Governor Pat McCrory announced that the 2013 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development were presented today to three companies and four North Carolinians. The awards honor individuals and businesses for outstanding accomplishments and contributions in helping North Carolina achieve its workforce development goals.
“I congratulate these award recipients for their determination, innovation and commitment to helping make our employees the nation’s best,” said Governor McCrory. “Our highly skilled workforce is leading our economic recovery.”
The N.C. Commission on Workforce Development recognized these outstanding individuals and businesses as part of the 2013 Workforce Development Partnership Conference in Greensboro.
Award recipients are as follows:
Christina Ledford, Camden: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Adult Participant. Christina attended the College of the Albemarle and was accepted into the Associate Degree in Nursing program. She was also accepted into the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, which combined with the Pell Grant provided tuition and books, transportation, and child care. Having been diagnosed with leukemia, and raising four children, Christina remained upbeat and determined to reach her goals and graduated on the Dean’s List in May of 2013. Christina applied for and was hired by Sentara Health as a night nurse in the advanced heart failure and heart transplant unit.
Amy Arrowood Hensley, Old Fort: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Youth Participant. Amy Hensley visited McDowell JobLink Career Center as part of the Career Start Food & Nutrition Program. While there, she expressed interest in attaining her GED and enrolled in the GED program, where she identified a desire and aptitude for veterinary sciences. She completed her GED, and volunteered for 20 hours of service at the Animal Hospital of Marion and was quickly hired as a result of her passion, intelligence, and commitment to the staff. Upon enrollment into the WIA Older Youth Program, Amy was a very active student taking several courses including Career Planning and Assessment, Workplace Computer Literacy, and Pre-College training. Amy received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in August with a 4.0 grade point average. Amy is extremely goal oriented and was able to overcome academic and economic disadvantages to accomplish her goals.
Brittany Bowman, Sparta: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Youth Participant. Brittany enrolled in the Get REAL Youth Services program at Wilkes Community College in 2008. In 2010, she received an Associate in Arts degree from Wilkes Community College; in May of 2013, Brittany graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree. Her hard work and relentless dedication resulted in her receiving a full-time position as a Social Worker III in Children’s Services with the Alleghany County Department of Social Services (DSS) beginning in May 2013. Brittany confronted many adversities in her efforts, but never stopped actively pursuing her goals.
JoAnn Shepard, Raleigh: Wayne Daves Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development. JoAnn Shepherd is a valued member of the Capital Area Workforce Development System serving JobLink Career Center customers since 2003. Her main duties consist of assisting individuals in the Millbrook JobLink Career Center and helping connect local businesses with Capital Area’s pool of job seekers. Jo Ann is actively engaged in the planning of the Center of Excellence as a member of the Talent Engagement team and assisted the Wake Area Business Council in identifying potential new members. JoAnn is responsible for scheduling and organizing business days, information sessions and workshops, and helps develop targeted leads in support of the WIA program. During the last year, she has also ensured that AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers are given guidance and support.
Time Warner Cable of North Carolina: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Employer. Time Warner Cable (TWC) continues to support North Carolina and its workforce development growth. Through a partnership with the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) apprenticeship program, the company registered its first apprenticeship program in Charlotte to train broadband and network technicians. Not only has the Charlotte operation grown from 7 to 153 professional level technicians, it also inspired the registration of four additional programs in Fayetteville, Wilmington, Morrisville, and Greensboro. Since 2007, the partnership has had tremendous success. Additionally, Time Warner Cable partnered with Wake Technical Community College and the NC Department of Labor to develop a Broadband Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Training Academy. Time Warner Cable was recognized at the USDOL’s 75th anniversary celebration as a 21st Century “Trailblazer or Innovator.”
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist Program, Stanly Community College, Albemarle: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Innovative Partnership. Stanly Community College (SCC) launched a CNC Machinist Certificate program in August of 2012. The SCC Economic Development Division (EDD) was formed, combining the Small Business Center, Customized Training Program, and Business and Industry Program under one roof to address training issues. The newly formed EDD partnered with two companies to build a pool of skilled machinists. Carnes- Miller Gear (CMG) provided classroom space and utilized their equipment for the two-semester program at their facility located in Locust. They donated two employees as instructors for the hands-on training and set up a $5,000 scholarship program for students. Power Stream Industries, Inc. (PSI) provided job shadowing for thirty-two hours of overview training on alternative machining techniques, such as water jet cutting, laser cutting, high definition plasma cutting, Coordinate Measurement Machining (CMM), and Electrical Discharge (EDM), along with two employees as instructors. The CNC Machinist Certificate Program consists of a total of 382 hours of classroom and hands-on training across two semesters. A total of ten seats were available for this new certificate program and all seats were filled within three weeks, with a waiting list of more than 20 students. Classes began on August 13, 2012, and ended on May 3, 2013, with seven students successfully completing the program.