2013-2014 annual report report 2013-1 wking...annual report 2013-2014 / 23 on-the-job training (ojt)...

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

1341 South Glenburnie Road • New Bern, NC 28562 email: [email protected] • website: www.ecwdb.org

phone: (252) 636-6901 or (877) 916-6901 • fax: (252) 638-3569

2013-2014 Annual Report

Better Workers. Better Jobs. Better Economy.

2 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board

Message from the Board Chair & Executive Director 3

Board of Directors, Chief Elected Officials & Staff 4

ECWDB Organizational Chart 5

About ECWDB 6

NC First Work Ready Communities Program 8

NC First Work Ready Communities Program Highlights 9

EC Career Center System 10

Career Center Services 11

Career Center Highlights 12

2014 Governor’s Awards 14

Outstanding Workforce Development Employer 16

WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker Success Stories 17

WIA Youth Services 18

WIA Youth Activities 19

WIA Youth Success Stories 20

2013-2014 Training Programs Sponsored by WIA 22

On-the- Job Training 23

Our Region 24

Occupational Outlook 25

WIA Participant Information 26

2013-2014 Financial Report 27

Table of Contents

On behalf of the Eastern Carolina Job Training Consortium, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Board and staff, career center partners, and WIA service providers for another very successful year in serving the citizens of our region.

~ Joseph Wiggins, Chairman, Eastern Carolina Job

Training Consortium

Annual Report 2013-2014 / 27

2013-2014 Financial Report

Program Beginning Allocations Expended Remaining

Adult $1,685,742.42 $1,325,239.12 $360,503.30

DW $1,554,605.73 $953,750.83 $600,854.90

Youth $1,579,703.09 $1,120,690.43. $459,012.66

Admin $589,442.63 $384,977.50 $204,465,13

Total $5,409,493.87 $3,784,657.88 $1,624,835.99

Mission of the Workforce Investment Act...

“…increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and, as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the

productivity and competitiveness of the Nation.”


Youth Program Outcomes 2013-2014

WIA Participant Information

WIA Participant Enrollments

County Adult Dislocated Worker Youth Total

Carteret 33 32 72 137

Craven 63 29 113 205

Duplin 70 30 27 127

Greene 10 7 48 65

Jones 7 6 34 47

Lenoir 136 75 46 257

Onslow 77 29 58 164

Pamlico 28 10 1 39

Wayne 124 50 19 193

Grand Total 548 268 418 1234

Adult and Dislocated Worker Outcomes 2013-2014

Adults Dislocated Workers

Total Participants 4,512 396

Total Exiters 1,756 115

Entered Employment 69% 77%

Retention Rate 87% 88%

Average Earnings $9,475.00 $13,457.00

Youth

Total Participants 422

Total Exiters 117

Placement in Employment or Education 47%

Attainment of Degree or Certificate 53%

Literacy or Numeracy Gains 28%

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

14 - 18

19-21

22-32

33-44

45-54

55-64

65 and Older

320

139

273

280

151

69

2

PY 2013 WIA Programs Age

804, 65%

430, 35%

PY 2013 WIA Programs Gender

Females Males


Message from the Board Chair &Executive Director

Mike Kraszeski, Chairman

TO OUR

STAKEHOLDERS:

To Our Stakeholders:

We are pleased to present this 2013-2014 annual report. The past year was another successful year, as we continued our efforts of transforming our local workforce investment system into an effective business-driven system that promotes talent development strategies to assure an available skilled workforce.

As we transition into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, our challenge for next year is for our local area to continue building upon the strong partnerships to better prepare students and job-seekers for competitive employment and to continue to attract more jobs from around the world to eastern North Carolina. We believe in being at the forefront of workforce development. Therefore; we encourage our team to approach their jobs with creativity and develop new and innovative ways to help job seekers meet the needs of our local business community.

On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to our staff for their dedication and contributions, and to our career center partners and service providers for the quality services they provided to the citizens of the nine-county region. Finally, we would like to thank our Board of Directors and the Eastern Carolina Job Training Consortium for their leadership, invaluable counsel and commitment toward achieving our mission of developing a skilled workforce for Eastern North Carolina. Thank you all for believing in our vision and giving us the opportunity to help our community thrive. Sincerely, Mike Kraszeski Tammy Childers Chairman Executive Director

Tammy Childers, Executive Director

Our Mission Our mission is to ensure that our workforce development system is

customer focused, demand-driven and accountable in

preparing our current and future workforce to meet the changing

needs of a highly competitive global economy.

Our Vision Our vision for the eastern

counties of North Carolina is a highly skilled workforce with an Educational attainment level that

meets the needs of the 21st Century workplace, so that local

firms can compete in a technologically

enhanced global economy.

Value Added We add economic value to our communities by ensuring that quality education, job training and employment opportunities are available for job training seekers and employers alike,

thereby improving the quality of life for our citizens throughout

Eastern North Carolina.


Board of Directors, Chief Elected Officials & Staff

Carteret County:

Mike Kraszeski, Atlantic Veneer, Vice President

Myles Stempin, Carteret Co. Economic Development,

Executive Director

Dwayne Oglesby, Fleet Readiness Center East,

Organization & Workforce Planner & Analyst

Paula Dickson, Coastal Community Action Inc.,

Executive Director

Craven County:

Julian Marsh, New Bern Housing Authority, Executive Director

Bill Green, Business Services, Branch Banking & Trust Co.

(BB&T), Vice President

Ronald Knight, Communications Workers of

America

Duplin County:

Alex Asbun, Vidant Duplin Hospital, Director of Health Care

Programs

Dr. Lawrence Rouse, James Sprunt Community College,

President

Al Searles, Murphy Brown, LLC. - Vice President, Transportation

Greene County:

Angela Bates, Greene Lamp, Inc., Executive Director

Judy Darden, Darden Bookkeeping, Owner

Jones County:

Frank Emory, Emory Construction, Owner

Thelma Simmons, Jones County DSS, Executive Director

Dr. Norma Sermon-Boyd, Jones County Partnership for Children,

Director

Lenoir County:

Dr. Brantley Briley, Lenoir Community College, President

Bruce Parson, Blind Shop, Owner

Keith Montgomery, West Pharmaceutical, HR Manager

Onslow County:

Don Harris, Stanadyne Diesel, Retired

Ralph Leeds, Division of Workforce Solutions, Manager

Pamlico County:

Wayne Brackin, Tideland EMC, Job Training & Safety Director

Carla Byrnes, B & B Yacht Designs, Owner

Jason Hannah, Hannah

Service Center, Owner

Wayne County:

Fletcher Bizzell, Excel-Linde, Human Resource & Safety

Manager

Gerald Jones, Southco Distributing Co., HR Director

EASTERN CAROLINA

JOB TRAINING CONSORTIUM

CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIALS

Commissioner Terry Frank, Carteret County

Commissioner Jeff Taylor, Craven County

Commissioner Tim Smith, Duplin County

Commissioner Jack Edmondson, Greene County

Commissioner Joseph Wiggins, Jones County

Commissioner Roland Best, Lenoir County

Commissioner Jack Bright, Onslow County

Commissioner Christine Mele, Pamlico County

Commissioner Bill Pate, Wayne County

EASTERN CAROLINA WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT BOARD, INC.

MANAGEMENT STAFF

From Left to Right:

Trina Hale, Accounting Technician, Debbie Simpkins,

Fiscal Monitor Robert Kehres, Assistant Director.

Tammy Childers, Executive Director, Lisa Harvey, WIA

Coordinator

Not Pictured: Anita Bradley, Administrative Assistant;

Carol Barron, Program Assistant

To the Board of Directors:

We would like to express our sincerest appreciation for your

dedication to our organization and the community. Our vision is about

providing hope in finding employment and creating a place where our

future children can find meaningful employment. Your efforts play a

huge part in making that vision come to life. The commitment you put

into improving the Eastern Carolina workforce is more than an

investment in time, it is an investment into the people of our

community.

“Teamwork divides the task and mulitiplies the

success.”

2013-2014 Board of Directors


Sources: emsi www.economicmodeling.com

Occupational Outlook


Our Region

(Unadjusted)

July 1, 2013 Population Estimates

County Carteret 70,101

Craven 104,283

Duplin 60,453

Greene 21,059

Jones 10,529

Lenoir 59,106

Onslow 197,742

Pamlico 13,071

Wayne 125,656

Grand Total 661,965

Source: North Carolina State Demographics

Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.

Source: LEAD: Demand Drive Data Delivery System

Source: LEAD: Demand Drive Data Delivery System


ECWDB Organizational Chart

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Local Workforce Development System

Grant Recipient for WIA Title I

(Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth)

Funds – FISCAL LIABILITY

Has been designated by the Consortium to

receive the WIA Title I Funds –

ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITY/FISCAL

AGENT

MANAGEMENT

LEVEL

AND

ADMINISTRATION

ACCOUNTABILITY AND LIABILITY

POLICY AND GOVERNANCE

PLANNING

AND

ACTION LEVEL


About ECWDB

The Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board (ECWDB) is a non-profit organization located in New Bern, North Carolina. It is the designated administrative/fiscal agent for the Federal and State workforce development funds appropriated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to operate employment and training services in a nine county local area. A twenty-eight member board of directors governs the ECWDB in partnership with the local elected officials.

The ECWDB contracts its programs with reputable organizations throughout the nine counties who provide services in local Career Centers serving both the job/training seeker and the employer populations. Members of the ECWDB are appointed by the elected officials of their respective counties in accordance with criteria established by the Governor.

ECWDB membership includes representatives from business and industry, education agencies, economic development agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and labor organizations. Membership is drawn from individuals who have optimum policy-making authority from their organization.

The ECWDB's role is to ensure that the local workforce development system is business-driven and responsive to meeting the employment and training needs of both job seekers and employers.

The ECWDB:

coordinates rapid response meetings with employers who are downsizing or facing a plant closure

serves as a point of contact for business, industry and the public sector to identify solutions that address their workforce needs

promotes strategies to encourage life-long learning and improve workplace skills

assists in the development of new training programs to benefit the region's workforce

conducts planning, oversight and evaluation of local workforce development programs to include the Career Center system

offers advice regarding workforce policy and programs to local elected officials, employers, education and employment agencies, and citizens

coordinates with economic development efforts to promote the region's availability of qualified workers

reviews local agency plans and grant applications for workforce development to ensure coordination of services


On-the-Job Training (OJT)

On-the-Job training (OJT) provides the ideal opportunity to fill an employer’s hiring need and provide a skilled worker with a job. Employers are reimbursed for up to 90 percent of the wages for the OJT training to compensate for training costs. This allows employers to help their business save money while turning skilled workers into valuable productive employees. During their first year of operation, EDSI successfully developed 14 contracts for OJT services.

Benefits of OJT programs for Employers:

Employers are reimbursed for the employee’s wages for a

pre-determined time period to offset the cost of training the

employee and recoup some of the lost costs associated with hiring

Employers design the training plan specific to the company’s

requirements

Employers retain the ability to make the final selection in the

hiring process

Skill gap analysis allows the employer to identify the specific

training required based on real data

Benefits to the Employee (Client)

Clients learn directly from experienced employees how to

perform the job specific to the employer’s requirements

Employees earn while they learn, allowing them to continue to

meet their financial obligations

Employees are provided with monthly feedback on performance

Employees can expect to continue with the full-time position after

the training period and, in some cases, may receive an increase in

salary

Coastal Carolina Community College, EDSI, and Greene lamp, Inc., partnered with the following employers who made a positive difference in the lives of job seekers served through the OJT programs.

Anderson Plumbing

BSH Home Appliances, Inc.

City of Kinson

Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro

Haja Mfg, Inc.

Kixx Outfitters

National Salvage and Services

North State Steel, Inc.

Wayne Wallace Insurance

West Pharmaceutical Services


PY 2013-2014 Training Programs Sponsored by WIA

Training Programs are instrumental in providing employers with a workforce ready to be hired. Participants enrolled in the community college programs below were issued training vouchers and were able to learn valuable in-demand skills to increase their opportunity for employment. Through Individual Training Accounts, funding assistance for items such as participant registration, tuition, textbooks, instructional materials, required fees, and required supplies was made available to assist participants with the opportunity to reach career goals they might not have been able to obtain otherwise.

Accounting

Agribusiness

Associate Degree Nursing

Automotive Systems Technology

Aviation Systems

Biotechnology

Business Administration

CE - Computer Bootcamp

CE– EKG Tech

CE - Medication Aide

CE -Paramedic

CE– Payroll Clerk

CMAA

Computer Programming

Construction

Criminal Justice

Culinary Arts

Dental Assisting

Early Childhood

Electrical/Electronics

Electroneurodiagnosis

Electronics Engineering Technology

Emergency Medical Science

Environmental Science

Forklift Operator

Global Logistics

Graphic Arts

Health Information Technology

Healthcare Management Tech

Horticulture

Hospitality Management

Human Services

HVAC

Industrial Systems

Machining Technology

Manufacturing Technology

Mechanical Engineering

Medical Assisting

Medical Billing/ Coding Certificate

Medical Lab Technology

Medical Office Administration

Networking Technology

Nursing Assistant

Office Administration

OJT

Paralegal

Partnership East

Pharmacy Technology

Phlebotomy

Physical Therapy

Polysomnography

Practical Nursing

Radiography

Respiratory Therapy

Sterile Processing

Surgical Technology

Truck Driver Training

Turfgrass Management

Veterinary Assistant

Web Technology

Welding Technology

Work Experience Training

The Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board, Inc., extends a special thank you and recognition to the following WIA Service Providers who provided quality career planning, counseling services, and training opportunities for Eastern Carolina’s Adult and Dislocated Worker WIA participants:

Carteret Community College

Coastal Carolina Community College

EDSI

Greene Lamp, Inc.

James Sprunt Community College

Lenoir Community College

Pamlico Community College

Wayne Community College


About ECWDB

Core Beliefs

The Board is accountable for providing leadership in building & maintaining a quality workforce delivery system.

The development of a strong economy for NC depends upon having a supply of educated & well-trained workers who possess the skills needed to make NC’s business & industry globally competitive.

Public institutions and public resources play a critical role in the development of an educated, well-trained workforce.

Improvements to the NC workforce development delivery system must focus on the needs of job seekers and be based on factual, relevant & timely data.

The Career Center System is the primary portal that directs job seekers to employment & training, provides business services to employers & links those seeking employment with those seeking to hire.

NC workers and the workforce development system must adapt quickly to the demands of the 21st Century economy and embrace continuous learning.

The North Carolina Workforce Development Delivery System includes all agencies and organizations involved in increasing the quantity and quality of workers in North Carolina, improving worker access to jobs and increasing worker access to information about the availability of jobs and training opportunities.

**Adopted by the NC Commission on Workforce Development

Key Strategies

Engage business and community leaders in addressing workforce issues and promote strategies to improve education levels and basic workplace skills.

Strengthen alliances with economic development to identify and address the workforce needs of current and future industries.

Implement a community awareness plan that promotes education, life-long learning and the workforce development services available for job-seekers and employers.

Identify and implement effective employment and training strategies that result in employment opportunities for all citizens.

To establish an accountability system that builds the capacity of the Workforce Development Board and staff.


North Carolina’s Work Ready Communities Program

Over 150 businesses across the region already have

committed to using the CRC for recruitment or

promotions.

Work Ready Communities was first launched in Georgia and Oklahoma

more than five years ago, as a program administered by the states to

encourage communities to increase the employment opportunities of their

workforce by meeting high school graduation and Career Readiness

Certificate benchmarks. After two years of planning, in November 2011, the

Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board, in partnership with North

Carolina’s Eastern Region, North Carolina’s Community College System,

North Carolina’s Rural Center, and Corporation of Enterprise Development

launched a pilot program, based on earlier research and customization of

Work Ready goals to North Carolina standards.

The pilot was to assess and award communities that meet Work Ready goals,

evaluate the standards for certification, motivate rural county

participation, and introduce Work Ready Communities to employers. The

success of this program was the synergy of efforts between 11 local

community colleges, 13 county school systems, the region’s economic

development agencies, three workforce development boards, over 150

businesses, and other regional, state, and local leaders. As a result, the

successful pilot is now being implemented statewide under NCWorks.

The benefits of the Work Ready Community certification extend to employers, students, job seekers, and across

communities. As job seekers earn CRCs and demonstrate their employment skills, employers win with productive and

committed employees.

To help citizens prepare to take the CRC, the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board has continued its support of

the Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) for Work Keys. The internet-based WIN instructional courseware helps build

workplace skills and prepare individuals for the ACTS WorkKeys assessments at no cost to the individual. Since 2005, over

11,700 students and adults have been enrolled into the WIN program. The board staff has trained over 400 teachers,

counselors, and community organizations, and staff to serve as adminstrators for the WIN system.

Certificates

Issued

Carteret

County

Craven

County

Duplin

County

Greene

County

Jones

County

Lenoir

County

Onslow

County

Pamlico

County

Wayne

County

Grand

Total

Bronze 286 688 7522 537 133 1785 866 141 3711 15669

Silver 856 2367 1531 800 273 3321 2447 393 8496 20484

Gold 311 948 372 149 70 715 844 143 2226 5778

Total 1453 4003 2655 1486 476 5821 4157 677 14433 35161

Career Readiness Certificates issued by Eastern Carolina Local Area by County


Youth Success Stories

Sheldonte Hall

S heldonte Hall entered the WIA In-School Youth Program during his sophomore year, November 2011. He entered as a very shy young man with no work experience and was deficient in basic skill goals in Reading and Math.

During his tenure in the program, Sheldonte was a very active participant. He preferred working as a maintenance helper during his first work experience. He received outstanding evaluations from his supervisor. The case manager coaxed him into taking a work experience that was a little out of his comfort zone as tour

guide at the Tryon Palace during the summer of 2014. He ended the summer providing tour information to literally hundreds of people this summer. He guided young and old throughout the History Center at the Palace inspiring enthusiasm and interest among his wards. He received his high school diploma in June and will enter Craven Community College during their winter session. While in our program he also attained his basic skill goal in Reading in just one academic year. His participation in the WIA program has helped his self-confidence, attain basic goals, attain a diploma and gain valuable work experience.

Alexis Prichard

A lexis is a junior at East Carteret High School and always makes the honor roll or principal’s list while pursuing classes that will allow her to enter a four year college upon graduation in 2016. At East Carteret High School, Alexis has personally recruited five classmates into the WIA

Youth program. She is an avid spokesperson for the benefits of WIA for high school youth. Since enrolling in WIA, she has attended three local leadership activities. At Camp Don Lee, she received training in teamwork and decision making. At the December 2013 Business Lunch and Awards ceremony, she received training in job attitude and work skills. She also attended the Youth Summit in April, sponsored by the ECWDB, where she received training in entrepreneurship. In addition, in March, Alexis traveled to Greensboro to attend the State Youth Summit. Alexis says that attending the State Youth Summit was one of

the most positive and impressive experiences she has had, since beginning high school. Alexis completed a paid work experience this summer. Because of her maturity, dependability and positivity, she was assigned to work at the central office of Carteret County Schools. She completed tasks for the Finance Department, Human Resources Department and the Office of the Superintendent, Dan Novey. She often worked the front desk and switchboard and always greeted the public in a professional manner. Her smile and upbeat attitude puts folks at ease. She is always willing to work with all individuals, regardless of background. The Central Office staff has asked that Alexis return to them next summer, if possible.

Alexis also earned a Silver Career Readiness Certificate on June 11, during a Workplace Skills Training Day.

Henry Hill

H enry entered the program in November of 2013 and has struggled with school all of his life both in the areas of academics and behavior. Many of the faculty wondered if he would ever graduate. Almost immediately after his registration, his case manager realized that he didn't have all the

classes that he needed to graduate. Now, not only did he have a full load, but two additional APEX courses were added so that he could attain his goal of graduating in June of 2014. Knowing that the months prior to graduation would not be easy, and through ongoing counseling and encouragement, he kept his eyes fixed on the prize.

The tipping point event for Henry took place in December 2013. Henry was greatly impacted by our literacy community service project. He was in the group that worked with the EC SCEC, (students with multiple disabilites), at the high school. In our de-brief after, he commented that he had come to school with a bad attitude, but after working with those students, he felt so much better and knew he could turn things around.

Henry did turn things around. He met and exceeded his education goals raising his TABE scores significantly. He graduated with

his class in June and is now working at MCAS New River installing floors. Henry truly represents what is possible from self-

determination and the services provided to WIA In-School students, turning impossible into possible!


Youth Success Stories

Symone Brooks

S ymone Brooks was one of the first participants enrolled in the Jones County WIA In-School Youth Program. She was very quiet and reserved, however, it didn't take long to realize that she possessed attributes of a strong leader that just needed an opportunity to "shine".

This was first exhibited at our leadership event at Camp Don-Lee in the fall of 2013. The events were designed for team-building and Symone immediately exhibited leadership skills as she encouraged her peers to tackle the problem at hand and come up with a solution. Her leadership skills were also exhibited as she led one of five smaller groups for the Pre-K Literacy Project in the Jones County Elementary Schools. She was responsible for effectively organizing and implementing

both a presentation of a book by Eric Carle and an art project to a Pre-K class. Symone also participated in both the NC Youth Leadership Event in Greensboro and the Leadership Event in Raleigh. She has also been nominated to lead our Y.E.L.L Club this year. Symone's greatest leadership has been evident in recruiting other students for the program. In spite of personal obstacles and challenges in her family, she has chosen to live into the promise of the possibilities that are ahead and shares her WIA story as often as possible. She truly reflects the purpose and passion of the WIA program here at Jones Senior High.

Deandre Carter

D eandre Carter is a senior at East Carteret High School and will graduate in June 2015. Deandre always makes the Honor Roll or Principal’s List and when he graduates in June, he will have fulfilled the requirements that allow him to enter a four year college, if he chooses.

Deandre entered WIA in November 2013. He participated in the December 2013 Business Lunch and Awards Ceremony. He also participated in the Youth Summit in April 2014, sponsored by the ECWDB. At the June 11 Training Day, sponsored by Carteret County Schools, he earned a Silver Career Readiness Certificate. All of the above activities assisted Deandre in developing appropriate workplace skills. Deandre also possesses

excellent “soft skills,” working well with others, both supervisors and co-workers.

This summer, Deandre completed a successful work experience at Beaufort Middle School, with their custodial staff. The custodial staff at the school was shorthanded this summer when a custodian retired at the end of the school year, and Deandre was able to fill that void. Deandre was present every day for work and always called in to let staff know if he was running late due to an unexpected emergency. He accepted every task assigned to him without complaining. He always completed assigned tasks thoroughly and usually ahead of schedule. Deandre’s supervisor, Greg Guthrie, principal, had nothing but positive statements about him and his work ethic. He would gladly have Deandre work at his school again and is more than willing to give Deandre a good reference for future employment.

Deandre also participated in East Carteret Ten80 racing challenge team. He attended all after school meetings and the May 2014

field trip to Charlotte. Because of his participation in the Ten80 Race Team, he has developed a keen interest in cars and mechanics.

He will be developing his Senior Project around the Ten80 race car and with the Ten80 teacher, Jonathan Barnes, as his mentor, he

will be developing physics experiments to assist the Team in building a better faster race car. Because of the Ten80 experience, he is

leaning towards a career that involves mechanics or engineering.

2014 Annual Banquet


North Carolina’s Work Ready Communities Program

Highlights

WORKREADY Communities in partnership with

WWW.CRCNC.ORG

Communities can earn the WorkReady designation by meeting certain criteria. In order to achieve the designation, the community must have:

1. A letter of commitment to workforce excellence from 3 county leaders.

2. An increase in the high school graduation rate of 1%, with a minimum qualifying rate of 70% and annual progress toward the goal of 80%.

3. 2% increase in the number of Career Readiness Certificates issued to the total labor force with a minimum rate of 5% and annual progress toward a goal of 25%.

4. 10 of the top 20 largest employers committed to excellence in workforce by written notification that they prefer or require the Career Readiness Certificate for recruitment and hiring.

We would like to congratulate the following counties for demonstrating their commitment to workforce excellence and earning the designation as certified WorkReady Communities:

Wayne County– certified February 20, 2013

Lenoir County– certified June 17, 2013

Craven County- certified January 6, 2014

Onslow County– certified August 11, 2014


Eastern Carolina Career Center System

Under the Workforce Investment Act and North Carolina

General Statute 143B, the ECWDB is responsible for

coordinating and aligning workforce development services and

strategies that meet local and regional workforce and economic

needs. This is accomplished, in part, by the ECWDB carrying out

its responsibility of developing and overseeing the local One

-Stop Career Center system [currently known as JobLink Career

Centers] in its local area.

In these Career Centers, local workforce development

professionals from various partner agencies work together to

provide the best service for all customers. By offering a wide

range of service options from self-service to full-service, Career

Centers offer comprehensive training and employment services to

both job seekers and employers alike.

Across the region, Career Center staff and partners have

worked together to create customer friendly facilities which

provide job seekers, training seekers and employers access to the

highest quality of employment and training services available all

under one roof. The goal of each Center is to offer a more

convenient, efficient and effective way for customers to look for

a new or better job, and for employers to find the skilled

workforce that they need for today’s competitive, global

economy.

CAREER CENTER LOCATIONS:

Carteret County Career Center

Hosted by: NC Division of Workforce Solutions

Morehead City

Craven County Career Center


New Bern

Duplin County Career Center


Kenansville

Greene County Career Center

Hosted by: Lenoir Community College

Snow Hill

Jones County Career Center


Trenton

Lenoir County Career Center


Kinston

Onslow County Career Center


Jacksonville

Pamlico County Career Center

Hosted by: Pamlico Community College

Bayboro

Wayne County Career Center

Hosted by: NC Division of Workforce Solutions Goldsboro

Total number of Services Provided to Individuals

346,964

Total number of internal Job referrals

76,084 Source: ncworks.gov

Career Center Customers Served as Reported in NCWORKS.gov

Active 07/01/2013-06/30/2014

Office Total

Carteret County Career Center

3,134

Craven County Career Center

7,764

Duplin County Career Center

5,730

Kinston Employment Office

7,091

Lenoir County Career Center

672

Onslow County Career Center

8,417

* Pamlico County Career Center

156

Wayne County Career 8,068

Total Customers Served 41,032


T h e E C W D B

recognizes that

STEM fields –

S c i e n c e ,

T e c h n o l o g y ,

Engineering, and

Mathematics – are

the foundation of

both the current

economy and the

kno wled ge -b ased ,

innovative global economy that is expected

to provide the high-quality jobs of the

future. A recent study found that

employers want both entry-level and

managerial workers to have the types of

problem-solving and teamwork skills that

the study of STEM can develop. The

innovative workforce of the future will

collaborate to create new products,

services, and industries. Therefore, there

is a growing consensus that the majority of

workers must have a solid foundation in

STEM to be productive. The knowledge of

STEM fields is also valuable in everyday

life – for making good decisions about

issues such as medical choices, recycling,

energy use, and climate change.

The ECWDB in partnership with Carteret,

Craven, and Onslow County schools

collaborated on the development of an exciting

WIA Youth STEM Pilot. This after school

project known as the Ten80 Student Racing

Challenge was an innovative STEM initiative,

where the participants were involved in a

hands-on work-based learning activity that

exposed them to a variety of STEM related

career pathways. Participants were engaged in

a project that was designed to aid in the

cultivation of basic academic skills, STEM

related vocational exploration, workplace

learning, team-building and leadership skills,

and healthy competition. Participants worked

as a part of a team to design a small electric

race car, name and design their team apparel

and traveled to Charlotte Motor Speedway to

participate in the National Student Racing

Challenge. During this event, which was held

at the NC Research Campus, participants were

able to meet members of other teams

competing in the event. Participants received

advice on design techniques, marketing

strategies, and what it takes to quality for

competition. In addition, the participants had

the honor of listening to Dr. Bernard Harris,

the first African American to walk on space.

Youth Activities

On May 29th, 2014, student leaders from t h e J o n e s Senior High WIA program h a d t h e

opportunity visit Raleigh NC and meet their state representatives. While in Raleigh, the group of students were able to tour the

Natural History Museum, the NC History Museum, and the Capitol Building.

The highlight of the day was when the students met their state representatives. NC House Representative Pat McElraft invited the group to sit in the gallery during the second daily session for NC House in the Legislative Building. The session provided an excellent learning experience allowing the students to hear the bills presented for

consideration and see their representative in action.

Program Coordinator Diane LeBlanc strives to provide learning opportunities like this to empower and encourage her students. “ I encourage the 40 students in my program to shoot for the moon,” says LeBlanc, “because even if they miss, they will still be among the stars”.

Eastern North Carolina Workforce Development Board hosted the Youth Summit on Thursday April 3rd 2014 at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. 118 youth attended the summit which was based on ABC’s critically acclaimed show, Shark Tank. The business- themed show features budding entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to multimillionaire business tycoons in hopes of securing investment deals and growing their businesses. Like in Shark Tank, youth presented their business ideas to Shark Tank judges “sharks”. The top three presentations received prizes and all participants received lunch provided by

Famous Subs.

The youth were split into five groups “businesses”: auto repair, fashion/hair, restaurant, pet shop/grooming, and construction; and given 2 ½ hours to develop their presentation. During group time, each group was split into four “departments” to focus on key areas of their “business” relating to target market, competition, slogan, and product/pricing. Case Managers worked with each “department” to help facilitate the presentations.

The 4 judges a.k.a “sharks” asked questions and rated the presentations on

u n i q u e n e s s , defining the target market, identifying the competi t ion, s l o g a n , p r o d u c t / pricing method, and overall quality of the presentation. The best part about the event was seeing the creativity and participation from the youth. Each group worked together to create unique business ideas ranging from a delivery restaurant chain to an exotic animal pet shop.

Preparing Youth for the STEM Workforce-Collaborate. Create. Compete.

2014 Eastern Carolina Youth Council Youth Summit Teaches Youth About Entrepreneurship “Shark Tank” Style.

Jones Senior High Student Leaders Meet Representatives in Raleigh


WIA Youth Services

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Services Program seeks to assist eligible youth in achieving academic and employment success through effective and comprehensive activities. The program emphasizes the long-term development of youth by expanding upon successful youth development programs.

Youth Programs serve eligible low-income youth between the ages of 16-21 who face barriers to employment, including those who have deficiencies in basic skills or meet one or more of these criteria: homeless, a runaway, pregnant, parenting, an offender, school dropout, or a foster child. The programs also serve youth with disabilities and others who may require additional assistance to complete an educational program to secure and hold employment. This can be done either through the program itself or through program partners.

Under WIA, comprehensive youth services consist of ten program elements. These include:

1. Tutoring, study skills training, drop out prevention strategies

2. Alternative secondary school offerings

3. Summer employment opportunities linked to academic and occupational learning

4. Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing

5. Occupational skill training

6. Leadership development opportunities

7. Supportive Services

8. Adult mentoring for at least 12 months

9. Follow-up services

10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling

Our Youth Programs improve educational achievement through tutoring, study skills training, instruction leading to secondary school completion; dropout prevention strategies; and alternative secondary school choices. They also prepare for employment success with summer employment opportunities, paid and unpaid work experience, job shadowing and informational interviews.

From the Eastern Carolina

Youth Council Chairperson:

As the Chairperson of the

Eastern Carolina Workforce

Development Board’s Youth

Council, I would just like to

express how proud I am of our

Youth programs. I have long

been committed to the premise

that our programs have to be

more than a cookie cutter,

institutional response to the

needs of our young people.

We need vibrant new outlooks

and activities that can engage

the minds and hearts of our

young people. If you are

running a youth program,

please, jump out of the box – be

creative. Ask the youth what

they enjoy and then make it an

activity. No idea is crazy – it

may just need refining! If you

are a teen – we are ready to

listen to YOU.

We invite you to sit on the

Council with us and tell us your

thoughts and ideas.

~ Carla Byrnes,

Youth Council Chair

Thank You to the following Youth Service Providers who made a positive difference in the lives of Youth served through the local Workforce Investment Act programs.

Carteret County Schools Craven County Schools Greene County Schools

Greene Lamp, Inc. Jones County Schools Lenoir Community College

Onslow County Schools Duplin County Schools Lenoir County Schools


Successful businesses are the true measures of success for our local Career Center System. In order for our region to remain competitive and attract good jobs, we must ensure that our workforce system delivers quality job candidates with the right skill sets that the employer is seeking within his company. To that end, Career Centers offer a variety of services to businesses that are uniquely tailored to the employer’s needs.

Services for Businesses:

Tax Credit and Hiring Incentive

Research Materials on Labor Trends and Industry Trends

Screening and Interviewing of Job Candidates

Skills Testing of Job Candidates

Employee Recruitment

Employee Retention

Job Listings - Post your job openings with us

Rapid Response in the case of business layoffs or plant closings

Dislocated Worker Services

Access to Training Programs for Your Employees

Custom Designed Training

Specialized Employer Workshops

Workplace Literacy Training

Youth Services and Outreach

Job Profiling

NC Career Readiness Certificates

Through local Career Centers, job-seekers benefit from better coordination of programs and services to ensure access to a seamless system of workforce investment services. Some customers may be job ready and referred quickly to an employer. Others may need additional career planning services, such as staff assistance with resume preparation, career planning, job search, or referral to training. All of these services are available in each of the Centers in order to help the customer land a good job.

Services for Job-Seekers:

Skills Assessments

Job Search Assistance

Resume Preparation

Specialized Job-Seekers Workshops

Job Listings

Career Planning and Development

NC Career Readiness Certificates

Connection to High School Completion and GED

Occupational Skills Training

Literacy Skills

Unemployment Claims

Job Search and Life Skills Classes

Support Services

On-the-Job training

Work Experience

Skill upgrading and retraining

Career Center Services


Career Center Highlights

Onslow County JobLink Career Center Held Fourth Annual Veteran Stand Down

More than 100 veterans attended the Veteran Stand Down and Outreach Event on February 4, 2014. The Onslow County Career Center hosted the event which offered hot showers, meals, toiletries, clothing and a variety of resources to help the veterans get back on track. Veterans were required to speak with at least 15 organizations at the event in order to be eligible for the comfort goods.

Over 50 Organizations attended the event including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Semper Fi Fund, and Coastal Carolina Community College.

Veterans received help checking on their claims status, enrolling for care and becoming members for the many veteran service organizations present. Coastal Carolina Community

College provided dental services while other medical organizations provided blood pressure screenings.

Kelley Hamilton, the coordinator of the event, said she wished that more veterans would’ve come to the stand down and learn about the resources available to help them.

“It’s a one-stop shop for veterans to come and see the available resources that are out there,” she said. “It also helps us identify the homeless vets so we can do our best to help them get off of the streets.”

48-year-old Marine Corps veteran, Parnell Pollack hopes the resources made available to him will help him find a job and get the disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs that he believes he deserves. Financial hardship has prevented Pollack from reaching his full potential, and he believes his life will become easier after receiving his compensation.

If it weren’t for events like the stand down, Pollack said, he doesn’t know where he would turn for help. “There’s people worse off than I am,” he said. “I didn’t come here for the stuff they were giving away. I came here for the information. The positive feedback here has been the best part for me. It makes me hopeful that I can overcome the issues in my life.”

54-year-old Ramon Torres is one veteran who said he will never miss another stand down. Torres was homeless when he first moved to Jacksonville. Because of the Onslow County Career Center, he said he now has a job, a place to live and more importantly, a purpose.

“If it wasn’t for all of these services, I’d probably still be living behind the Greyhound station,” Torres said. “It’s awesome the way they take care of us. Nobody should miss events like this.”

Source: www.jdnews.com

Lenoir Community College Job Fair

The Lenoir County Career Center sponsored the Lenoir Community College job fair held on March 12, 2014 in the LCC student center. Over 1200 jobseekers attended the job fair to learn about career opportunities from the various employeers participating in the event.

The employer list contained 90 employers including the Department of Juvenile /Adult Corrections, East Carolina University, Lenoir Memorial Hospital, and Greensboro Fire Department

The fair connects the employers and jobseekers. Through the job fair, jobseekers can learn about career opportunites in the area and employers can find employees to meet their needs.


Linda Loftin

L inda returned to Lenoir Community College to complete her degree after 25 years. She enrolled in the WIA Adult Program. WIA assisted her with books and tuition. At that time, her youngest child was in high school and her three older children were living on

their own. Things were looking bright for her at LCC, but one month later things outside of school was getting hard for her and she wanted to quit. While still dealing with a painful separation, her world took another turn that she didn't see coming. Serious issues were rising in her family. Her home life was turned upside down and it was a battle ground everyday. Life as she knew it was gone. Her life was consumed with pain, stress, and uncertainity. Focusing on school work was extremely hard but she knew she had to keep moving forward. With help and assistance from WIA, Linda completed her Associated in Applied Science Degree in Business Adminstration at Lenoir Community College on May 9, 2014.

Linda is employed as a Customer Service Expert at JC Penney in Goldsboro.

Erica Hart

E rica Hart was dislocated from Electrolux where she was hired through a temporary company in August 2012. She was diligently job seeking and utilizing the services offered in the Lenoir County Career Center.

She took the CRC in September and obtained a Silver Certificate to assist in her employment search. Erica met with a WIA Career Advisor and after reviewing and discussing her interest and ability profiles, began developing her career goals.

Erica really wanted a job at Spirit Aerospace in Kinston. She is a single parent of four children and needed a steady income to provide for her family. WIA assisted Erica in taking the Aerospace Manufacturing course offered to increase her opportunities to obtain a job with Spirit Aerospace. She also completed the Aerospace Sheet Metal Course. Erica loved her courses.

She called her WIA career advisor weekly to discuss new things that she had learned in class. Erica also took FDIC Money Smart Course to assist her with balancing her finances. During the end of her training, her father (being her backup support) was hospitalized leaving her to find alternative means when public schools were closed during snow days. She now assisted with his care as well as completing her Work Experience.

Erica had to go to extra measures to balance childcare, working in her church community and keeping her children involved in wholesome activities. She worked hard to meet her goals.

Erica works at Spirit Aeorospace as a Composite Tech. She uses specialized tools and training to assemble composite metals.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a

lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will

~ Vince Lombardi

WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Success Stories


Outstanding Workforce Development Employer

B SH Home Appliances Corporation expanded its activities in North America in 1996 with the groundbreaking of the Dishwasher factory. Production began in the spring of 1997. In 2002, the Cooking Products factory building was completed and production began in the spring of 2003. In 2004 BSH expanded the dishwashing factory by an additional

100,000 square feet and in 2008 announced the production of an entirely new dishwasher line. In 2005, the Central Distribution Center for North America was constructed in the Craven County Industrial park. These expansions have created many jobs in the local community. Currently there are over 1,000 employees working at two New Bern locations. Over 100 new associates have been hired in the first three quarters of 2014.

BSH is actively involved in New Bern’s community. They participate in local job fairs throughout the surrounding areas. Through their partnership with Craven Community College, there is a dedicated building on the New Bern campus of the college named Bosch and Siemens Advanced Manufacturing Center, which provides state-of-the-art training in manufacturing methods and processes to support BSH Home Appliances Corporation and other industrial employers. BSH is a sponsor of Craven County’s Partners in Education (PIE) program, which partners with area educators, businesses, individuals, and community leaders to develop quality programs to benefit local students and teachers.

BSH also has in place a paid three-year apprenticeship training program. Using the company’s German apprentice program as a model, it includes college classes at Craven Community College and on the job training. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice receives an Associate’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology from Craven Community College and certificates from the North Carolina Department of Labor and The U. S. Department of Labor in Electro-Mechanical Technician and Model Maker. In addition, BSH coordinates cooperative learning opportunities for NC State University and East Carolina University students through their respective engineering programs.

BSH participates in the On-The-Job Training (OJT) through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program and has been a great advocate for the program. Through the OJT program, BSH recently hired displaced workers when a local company that had been in the community for many years closed its doors.

BSH has been a great contributor to the workforce development system, local community and local economy.

BSH Home Appliances Corporation

Your workforce is your most valuable asset. The knowledge and skills they have represent

the fuel that drives the engine of business - and you can leverage that knowledge.

~Harvey Mackay


Pamlico Career Center Sponsors Career Fair

Pamlico Community College held the annual job fair Thursday April 17, 2014 at the college’s Ned Everett Delamar Center. Several employers attended the fair to include: Child Care Connections, Suddenlink Communications, and Twin Rivers Opportunities.

Eric Cedars, Director of Pamlico Community College’s Career Center says the event is so much more than a job fair. In addition to being a venue for prospective employers to chat with prospective employees, it is also a venue for Pamlicoans to talk first hand with representatives from many community service organizations.

Many of these organizations provide services that enhance the possibility and probability for one to become employed and stay employed. For example, some find employment difficult if they have to deal with child care or elder care responsibilities.

Cedars provided guidance for those interested in attending the job fair. He said, “As always, we will have representatives from regional employers who will be interested in meeting face to face with those seeking new job opportunities. Job seekers should come dressed appropriately to impress a prospective employer and have a resume in hand if possible.”

Craven County Hosts First Annual Veterans Stand Down

Despite early morning thunderstorms, about 30 veterans signed in during the first hour of Craven’s

first-ever Craven County Veterans Stand Down at Stanley White Recreation Center in New Bern on

Tuesday June 10, 2014. The event was put on by the Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic

Garden and the Craven Career Center.

“The main purpose is to connect with homeless veterans and do outreach,” said Lovay Wallace-

Singleton, the executive director of the base camp and organic garden group. “But, it has come to

mean so much more. It is a way of veterans’ organizations connecting with civic organizations. It is

also a way for certain nonprofit organizations that are assisting veterans to use a one-stop forum in

order to service those veterans and find out what the local needs are.”

For some vets like Kenneth Carter of Beaufort, the Stand Down provided hope that the homeless Army vet might find a permanent

place to live.“I’m looking for information on benefits,” said Carter.“Right now, I’m homeless,” he said, adding that he stays “here

and there and with friends and such.” Through the Veterans Stand Down, Carter was able to talk with representatives from the

Greenville Office of Veterans Administration Homeless Vets program.

Many of the veterans who made their way around the various sites were like Jeff Padrick of Grantsboro. He is an Army vet from the

early to mid-1980s who is employed, but looking for possibilities about veterans’ benefits. Padrick has had his share of bad luck,

working 11 years at Hatteras Yachts before being laid off. He lived on unemployment, went back to school and got a degree and now

works on airplanes for Tradewinds Aviation in New Bern.

Groups on hand at the event, housed under tents included the Craven Veterans Council; DAV Chapter 40 of Craven County; local

American Legion and VFW posts; a black veterans group; Vietnam Veterans of America; the Division of Workforce Solutions; the

Military Officers Association; and Military Missions in Action. The Military Missions group out of Fuquay-Varina is currently

building a Heroes Home in Pamlico County for a disabled veteran and his family.

Also on hand was Richard Hansen, the disabled veteran outreach program specialist with the Craven Career Center, along with

veteran employment supervisor Reeshema Walker.

Source: www.newbernsj.com

Career Center Highlights

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2014 Governor’s Awards

Transportation Impact, LLC is a privately held parcel spend management firm located in Emerald Isle, NC. Founded in June 2008 by Keith Byrd and Travis Burt, the company helps clients that annually spend $200,000 or more on commercial parcel shipping services reduce those costs through small package negotiation and parcel auditing services. As evidenced by its rank of No. 547 on the 2013 Inc. 5000 list, Transportation Impact is one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

Transportation Impact has positively contributed to the local and state economy and improved workforce employment and training opportunities specifically by providing opportunities for women and young professionals to enter and learn corporate and business principles from the ground level.

Employing a workforce comprised mainly of Carteret County and North Carolina residents, the company provides above-average compensation relative to the surrounding state and community rates and provides its employees with a platform for growth within the organization, which enhances job retention rates.

Employees receive generous benefits including profit sharing, 401(k) match, pension, and others. On-the-job training enables Transportation Impact employees to learn and understand necessary components such as organization, time management, professional communication, character, responsibility and community involvement, enabling them to be more well-rounded and successful at every level and in all facets of today's competitive business landscape.

Transportation Impact also places emphasis on quality of life for its employees, offering generous benefits and a "promote from within" internal promotional structure. Its employees are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns for making the company and community better, and individual accomplishments are always acknowledged and often rewarded through additional compensation and via other non-monetary means.

Their dedication to the region's workforce development system is further demonstrated by the company’s commitment to offering employment opportunities to women, by providing intern opportunities to college students, and by making need-based scholarships available to youth. Women currently comprise 47% of the company’s current workforce. Intern positions are available each year that give youth valuable hands-on business experience. These experiences become a vital part of the interns’ resumes and give them an advantage in today’s competitive job market.

Transportation Impact and its employees have gone to great lengths to demonstrate the organization's continuing commitment to the workforce development system. As the official 50th Anniversary sponsor of Carteret Community College, they annually offer scholarship awards to deserving, need-based and at-risk community college students and host an annual small business forum designed to help local business owners network and share ideas on how they can improve their respective business operations. They also award annual scholarships to local high school and college students in an effort to provide the state and community youth with the opportunity to achieve a higher education to better prepare themselves for entry into the workforce.

Transportation Impact Outstanding Workforce Development

Employer

Emerald Isle, NC

Carteret Community College

Employee loyalty begins with employer loyalty. Your employees should know that if they do

the job they were hired to do with a reasonable amount of competence and efficiency,

you will support them.

~Harvey Mackay


2014 Governor’s Awards

Josephine Wallace– Koonce Wayne Daves Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce

Development

Kinston, NC

Lenoir Community College

Josephine “Josie” Wallace-Koonce is the 2014 recipient of the Wayne Daves Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development. Josephine is lead instructor and instructional coordinator for the Human Resources Development (HRD) program at Lenoir Community College. Josie is respected by her peers, as well as the students she serves, because of her customer service. She is known for resolving complicated situations with students ranging from the rehabilitation of customers attempting to re-enter the workforce, to students who have barriers to employment such as limited sight or mobility issues.

Josie knows that students have varied degrees of need and often education cannot continue if a more basic need is causing the student concerns. Josie listens to the students, whether they meet in the hallways or in their first day of class. She listens to what they express as their needs and what they would like to gain from the college experience. This allows her to get to know the student in a professional but personal manner and allows her to make recommendations for referrals and services to help remove barriers that hinder the student’s success.

Josie responds to telephone calls in a timely manner, making certain the caller is aware of all the services available to meet their needs. She goes beyond just what the HRD curriculum has to offer. She makes the customer feel that they are important. When problems arise, she assures the customer that she will help them find resources, and she stays engaged with the student until the problem is resolved.

Josie has a smile that is contagious and always has a “thank you” which sets the tone for great customer service.

A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are

dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an

outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is

doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

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