Secretary Keith Crisco today announced two companies and five North Carolinians have received the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development for 2010. The awards honor individuals and businesses for outstanding accomplishments and contributions in helping North Carolina achieve its workforce development goals.
“Our hard-working and highly-skilled workers are the gem of our economic development efforts and they are leading our economic recovery,” said Sec. Crisco. “I congratulate these award winners for their determination, innovation and commitment to helping make our employees the nation’s best.”
The N.C. Commission on Workforce Development recognized these outstanding individuals and businesses as part of the 2010 Workforce Development Partnership Conference in Greensboro. Award recipients are as follows:
William James, Richlands: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Adult Participant. William James came to the Onslow County JobLink Career Center after being laid off with 34 years experience in manufacturing. He wasn’t sure he could compete with younger students, but his hard work paid off. He started training in 2008 and ended in the fall of 2009 with a 3.8 GPA. Now he is permanently employed by Down East Heating and Air.
Bobby Mounts, Liberty: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Adult Participant. Bobby Mounts was a dislocated worker following a tragic downsizing in February 2008. Bobby’s determination led him to the Randolph County JobLink Center in hopes of educational retraining assistance. He enrolled in an Electrical Assistant course offered at Randolph Community College and upon completion of educational retraining and work experience, Bobby transitioned to full-time permanent employment with the Regional Consolidated Services Weatherization program as a Weatherization Technician.
Sheba Boone, Conway: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Youth Participant. Sheba enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program at Roanoke-Chowan Community College, but classes became difficult when her mother became very ill and Sheba took care of her. Sheba enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program which provided her with leadership training, counseling, and work experience. The computer skills she gained led to full-time employment and a pay increase. Sheba plans to graduate from Roanoke-Chowan with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and continue her education at Shaw University.
Charles Lambert, Milton: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Youth Participant. Charles came to the Youth Employment Services Program at Piedmont Community College at a early age, while being constantly challenged by negative influences. Upon turning 18, he enrolled in the GED program at Piedmont Community College. Within three months he had successfully received his GED and within two years he had earned his welding certificate. Charles is now pursuing a Business Administration degree and his next goal is to start his own welding business. He plans to graduate in May 2011.
Jason Chappell, Flat Rock: Wayne Daves Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development. Jason has been a WIA Case Manager at the Henderson County JobLink Career Center, since 2002. In that time, he has distinguished himself as excellent case manager, consistently managing huge caseloads of over 150 clients while delivering superior customer service. Jason’s creativity has helped improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of workforce development services in Henderson County and he has been called upon to train other case managers throughout the region. Jason is a husband, father, deacon at his church and he has served on the county Board of Education and County Commissioners.
Frank Door Company, Newport: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development,Outstanding Employer. Frank Door Company is a premier manufacturer of custom and standard cold storage doors. The Frank Door Fund provides financial assistance of approximately $10,000 annually to Carteret Community College curriculum and continuing education students for small financial needs not covered by other types of assistance. The company provides job-skills training and other professional development opportunities to their employees, including on-site classes. Classes are made available to employees on “company time.”
Preformed Line Products, Albemarle: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development,Outstanding Employer. Preformed Line Products is a worldwide designer, manufacturer and supplier of high-quality cable anchoring and control hardware systems, fiber optic and copper splice closures, and high-speed cross-connect devices. The company offers a tuition reimbursement program for employees seeking training, as well as, on-the-job training opportunities to support employee advancement. Preformed Line allows employees to attend, during company time, seminars and customized training courses offered by Stanly Community College.