAGC), Mike Mitchell (Lowe’s, Inc.), and Gary Olnowich (Catalyst Construction) led a conversation with attendees on labor shortages, attracting new employees to the field, and educating students and parents on the lucrative career opportunities available within the industry.

The partnership also introduced a new website that serves as a hub of information for jobseekers to learn about career paths and job opportunities and for employers to get connected to workforce agencies that can supply talent for their open positions.

The Coalition for Construction Careers, or C3 for short, is made up of members from a variety of construction firms and community organizations in Charlotte, including representatives from WB Moore, Choate Construction, CarolinasAGC, Goodwill, Central Piedmont Community College, and the local electrician and iron workers unions. For more information on the partnership and to learn how to get involved, click here .
13 th Annual North Carolina Youth Summit: A Year of Firsts 
Charlotte Works participated in the 13 th annual 2019 North Carolina Youth Summit in Cary, April 11-13. The North Carolina Youth Summit is an annual event designed to connect the youth from across the state for a weekend filled with a vast array of opportunities (professional speakers, leadership development opportunities, academic and career focused tours, formal dinner) to meet and network with their peers.

It was a year of firsts! Governor Roy Cooper delivered the kick off speech to the summit, making it the first time a governor has done so. This was also the first year all 23 workforce boards from across the state contributed financially to the event. Charlotte Works had over 40 young adults (ages 16-24), from our local area to attend the summit. During the closing session of the of the summit, nine young adults were designated “bosses” because they went above and beyond during the weekend’s sessions. Of the nine chosen, three were from our area! The North Carolina Youth Summit continues to allow for exposure to unique opportunities that may not always be presented statewide.  

 

First Ever Digital Literacy Training for Jail Residents

Charlotte Works partnered with Digital Charlotte, a part of of Queens Knight School of Communication, to provide the first ever Digital Literacy training for Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office residents.

The digital literacy training included lessons in basic computer skills, digital media skills, online and internet safety, email and an intro to Google Suite. The one-week classes are offered at both detention centers, Central and North.

The first cohort with 13 residents graduated on April 18. They received a laptop as well as a certificate of completion. 
The rapid advancement of technology and its integration into everyday tasks are changing the demands of skill development. Burning Glass Technologies analyzed skill demand through jobs postings from across the country and developed a new framework of skills titled New Foundational Skills of the Digital Economy . 

According to the report, “The New Foundational Skills break into three groups:

Human Skills apply social, creative and critical intelligence to problems. These skills – critical thinking, creativity, communication, analytical skills, collaboration, and relationship building – appear on many lists of sought-after “soft skills.”

Digital Building Block Skills are increasingly useful outside traditional digitally intense job families. These skills are especially useful to analysts and data-driven decision makers. These skills include analyzing data, managing data, software development, computer programming, and digital security and privacy.

Business Enabler Skills allow the other skills to be put to work in practical situations, and include project management, business process, communicating data, and digital design.”



Board of Directors ‘Spotlight:’ Chris Payton
Company : Bank of America

Job Title : Global Talent Acquisition Executive

How did you get involved with Charlotte Works?

I believe we all have a responsibility to give back to our community and to help make it a better place for all of us to live and work. After I completed my board membership on the Urban League of Central Carolinas, I was looking for a new opportunity to serve. I spoke with a number of civic leaders about where I could make the greatest impact on workforce development, an issue important to me personally and professionally, and I consistently heard the same response: Charlotte Works.

Why is workforce development so important to you?

A healthy community is built on having living-wage jobs for all of its people, and Charlotte has thousands available right now. However, too many of our students, friends and neighbors don’t have the skills needed for these jobs, or they don’t have access to the roles. My goal is to make it easier for everyone to find great employment opportunities that will ultimately lead to fulfilling careers. 

What excites you most about the direction of Charlotte Works and how will you contribute to it?

Charlotte Works takes its mission seriously, and I see that passion in every member of its board and staff. Its mission – to convene and lead an integrated workforce system – requires each of us to be visible and influential in our community and neighborhoods. In my role leading recruiting for one of the largest employers in our region, I have the opportunity to make a real difference for our community as a board member. 

Best piece of career advice you have received?

“Don’t stay in the same job for more than three years.” I received this advice early in my career as a Naval Officer, and it has been my mantra over the past 30 years and nearly 15 roles. A new job can naturally create stress — you need to learn your new responsibilities, develop relationships with new people and ensure you meet work expectations — but it also provides an incredible opportunity for professional development and career growth. 

What are your hobbies / interests?

My wife, Theresa, and I love to travel and try to take one big trip annually. We had an amazing time in Hawaii with our family last year. We are also big Carolina Panthers fans and have had season tickets for many years. We hope to watch the Panthers play against the Buccaneers in London this fall so we can do two of our favorite things — traveling and watching football — at the same time!