Middle School Students Explore STEM Careers at 2 nd Annual Youth Expo
Charlotte Works held it’s second annual iamSTEMCLT Youth Expo in July at Red Ventures.

Over 200 middle school scholars attended the interactive event to learn about opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The students engaged with 17 employers to learn more about career pathways in STEM.

iamSTEMCLT is a collaboration between Charlotte Works, Freedom School Partners, and MeckED, with support from various community partners and employers such as Bank of America, Discovery Place, Charlotte Water, A.O. Smith, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and more. 


Charlotte Works Teams Up with Mecklenburg Co. Sheriff’s Office for Empowered Through Employment Career Fair
For the second time this year, Charlotte Works partnered with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office to present the Sheriff’s Empowered Through Employment Career Fair for residents currently serving out their sentences.

The event took place in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center and was attended by 20 male and female residents, all within 90 days of release, as well as a few former residents who were invited to attend.

NCWorks Career Center career advisors guided the group through creating resumes and developing interview skills in the weeks leading up to the Career Fair. Each job-seeker was also supplied with a complete set of business attire, courtesy of Dress for Success, Suit Up and the Sheriff’s Office.

Nine employers were on hand to talk one-on-one with residents about their open positions and review resumes for a potential fit. If that fit occurred, the employer and resident adjourned to a private table for a more formal interview and a possible job offer.

The event was a great success: 48 offers of employment, pending completion of the process, were made to the residents, which is nearly three times the number of offers that were made at the first Career Fair. Employers and residents alike were grateful for the opportunity to connect. 
NCWorks Career Center Holds Annual Harvest Center Career Fair 
The NCWorks Career Center in partnership with The Harvest Center held its 3rd annual Career Fair in July at the Movement Center.

74 job seekers attended the event, 16 of those were veterans. 22 employers including Novant Clinic, Snyder’s Lance, Allied Universal, and Amazon, were on hand-some performing on the spot interviews.

Employers reported 81 potential offers, second interviews, offers, or formal interviews to be set. The number of potential offers and interviews were higher than the job seeker attendance and that is the sign of great success!
Board of Directors ‘Spotlight:’ Cassandra Triggs
Company: Hearst Corporation
 
Title: Audit Director
 
How did you get involved with Charlotte Works?

I was introduced to Charlotte Works by Eric Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer. After speaking with Eric about the vision of the company, he thought that my background and experience would of value and suggested that I consider filling a vacancy on the board. After subsequent conversations with President & CEO Danielle Frazier about the vision of Charlotte Works, I was excited to join.

Why is workforce development so important to you?

Workforce Development is important because I believe that every individual should have the opportunity to obtain skills that allow them to earn affordable wages. This organization helps individuals assess their earning potential by providing training opportunities to learn a trade. Charlotte Works provides opportunities for individuals to obtain essential skills that also contribute to the economic success of the Charlotte region by providing resources to the business community based on the needs of the current labor market.

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

What excites me most about Charlotte Works is the energy and passion that the team demonstrates in their commitment to provide training and skills for individuals by planting that seed early to those in high school to help them assess their career path. They are committed to providing the right skills through their collaboration and commitment to working with the Charlotte business community for today and looking to the future. I will contribute to the success of Charlotte Works by bringing my industry experience to contribute to the vision and mission of the organization. As my background is in accounting and auditing, I will bring those skills to ensure that financial accountability continues to be a focus to ensure that program services continue to be supported.

Best piece of career advice you have received?

Anything worth having, you have to work for. Know that there will be failures that will ultimately lead to success. 

What are your hobbies/interests?

Although I travel for my job, I enjoy traveling with my husband. I enjoy reading, visiting art museums and spending time with my family and friends.