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Inside this Issue
Director’s Message
Page 2
Meet the Staff
Page 2
Cover Story cont.
Page 3
TSWDB Upcoming Events
Page 3
USDOL Timeline
Page 4
Staff Spotlight
Page 6
Workforce Professionals
Page 8
Success Stories
Page 9
Source for the Workforce
Page 10
Youth Council Corner
Page 12
Continued on page 3
Proudly Serving: Chatham,
Harnett, Lee, and Sampson
Counties
Vol. I Issue 4, August 2013
The state of North Carolina has recognized the need for change within its Employment Services, and is on a mission to respond and adapt to the changing employment environ-ment of today. With the implementation of a new Integrated Services Delivery model, North Carolina’s Job Seekers will have access to more streamlined customer and employment services and local businesses and employers will see an increase in specialized services for them as well. The Division of Workforce Solutions recently contracted with Mr. Greg Newton, a results-oriented consultant and trainer, with widely recognized success stories from workforce de-velopment areas across the nation. Mr. Newton has been instrumental in assisting other states such as California, Indiana, Iowa and New York, to name a few, with integrated services deliv-ery. Workforce boards across the state of North Carolina have benefited from his ability to efficiently analyze specific needs and custom-ize services that are acutely targeted to the objectives of the boards. Greg has a range of expertise which is founded on more than 20 years of experience in the workforce develop-ment community and is complemented by tire-less review and analysis of trends and promis-ing practices. Within this context, his scope of services covers strategic Workforce Board plan-
ning, expanded partner development and alignment, success with businesses, inte-grated one-stop operations, effective work-force services and service delivery, im-proved program performance, targeted marketing and outreach, and highly rated front-line staff training and development, all delivered using humor, enthusiasm, and superb listening skills that are equally val-ued by his customers and colleagues.
What is an Integrated Services Delivery Model?
According to Mr. Newton, the best way to describe an Integrated Services Delivery Model consists of the following infor-mation:
North Carolina’s Career Centers are chang-ing into a more customer-focused, skill-based, integrated service strategy. Mean-ing that the Career Center staff will form functional teams comprised of both Wag-ner-Peyser (WP) and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) staff that will focus on serving each One-Stop customer based on their assigned function instead of the require-ments of their funding stream. The Career Center customer flow will include a first-
Integrated Services in North Carolina By Adena Mitchell
The TSWDB ISD Leadership Team receive training in Raleigh, NC
2
Tiffany Swenson
Adult Services Coordinator
919-777-7711
Dottie Cieciorka
Fiscal Coordinator
919-718-7251
Newsletter Editor
Adena Mitchell
Performance and
Communications
Coordinator/Accountability
Specialist
919-777-7797
Mrs. Mitchell also serves
as the Equal Opportunity
Officer.
Mike Peluso
WIA Business Services
Coordinator
919-777-7725
Rosalind M. Cross
Dear Colleagues, Partners and Friends,
I am happy to report that NCWorks Online is officially up and running! The Workforce Development staff teamed up with the Division of Workforce Solutions staff to conduct regional training for all Career Center staff and partners during the month of June and July. The new system officially launched on August 5th and is available to jobseekers, employers, customers and staff and re-places several state systems to include JobConnector, NCStars, and WorkforcePlus™. As the state moves towards an integrated service delivery system within our Career Centers, NCWorks Online will provide a one-stop platform to streamline the job search process and serve as the reporting system for the state. NCWorks Online is a no-fee service that provides several benefits to job seekers and employers. Job seekers can search through job posts pulled from thousands of websites and receive alerts through e-mail and text message. Employers can post jobs to find the talent they need, as well as take advantage of real-time labor market information that will assist them in making competitive offers to recruit high-talented workers.
NCWorks Online is an intelligent technology software solution that has the ability to capture, track, and report labor information on a variety of workforce programs and services and will be high-ly effective for the workforce system and for staff. Employers will have the ability to post jobs directly to the system and jobseekers will have the ability to search for available jobs daily from compa-ny and government websites, newspaper postings and corporate job boards. Jobseekers will also be able to search for online and statewide classroom training and will have the ability to develop resumes and cover letters that can be submitted directly to the employer online. All services provided to employers or job seek-ers, whether self-service or staff-assisted, will be accounted for and used to improve agency performance and regional economic growth initiatives. For more information on the NCWorks Online, please read the “Adult Angle” article on page 8. To view or use the system, please visit www.ncworks.gov.
We ask for your continued support as we work through the tran-sition and changes at the state and local level. We hope that you will embrace the change and look at this as an opportunity to im-prove our workforce system. Please enjoy this newsletter!
Warmest regards,
3
Upcoming TSWDB Events
visit, standardized skills assessment, easy access to a wide range of skill de-velopment services, and the opportunity to improve employment opportunities through skill upgrading, skill validations, and credentialing. [One-Stop Partners will still be co-located within these cen-ters, and will maintain the ability to provide specialized services such as Vocational Rehabilitation to those in need.]
Another very important functional team will provide services to employers that will both assist in the alignment of Cen-ter services with the needs of employ-ers, as well as develop employment opportunities for Center jobseeker cus-tomers. This team may operate on a regional labor market basis, but will be a valuable asset to each Center in the area.
Staff within the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions, Workforce De-velopment Board Staff and Career Cen-ter Staff will integrate and shift from a program silo organization to an inte-grated services organization.
[In short] All Career Center customers will be provided with the opportunity to improve their skills and get the best job possible with their skills. Our goal is for every jobseeker that enters the Career Center to leave as a better job candi-date because of the value-added ser-
vices received.
The Needs of One-Stop Centers have Changed
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 au-thorized the establishment of the One-Stop Delivery System, a location designed to pro-vide a full range of assistance to job seekers under one roof. The authorization of WIA made each Local Area responsible for devel-oping at least one Career Center in their region where job seekers can have access to employment related services in the same location as other federal programs. (Please see page 4 for an Historical Timeline of Em-ployment Services in the US). As technology has changed and increased drastically since the year of 1998, WIA, WP, and the local Career Centers must learn to adapt with the times.
To lead the way to the implementation of Integrated Services Delivery (ISD) in North Carolina, each of the 23 Workforce Boards have formed ISD Leadership teams to help determine the key details of integrated ser-vices in each One-Stop Center. The Triangle South Workforce Development Board (TSWDB) ISD Leadership team consists of the TSWDB Director and staff members; the DWS/JobLink Managers of Chatham, Har-nett, Lee, and Sampson Counties; the DWS Regional Manager; the Employment & Train-ing Director and Assistant Training Director of Joint Orange Chatham Community Action; and
several TSWDB members including Chairman Russell Hieb, Tony Lett, Scott Daniel, Theresa Isley, Mary Mil-lard, and Cherise Williams.
The state is requiring that each board have one fully integrated One-Stop Career Center by January 1st, 2014. The TSWDB ISD Lead-ership team is well on its way to meeting this goal through the development of an Integrated Services Planning Timeline and the selection of the Lee County Career Cen-ter to serve as the predecessor for full ISD implementation. Thus far, the team has adopted a Local Integrated Services Frame-work, developed a solid communication strategy amongst team members, and has trained all Local Area WIA and DWS Staff on the new data management system.
For more information on the progress of Integrated Services Delivery in the state of North Carolina, and within the Local Area, make sure to read the Fall Edition of the TSWDB Quarterly Newsletter.
Greg Newton
Coming Together -
Partners in Service Excellence!
October 16th—18th
Sheraton Four Seasons
Greensboro, NC
Online Conference
Registration is open at:
www.ncworkforcetraining.com
September 16th - Youth Council Meeting,
CCCC Lillington, 3:30pm
September 24th - Contractor’s Training,
CCCC Lillington, 9am to 4pm
October 12th - Veteran’s Stand Down 2013, National
Guard Armory Sanford NC, 10am to 2pm
October 16th-18th - NC Workforce Development
Partnership Conference, Greensboro NC
October 24th - TSWDB Board Meeting,
CCCC Lillington, 4:30pm to 6pm
4
Historical Timeline of Employment Services in the U.S.
Since June of 1884, the American Government has played
an active role in tracking the employment data of U.S.
citizens through the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Once the
Department of Labor (USDOL) was established by the
William Howard Taft administration in 1913, many steps
have been taken to ensure that the Federal, State, and
Local governments are doing everything in their power to
assist with meeting the needs of an ever changing work-
force. Below is a historical timeline of employment ser-
vices in the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics 1886:
Before the Department of Labor
was formed, there was the Bu-
reau of Labor Statistics under the
Department of Interior. In 1886,
the Bureau published its first
annual report on the study of
industrial depressions.
Department of Labor 1913: On March 4, 1913, President William
Howard Taft signed the Organic Act creating the U.S. Department of
Labor. Two days later, William B. Wilson was appointed the first Sec-
retary of the USDOL by newly appointed President, Woodrow Wilson.
Wagner Peyser 1933: On June 6, 1933, President Franklin D. Roo-
sevelt signed the Wagner-Peyser Act into law. Designed to bring
workers and employers together, the Wagner Peyser Act (WP)
founded the U.S. Employment Service, and helped promote the
establishment and maintenance of a national system of public em-
ployment offices. The Wagner Peyser program is still in existence
today.
Employment Act of 1946: The Em-
ployment Act of 1946 created a Coun-
cil of Economic Advisors to the Presi-
dent. This was enacted under Presi-
dent Harry S. Truman.
1880 1910 1940 1920 1890 1930 1900
Right: A Laid-Off Worker
Speaks at a 1975 Labor
Meeting.
Left: Congressman Theodore
Peyser, Secretary of Labor
Frances Perkins and Senator
Robert Wagner look on as
President Franklin D Roosevelt
signs the Wagner-Peyser Act
into law.
Former President William Taft joins Pres. Woodrow Wilson on his inauguration day. The
day before, President Taft signed the Organic Act creating the US Department of Labor.
Compiled by Adena Mitchell
5
Manpower Development and Train-
ing Act of 1962: The Manpower Devel-
opment and Training Act of 1962 was
a program that was created to train
and retrain thousands of unemployed
workers who were now displaced due
to automation and technological
change. This was part of President
John F. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” of
domestic, social, and economic re-
form, and allowed for the creation of
On-the-Job Training (OJT).
Economic and Opportunity
Act of 1964: Under President
Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on
Poverty, the Economic and
Opportunity Act of 1964 al-
lowed for the creation of the
Neighborhood Youth Corps, a
job related, anti-poverty pro-
gram for the unemployed
between the ages of 14-21.
This program was federally
funded and administered by
local, non-profit sponsors and
today is known as Job Corps.
CETA 1973: On December 28th, 1973, the Comprehensive
Employment and Training Act (CETA) was enacted by Con-
gress and signed by President Richard Nixon. CETA replaced
the existing network of federal employment and training
programs and transferred funds and decision-making au-
thority to local elected officials.
Reauthorization of CETA 1978: In
1978, CETA was reauthorized under
President Jimmy Carter’s Economic
Stimulus Appropriations Act. The reau-
thorization made training more effec-
tive through greater involvement of
the private sector; and targeted CETA’s
assistance to the most disadvantaged
persons.
JTPA 1983: During the administration of
President Ronald Reagan, CETA was re-
placed by the Job Training and Partnership
Act (JTPA) in 1983. JTPA was created to
establish a partnership between business,
labor, and government in an effort to de-
liver the maximum amount of training for
every dollar spent. Job training and assis-
tance was targeted towards economically
disadvantaged individuals, dislocated
workers, and others with significant barri-
ers to employment. The ultimate goal for
JTPA was to place trainees into perma-
nent, self-sustaining employment in the
private sector.
WIA: The Workforce Investment Act of
1998 (WIA) was enacted to replace
JTPA under President Clinton’s admin-
istration. Most notably, WIA author-
ized the establishment of the One-Stop
Delivery System and required that each
local area host a “One-Stop Center”
that allowed them access to employ-
ment and training related services as
well as other Federal agencies all in
one location.
1950 1970 1980 1990 2000 1960 2010
Left: Job Training at Saginaw
Technical Institute
Above: 1969 Job Corps ad featuring
Olympic Champion and Job Corp gradu-
ate George Foreman
Please note that the full timeline is available on
the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at
www.usdol.gov. All information from this time-
line was compiled from the U.S. Department of
Labor .
6
Staff SpotlightStaff Spotlight For 35 years, Jackie McMillian has assisted
in the development of the workforce of
North Carolina through her services in the
Comprehensive Employment and Training
Act Program (CETA), the Job Training Part-
nership Act Program (JTPA), and the
Workforce Investment Act Program
(WIA). She has served several counties
throughout central North Carolina and
has spent her entire 35 year career work-
ing both directly and indirectly with
Adults and Dislocated Workers as an Em-
ployment Consultant, an Employment
Consultant Supervisor, and an Employ-
ment Services Specialist. For 25 of those
years, Jackie spent her summers working
with the Summer Youth Work Experience,
a component of workforce development
programs devoted to helping Youth gain
experience in the work place as well as
earn income to return to school the fol-
lowing fall.
Jackie eventually retired as an Employ-
ment Services Specialist for the Depart-
ment of Commerce on March 1, 2012.
However, she quickly grew bored of re-
tired life and began to seek out WIA em-
ployment opportunities in the Sanford
to a confidence level of knowing what to
do and achieving remarkable results,” Ms.
McMillian stated. “Each TSWDB staff
member is unique in their own way, and
has made this an enjoyable working envi-
ronment. My time here has been won-
derful, and it has been a great learning
experience. I’m very appreciative to have
been a part of a team that works well
together.”
area. When she was asked to serve as the
WIA Youth Interim Coordinator for the
TSWDB, Jackie jumped at the chance to
once again assist the workforce of North
Carolina. “I love WIA work and how it
benefits people,” stated Ms. McMillian.
“It provides you with the opportunity to
meet a lot of interesting people from
different walks of life.”
As Jackie assisted the youth service
providers with the transition from Work-
force Plus, the former Management Infor-
mation System, to NCWorks Online, she
always made sure to impart her wisdom
on the changes she has seen throughout
her career. “At one point, all we had were
pencils, paper, and type-writers to com-
plete participant intake forms on carbon
paper,” Ms. McMillian stated. “We stored
everything in a file cabinet before we had
enough computer technology to save it to
a system.”
Although Jackie’s time as the Interim
Youth Coordinator has drawn to a close,
she is happy that she got the chance to
work with the TSWDB staff. “Since the
TSWDB was formed in 2009, the Board has
evolved from simply learning the program
Jackie McMillian is picture dancing with the
Youth at the 2013 Youth Rally held at the
Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center
Veteran’s Outreach of Central North Carolina:
Veteran’s Stand Down 2013
Saturday
October 12th
10am to 2pm
National Guard Armory
2214 Nash Street
Sanford Nc, 27330 Several Services for
Homeless Veterans all
under one umbrella Please bring ID, (VA Card or DD214) if available
Contact:
Leon Jackson
919.775.2241
Jackie McMillian By: Adena Mitchell
7
tions,” Angela stated. “My confidence in
Workforce Development lies in the fact
that every Workforce Development
Board Member, Youth Council Member,
WIA Case Manager, Program Coordina-
tor, Tutor, and Mentor is fervent about
youth. It does not take much to see their
passion for youth manifest through their
commitment, dedication, and hard
work. It is because of this level of com-
mitment to the success of our communi-
ties, our economy, and our workforce
that I have chosen to return to Work-
force Development.”
Angela considers working with youth to
be her passion. “My work with youth cata-
lyzes my desire for a long term career within
the Help Profession. It seems very cliché for
me to state, working with people is my pas-
sion, but for me, it holds truth,” Angela stat-
ed. “I think, I so readily identify with youth
because of my own background. I recognize
how fortunate I was in having a system of
individuals, community programs, and
philanthropist who believed in me; and,
they demonstrated their trust by supporting
my desire to complete high school and col-
lege.”
Ms. Nicholson holds a Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Human Services, and a minor Psy-
chology, from Elon University, Elon North
Carolina. Prior to attending Elon University,
she earned an Associate of Science Degree
in Human Services Technology from Rich-
mond Community College, Rockingham,
North Carolina. Angela is a credentialed
Family Support Specialist through Duke Uni-
versity, Durham, North Carolina and an
Offender Employment Specialist through the
University of California, La Jolla, CA.
“I think my passion for serving youth
stems from the realization that without WIA
Youth Programs, many youth would remain
without the support needed to become suc-
cessful in their chosen careers and voca-
Angela Nicholson is an Advanced Human
Services Generalist working within the
field of Health and Human Services for
over eighteen years. She is experienced in
working within state government and not-
for-profit organizations in assisting individ-
uals with multiple barriers gain employ-
ment. Before accepting the position as the
WIA Youth Coordinator, Angela served as
Business Services Representative with
North Carolina Division of Services for the
Blind by assisting individuals with blind-
ness and low vision with re-entry employ-
ment.
Angela is an experienced Workforce
Development Professional having held
many past job titles including: Welfare to
Work Supervisor, WIA Youth Offender
Program Coordinator, WIA Youth Case
Manager, and WIA Summer American Re-
covery and Reinvestment Act Monitor.
Ms. Nicholson is multifaceted in her expe-
riences and roles within the field of Health
and Human Services. She has worked as an
Offender Employment Specialist, Economic
Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator, Par-
enting Instructor, Challenge First Faith and
Community Based Organization Site Moni-
tor, and an Economic Self-Sufficiency Pro-
gram Facilitator.
Angela Nicholson: New WIA Youth Coordinator By: Angela Nicholson
Incumbent Workforce Development
Program
Reminder: Applications for Incumbent Workforce
Development Program (IWDP) Expected to Open in Sep-
tember/October
If interested or if you have questions: Please contact
Mike Peluso
(919) 777-7725 or [email protected]
Reimbursable Training Costs (Some restrictions apply)
Instructor’s/trainer’s salaries
Tuition
Training materi-als/supplies
Textbooks/manuals
Training Certifica-tions, certificates, licenses, and cre-dentials
Training related software
The North Carolina Incumbent Workforce Devel-
opment Program is a competitive, retention solu-
tions grant. Qualifying businesses can use this
grant to address employees' skills gaps, resulting
in increased knowledge, certifications and value
to the company. Addressing employees' skills
gaps also contributes to a company's competitive-
ness in regional and global economies. The grant
provides training revenue for employees with a
one time maximum of $25,000 and a lifetime
maximum of $40,000. The key for success for any
organization applying for this grant is to make a
strong case on how the grant will help avoid
layoffs.
8
Workforce ProfessionalsWorkforce Professionals Keeping Triangle South Contractors, Case Managers, and Em-
ployees in the know... Located in Research Triangle Park, Cree is a market-
leading innovator of LED lighting and semiconductor
solutions for wireless and power applications. As Cree
began to expand their product lines, the need arose for
dozens of additional employees to fill their growing pro-
duction needs. Cree reached out to the Triangle South
Workforce Development Board (TSWDB) for assistance.
In collaboration with the Board’s Business Services Coor-
dinator, Mike Peluso, Chatham County JobLink Career
Center, hosted by Central Carolina Community College,
Cree was able to hire the employees needed for their
product expansion.
Cree's workforce requirements were specific. The
company was looking for employees with a high dexteri-
ty level, a manufacturing background, a high school di-
ploma, and the willingness to work 12 hour days. To
meet these requirements, Mike Peluso, worked in con-
junction with the Chatham County JobLink Coordinator
to host multiple job fairs. Each attendee received a back-
ground check, a pre-screening interview, and a dexterity
assessment. The pre-screening interview included con-
firming the prospective employee’s willingness to travel
to the worksite in Durham, and their ability to meet the
shift demands of the position. The Minnesota Manual
Dexterity test that was administered, confirmed if the
prospects would be efficient on the high speed manufac-
turing lines at Cree’s plant.
Several area residents possessed a high speed manu-
facturing background; however, the numbers of individu-
als hired from the Chatham County area were limited
due to language barriers and the lack of a high school
diploma or GED. Upon reanalysis of the workforce pool,
it was determined that adjusting the hiring criteria to
better fit the demographics of the area would increase
the chances of finding qualified employees. It would also
serve as a catalyst for the reemployment of many mem-
bers of Chatham County’s population, who after the clos-
ing of several high-speed food processing plants, were
looking for manufacturing jobs. Subsequent job fairs
were held, producing higher numbers of candidates from
the community and increased the number of individuals
hired by Cree as a whole.
At current count, the TSWDB and the Chatham County
JobLink facilitated five job fairs for Cree, with an average
of 10 to 25 jobseekers being hired from each fair. In the
past, Cree has used staffing agencies to meet its work-
force recruitment needs. Thanks to the success of their
collaboration with the TSWDB, they are now using Local
Area Workforce Boards almost exclusively.
The new workforce information
system and job matching website
developed by Geographic Solutions
for the Department of Commerce
was officially launched on August
5th. NCWorks Online, the official
name of the new system, replaced
several smaller management infor-
mation systems that were being
used throughout the state of North
Carolina for Workforce Develop-
ment purposes, including Workfor-
cePlus™, NC JobConnector, and NC
Stars. This system will now allow
One-Stop Offices across the state of
North Carolina to co-enroll partici-
pants in state programs such as WIA,
Wagner Peyser, and TAA Trade Pro-
grams. This will also allow partici-
pants to receive various program
services without having to see vari-
ous program staff, causing a sub-
stantial increase in customer service
for every One-Stop customer.
NCWorks Online has several job
matching features that allow
jobseekers to connect with business-
es including providing automated
searches for both the jobseeker and
employer, job alerts for individuals
seeking employment, as well as real
time labor market information for
businesses. This system can match
job seekers to available positions
using the jobseeker’s skill sets, work
preferences, desired salary, and
resumes. NCWorks Online also
offers resume and cover letter build-
ing assistance for job seekers, and
allows both job seekers and employ-
ers to have access to labor market
trends and economic and demo-
graphic data throughout the state.
Plus, both employers and jobseek-
ers have the ability to communicate
with prospective companies/
applicants, case managers, and
training providers using the messag-
ing feature within the system.
NCWorks Online also offers Educa-
tional services for jobseekers, in-
cluding providing assistance with
finding information on training pro-
viders and schools, and what train-
ing is needed for the occupation the
job seeker is interested in pursuing.
The site even links directly to the
Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) website, so individuals
who need financial aid can easily
access their Pell Grant information
or apply for federal aid.
In summary, NCWorks Online is a
free, user-friendly system, which
greatly benefits both jobseekers
and employers and serves as a great
tool to all Workforce Development
Staff to help them provide optimum
customer service to any one in need
of Workforce Development ser-
vices.
Information from this article was obtained from DWS newsletter and NCWorks.gov. For more infor-mation please visit the official NCWorks website at www.ncworks.gov and NC Commerce website at www.nccommerce.com .
QR Code for
www.ncworks.gov
Retraction: In the Spring issue of the news-
letter, the unemployment rate for Chatham
County was incorrectly listed as 13.5%. The
correct unemployment rate for Chatham County
in February 2013 was 6.8%
Adult Angle: An In-depth look at NCWorks! By: Tiffany Swenson
Success in Business Services By: Mike Peluso
9
Tamira Eason is a WIA Adult Program Participant from Harnett County. As a single mother, Tamira found that returning to college to finish her degree is often times a daunting task. “The hardest part about pursuing a college degree and being a single mother is probably being away from her the ma-jority of my day,” Tamira stated. “But, I know that she is in daycare learning and playing with other children, so that eases my mind.” Although making time to complete her school assignments and to take care of her 2 year old daughter Taliyah is difficult, as a Central Carolina Community College Student studying Broadcasting Production Technology, Tamira remains excited
about one day having a career in film, television, or radio. “This career path excites me a great deal, that is my pas-
sion. I am a social person and I love to create,” Tamira stated. “The WIA program helped me tremendously by providing funds for my tuition, books, and supplies when financial aid was not available for me. I am really thankful for this program.” Tamira retains a 3.0 average and was recently awarded the Peggy C. and Meigs C. Golden scholarship by CCCC. This scholarship was designed to provide financial assis-tance for single parents pursuing a degree at the college. Tamira hopes that the many accomplishments she has achieved thus far will serve as a catalyst to continue to work hard, as well as serving as a positive influence for her daughter. “My daughter inspired me to return to school and finish my degree to create a better life for her, she inspired me to be consistent with my plan,” Tamira stated. “My hopes for my daughter’s future would be for her to get her education in the career field that she loves. When you love what you do, you'd put your heart into it and it won’t seem like work. I want her to look at me as a great example and say, 'my mother was a superwoman and I am strong enough to wear those shoes and follow my dreams like she did.’ And I will be there to coach and support her along the way.”
Success StoriesSuccess Stories
Tamira Eason Ebony Parker
poses with her
truck .
Submitted by April Gale from the Harnett County JobLink/Career Center
Submitted by Gloria Morrisey from the
Sampson County JobLink/Career Center
Recognizing Local Area residents
who are excelling with WIA
Ebony Parker is a single mother with two adult children. She previ-ously worked as a Bus Driv-er for East Coast Mi-grant Head-start making over $13 per hour, 40 hours a week. Unfortunately, in November of 2011, Ebony was laid off from her job, but was strong enough not to lose hope. She strongly believed that there would al-ways be a need for truck drivers, and Ebony made it her goal to earn her Com-mercial Driver’s License (CDL) and se-cure steady employment to help support her family. After she heard about the WIA program from a friend, Ebony stopped by the Sampson County JobLink Center and enrolled in the WIA Adult program under Case Manager Gloria Morrisey in October of 2012. She knew that with the changing economy, having a strong educational background was a must to be competitive as a truck driver, so Ebony enrolled in the CDL Program at Roadmaster Drivers School of Dunn, NC. Ebony understood the importance of taking advantage of the unique oppor-tunity that had been offered to her through the WIA program, even if Truck Driving is a male dominated profession. "I thought about the challenges, and I knew that it would be a difficult job be-ing a woman in this field, but I felt that I could overcome those challenges,” she stated. Today, Ebony is working at Barnhill Construction and is thoroughly enjoying her new job. She loves the idea that she gets to travel, and has thanked everyone for their encouragement, support, and for giving her the opportunity to better herself. “Knowing that someone be-lieved in me gave me the strength I needed,” Ebony stated. “I am looking forward to the wide open road full of new opportunities.”
Ebony Parker
Donta Cobb is a an 18 year old young adult that currently
attends alternative high school at SAGE Academy in Siler City,
NC. Donta joined the WIA Youth program in search of learning
skills that will help him grow into a successful young man. He
considers himself to be a natural leader, and seeks to gain
increased leadership ability through various skill building activ-
ities and workshops. Donta hopes to gain both training and
employment in the medical field upon graduation from SAGE
Academy.
In the past, Donta has had some trouble academically, which
is why his mother decided to enroll him in an alternative school setting with smaller
classroom size and a better teacher to student ratio. Donta expressed to his WIA
Youth Program Case Manager, Travis Patterson, that he was concerned about his Eng-
lish and Math grades. Although he is not failing, Donta is at risk of failing if he doesn't
improve his performance. Travis introduced Donta to Craig Fairbrother, a tutor who
will serve as academic support for Donta, as well function as a mentor and positive
male role model. This match has been in effect since April 2013, and thus far, Travis
has received nothing but positive reports from his tutor.
Donta Cobb
Submitted by Travis Patterson Youth Case Manager from Chatham County Together!
10
Source for the WorkforceSource for the Workforce N.C. Ranks 27th When it comes to Higher Education
North Carolina ranks 27th when it comes
to college attainment — and it could leave
the state unable to meet its future work-
force needs, according to a report by the
Lumina Foundation.
That study found that 38.2 percent of
adults in North Carolina between the ages
of 25 and 64 held a two- or four-year degree
in 2011, the most recent year data was
available.
In the Raleigh-Cary metro area, nearly 53
percent in that age range have at least a
two-year degree. That number dips to 44
percent in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill
metro area, while just 36 percent have
reached that level of education in the
Greensboro-High Point metro area.
But research shows that 59 percent of all
North Carolina jobs will require a post-
secondary degree by 2018, says Jamie
Merisotis, president and chief executive
officer of Lumina.
“This means that North Carolina is now
facing a troubling talent gap and significant-
ly more graduates are needed to meet fu-
ture work force needs,” he says.
He notes the higher-education attain-
ment rated among young adults, those be-
tween the age of 25 and 34, is a indicator of
where rates are headed.
In 2011, 38.6 percent of young adults in
North Carolina held at least a two-year de-
gree. That’s below the national average of
40.1 percent.
“North Carolina needs a bigger and more
talented work force to succeed, but the de-
mands of the 21st century will not be met
without a high-quality 21st century educa-
tion,” Merisotis says.
Lumina’s report measures progress toward
what it calls Goal 2025. That initiative aims to
increase the percentage of Americans with
high-quality degrees and credentials to 60
percent by 2025. Nationwide, 38.7 percent
of working-age adults held a two-or-four-year
degree in 2011.
Lumina has released a strategic plan that
calls for building a higher-education system
for the 21st century. That means creating
new models of financial support for students
and developing new higher education and
business and finance models. A new system of
credentials and credits would be created that
focuses on learning and competencies rather
than time spent in the classroom.
“It’s also critical to mobilize employers,
policymakers, institutions and others to build
momentum toward increased attainment
of degrees,” Merisotis says.
One possibility for increasing degrees in
North Carolina is to focus on those who
have attended college but have not earned
a credential. In 2001, more than 1.2 million
adults — 22.7 percent — had gone to col-
lege but lacked a two or four-year degree.
“It’s important for our country and for
North Carolina to close the attainment
gaps that exist by race and class,” Merisotis
says. “If we intend to develop the talent
needed to meet future work-force needs,
we must improve the delivery of a high-
quality education to the growing numbers
of low-income, first-generation, minority
and adult students.”
Who Should Decide Your College Major?
Selecting a major is rarely a linear pro-
cess. Many students don’t know their
strengths, weaknesses, or even interests
by the time classes begin, let alone their
long-term job prospects. So what if the
government wanted to help out with the
decision?
Policy makers are exploring several
recent proposals to subsidize colleges
and universities with federal money on
the condition that academic programs
better reflect job market trends. Many
are advocating incentivize high-demand
fields in the wake of the recent financial
crisis, skyrocketing tuition bills, and rec-
ord levels of student debt. This article
will explore some of these programs and
potential implications for students.
The Role of the American Government
The government itself is a major employer
that also drives private sector companies who
provide the supplies, tools, and resources
enabling the government to function.
Throughout history, the government has also
played the role of investor in an effort to stim-
ulate job growth.
For example, the New Deal and the pro-
grams of the Great Depression helped lift the
U.S. out of the Great Depression through mas-
sive government expansion and job creation.
More recently, the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 funneled millions of
dollars into education and training programs
including nearly $4.8 billion in job training,
unemployment, and workforce develop-
ment funds.
This model of government investment in
education is used around the world as an
economic driver and a catalyst for develop-
ment. This philosophy has helped many
poor and developing countries lift hun-
dreds out of poverty and into the work-
force.
The Malaysian government has made
education and training a high priority un-
der its five-year development plans. The
Human Resource Development Fund
(HRDF) is one such example. Launched in
1993, HRDF encourages those in the pri-
vate sector to upgrade their skills through
training and retraining. Eligible employers
Degree attainment rates by popula-
tion group across North Carolina:
• 58.18% of Asians
• 43.15% of whites
• 26.58% of blacks
• 21.24% of Native Americans
• 15.71% of Hispanics
Written by: Jennifer Thomas, a staff writer for the
Charlotte Business Journal; Originally published
on June 13, 2013.
www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/
Article Written and Submitted by Celine James, Researcher for Online Education
11
can contribute to the fund, and in turn apply
for grants to defray or subsidize the costs of
training their workforce.
The Department of Skills Development (DSD)
in the Malaysian government helps public and
private education and training institutions eval-
uate the demand for existing skills and plan for
future vocational and industrial training needs.
Focus on education is a key pillar of South
Korea’s economic development plan, as well.
According to the The Economist, many consider
Korean schools to be international leaders of
standardized education. The government is
now working with businesses to ensure gradu-
ate skills and training will lead to high-paying
jobs and demand in the labor market.
In fact, former President Lee Myung-bak
pressed large Korean firms to align education
and training to the needs of their workforce —
and many firms have followed his lead. For
instance, the large Daewoo Shipbuilding and
Marine Company plans to set up a training in-
stitute as an alternative to the university sys-
tem.
[In America] Workforce-based academic
programs are nothing new. Community and
technical colleges have long been regarded as
experts in workforce training by offering pro-
grams directed at supplying students with the
necessary skills for in-demand fields. Baccalau-
reate institutions, such as the University of
New Mexico, have public-private partnerships
to respond to demands in the workforce. An
Albuquerque-based company donated
$200,000 for a new heating and cooling moni-
toring system at the mechanical engineering
building, which will give students first-hand
training and opportunity to learn about and
develop new technologies.
There is a difference, however, between
offering degrees that reflect job market needs
and receiving government funds to stimulate
the economy by increasing the number of qual-
ified graduates. Government officials across the
country are recognizing the need to address
workforce training needs as a means of eco-
nomic development. In Florida, for instance,
the state government already provides more
funding to community colleges that place grad-
uates in jobs paying $10 an hour or more.
Government officials in New York State are
investing in a new approach to help break stub-
bornly high unemployment rates.
The goal of the recently unveiled
$5 million Next Generation NY
Job Linkage program is to con-
nect job seekers with the esti-
mated 210,000 positions employ-
ers cannot fill due to a lack of
skilled workers. Through govern-
ment grants, the program will
work directly with employers by
identifying specific jobs and skills
and designing appropriate training pro-
grams through the New York community
college system. Down the road, the state
may even make funding contingent upon
student job placement.
Louisiana Senate Bill 117 would create a
similar alliance between the state education
system and the job market. Community
colleges with higher graduation rates and
programs focusing on the state’s workforce
needs would receive more funds. Colleges
with more science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM) programs would also be
rewarded with more cash. The state’s work-
force needs would be determined by a
board of state officials comprised of individ-
uals like the chairman of the Louisiana
Workforce Commission and the secretary of
the Louisiana Department of Economic De-
velopment.
The level to which government should
intervene or influence academic decisions is
hotly debated. It may seem simple to just
fund STEM fields because they seem to have
a higher degree of earning potential. How-
ever, there is still a great need for liberal
arts degrees and the ability to use ethics
and the social sciences to solve some of the
world’s biggest problems.
In fact, liberal arts degrees are often a
preferred pathway to rewarding careers in
high-income fields such as health care. Ac-
cording to the Association of American
Medical Colleges (AAMC), medical schools
accepted 43 percent of the biological scienc-
es majors, 47 percent of physical sciences
majors, 51 percent of humanities majors,
and 45 percent of social sciences majors
who applied in 2010 — demonstrating the
value still placed on liberal arts degrees.
Yet there is a demand for at least some
intervention and support from policymak-
ers. Industry leaders such as Boeing are
asking for federal dollars to help fill a
shortage of highly-trained technical work-
ers, which is threatening their business in
the face of growing international compe-
tition.
Final Thought
For the vast majority of Americans,
academic choices are either directly or
indirectly influenced by economic needs
and job market trends. This is evident
from the prevalence of degrees in tradi-
tionally in-demand fields. For example,
business degrees are the most popular in
the U.S., and similarly the number of
bachelor’s degrees in engineering and
engineering technologies has increased
roughly 20 percent since 2009–2010.
Investing in education and training is a
time-tested economic driver, and it’s
advantageous for governments to align
workforce needs with the programs
offered in public education institutions.
However, one of the benefits of a strong
collegiate system is the freedom of
choice — options that provide a means to
earn both a living wage across a broad
base of academic fields.
As a student, your potential earned
income and long-term job prospects
should weigh heavily in the decisions you
make about majors, degrees and pro-
grams. But remember, there isn’t a one-
size-fits-all answer, and you should weigh
the research with your own personal in-
terests and needs.
CCCC Class of 2013 Curriculum Graduation
12
Youth Council CornerYouth Council Corner 2013 TSWDB Youth Rally
Special Thanks to Our
Youth
Council Chair
Kittrane Sanders
and
Workshop Presenters:
Jennifer Walker
Dr. Pauline Conway
Sheral Raines
Susan Condin
On Friday, June 21st, Youth from Chatham, Har-
nett, Lee, and Sampson counties all gathered at
the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, NC
to take part of the Triangle South Workforce De-
velopment Board’s 2013 Youth Rally. Under the
Coordination of Youth Council Chair, Kittrane
Sanders, and TSWDB Interim Youth Coordinator,
Jackie McMillian, this event provided Youth with
a chance to have an active, hands-on experience
in making lifestyle and budget choices similar to
those they will make as adults.
Each participant spent the morning attending
mini-workshops that taught them valuable les-
sons in the areas of Banking, Budgeting, and So-
cial Skills. The Youth also got the chance to learn
pertinent information concerning the 16 Career
Clusters, and took part in various surveys and
assessments to help them determine which Ca-
reer Cluster was best suited to their interests and
personality.
At random, students were assigned a Cluster
Area, Educational Level, and Salary, and were
each given a budget worksheet that reflected
their needs. Participants were also given checks
and a check register to track their expenses, and an
exhibit card that listed each booth they must visit
while taking part of the Real World Experience.
The Real World Experience consisted of 16 differ-
ent booths that each provided different needs,
wants, or services that the average adult would uti-
lize in their lifetime. For instance, one booth served
as a realtor’s office that gave participants the option
to rent or buy an apartment or home. Other booths
served as insurance offices, car dealerships, clothing
stores and grocery stores, cable companies, utility
vendors and many more. Participants were advised
to put their “needs” before their wants, but were
ultimately encouraged to make the decisions on
what to buy for themselves.
As the Youth participants visited from booth to
booth, they were randomly handed a “Life Hap-
pens” card that informed them of a tragic event that
had recently taken place in their life, and the finan-
cial burden associated with it. For example, a par-
ticipant could be handed a card that stated they
were in a car accident. If the Youth participant pur-
chased auto insurance the cost for repairs and med-
ical expenses would be less than a student who did
Sanford Mayor Cornelia P.
Olive spoke to the youth
attendees during the open-
ing ceremony of the 2013
Youth Rally
Left: Youth Rally attendees
do the “Wobble” during
their lunch break. Next
page: A gallery of pictures
from the 2013 Youth Rally
13
not.
“I enjoyed seeing the light bulb switch, as the youth made
decisions that would affect their banking account,” stated
Youth Council Chair Kittrane Sanders. “I thought they gained
valuable insight in life skills as well as relevant lessons about
budgeting, spending, and choices as they become adults.”
Youth Council Chair Kittrane Sanders also expressed how
grateful she was to the volunteers that helped to facilitate the
event, “The day was successful because of the help of awe-
some volunteers that gave of their time,” stated Ms. Sanders.
Volunteers served as booth vendors, chaperones, and work-
shop leaders, as well as playing a large role in the set up and
break down of the event. These volunteers helped to distrib-
ute information to attendees, and ensured that everyone in attend-
ance received their Youth Rally T-Shirt and name tag at the registration
table. “Because of the support from volunteers, we gave the Youth a
glimpse of their future in a fun and exciting way,” stated Ms. Sanders.
“They were made aware of their need for basic skills in financial plan-
ning, goal setting, decision making, and career planning.”
Overall, Scott Daniel, a member of the Youth Council and the
TSWDB, felt like the event was a major success. “The Real World Sim-
ulation provided a real learning opportunity,” Mr. Daniel stated at the
last TSWDB Meeting. “After speaking with both Youth Rally partici-
pants and their parents, skill building was apparent amongst
attendees.”
14
Harnett County
2013 High School Graduates
Jaquese Bell Antwon Small
William Robinson Jasmine Elliott
De’ Asia Chance Kashaan Harris JaQuanna Hicks Tirzah McNeil
2013 College Graduates
Ashley Eason—Certificate in Welding Technology CCCC
20 Hours of Academic Enrichment
Jaquese Bell Aquila McDougald
De’ Asia Chance William McGill
Jasmine Elliot Tirzah McNeil
Jalike Elliot Myiesha Morris
Kashaan Harris Makalia Sidberry
JaQuana Hicks Antwon Small
Romar Marsh Douglas Wynn
William Robinson
Perfect Attendance in Leadership Activities
Shyla Howard
Acquila McDougald
Andreina McIver
Beyonka Moore
Myiesha Morris
Douglas Wynn
Community Service
Brittany McKoy
Aquila McDougald
Beyonka Moore
William Robinson
Erica Rangel
2013 Youth Awards Banquets2013 Youth Awards Banquets
15
Lee County
Certificate of Proficiency
Teneja Bay
Chasatie Toomer
Tianna Garrett
Illissa McAllister
Dedication to Completion
of Tutoring
Tobias McLean
Jocelyn Mitchell
Isaiah Quick
Shequoia Sellers
Octeisha Johnson
Joffee Cutler
Voucher of Support Awardees
Anthony Mitchell
Tia Mitchell
Tianna Garrett
Teneja Bay
Jamillah Terry
Timothy Sellars
Promotion to the Next
Grade Level
Shimek Baldwin
Tobias McLean
Joffee Cutler
Isaiah Quick
Derrion Johnson
Robby Rook
Richard Kersey
Dominique Staton
Dewaun McEachin
2013 High School Graduates
Kiana Cherry
Currently enrolled at CCCC in Sanford, NC
Christina Bradshaw
Currently enrolled at NC A&T in Greensboro, NC
Certificate of Completion for
Valuable Work Experience
Joffee Cutler
Octeisha Johnson
Richard Kersey
Whitney McDougald
Dewaun McEachin
Tobias McLean
Jessica McNeill
Jocelyn McNeill
Samantha Murchison
Shequoia Sellers
Timothy Sellars
Dominique Staton
Shanice Sutton
Chasatie Toomer
Isaiah Quick
Deandria Womack
16
Adult/Dislocated Service Providers:
Joint Orange Chatham Community Action, Inc.
35 West Chatham Street
PO Box 27
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: 919.542.4781
FAX: 919.542.0563
Chatham County JobLink and Career Center:
919.545.8054
Harnett County Department of Workforce
Development/JobLink Career Center
Central Carolina Community College
1137 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd
Lillington, NC 27546
Phone: 910.814.4042
FAX: 910.814.4046
Lee County Division of Workforce Solutions/JobLink
Career Center
1909 Lee Avenue
Sanford, NC 27330
Phone: 919.775.2241
FAX: 919.775.2243
Sampson County Division of Workforce Solutions/
JobLink Career Center
115 North Blvd
Clinton, NC 28328
Phone: 910.592.5756
FAX: 910.592.1502
Triangle South Workforce Development Board
Central Carolina Community College
Physical Location:
W.B. Wicker Business Center
900 S. Vance Street - Suite 280
Sanford, NC 27330
Mailing Address:
Central Carolina Community College
1105 Kelly Drive
Sanford, NC 27330
www.trianglesouthworkforce.com
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.
Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Youth Service Providers:
Chatham County Together!
208 North Chatham Avenue
Siler City, NC 27344
Phone: 919.663.0116
FAX: 919.642.0164
Harnett County Department of Workforce
Development/JobLink Career Center
Central Carolina Community College
1137 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd
Lillington, NC 27546
Phone: 910.814.4042
FAX: 910.814.4046
Lee County Department of Youth and Family
Services
112 Hillcrest Drive
Sanford, NC 27330
Phone: 919.718.4650 (ext. 5541)
FAX: 919.718.4635
Harnett-Sampson WIA Youth Program
405 County Complex Road
Building B, Room 133
Post Office Box 1713
Clinton, NC 28329
Phone: 910.590.2735
FAX: 910.590.2968
