Whether the economy has forced you to switch career fields and start from the bottom, or if it's your first time searching for a job, a lack of training will prohibit your chances.
Goodwill Industries Southern Piedmont is offering four educational training programs to help potential workers get the training they need. According to an article by the Charlotte Observer, the programs offer basic skills employees need to get a job in a specific field.
“To gain an entry-level position, it's very beneficial for someone to have at least minimum hands-on training in their targeted industry,” Bo Hussey, vice president of marketing and communications for Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont, said in the article.
"If someone is trying to change careers and get into any of these fields, they can receive that hands-on training in our programs in addition to job search assistance," Hussey continued.
Those looking to gain experience must participate in an interview process before enrolling. All the programs are free and paid for by donations. These sessions will help with resumes, mock interviews and preparing a job search strategy.
Training is as follows:
- Banking and customer service - Training involves work with banking services and products and customer service training. Classes take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for nine weeks. The next program takes place April 27 to June 25 and registration ends April 17.
- Construction skills - Training helps individuals find entry level work in the construction industry and is taught by credentialed instructors with Central Piedmont Community College. The program also provides an OSHA state safety certification. Classes take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for three weeks. The next session takes place May 4 through May 26 and registration ends April 24.
- Hospitality and tourism - Training includes and overview of the industry, including work with banquets, customer service and hospitality reservation software, as well as hands-on training. Classes take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for six weeks. The next session is April 20 through May 28 and registration ends April 9.
- Customer service call center - Trains people in basic skills to work in the customer service call center industry. Training is interactive and teachers workers how to improve custoemr relationships. Classes take place at the Gaston County Job Connection in Gastonia. The next session is April 13 through May 8.
