Whether you’re looking for a career change or that first job after high school or college, the local NCWorks Career Center may have just what you need to set off on the path of employment.
The latest program offering, Workforce Wednesdays, is a time when people in search of a job can come in for help with developing or updating resumes and actually talk to an employer who’s looking to fill positions.
“It’s booming right now,” said Sherita Ohno, business services representative with NCWorks Career Center, located at 826 S. Garnett St.
This week’s Workforce Wednesday guest employer is Pallet One from Granville County, Ohno told WIZS co-host Bill Harris on Monday’s TownTalk.
“We want to be involved,” Ohno said, “and give employers (that) onsite advantage…and pick up some of that traffic that’s coming into the Career Center.”
Desiree Brooks, business services manager of the KTCOG Workforce Development board, said there are plenty of people who are actively looking for work, and the NCWorks Career Center serves as a hub to connect job seekers with employers.
They are working closely with young people – especially students – “to educate them early and promote career awareness so they know what’s available” in terms of jobs and careers.
One way they do that is with technology – specifically virtual reality.
Through the use of VR equipment, individuals can experience what it’s like to work at particular jobs.
Using VR goggles and a handheld joystick, participants can enter a simulated workplace to get the feel of what different careers or jobs may look, sound and feel like.
“Young people love technology, Brooks said. “We’re meeting them where they are…you are on that worksite – it is so real.”
Ohno and Brooks have tried out the VR experience. “I thought I had left and gone somewhere,” Ohno said.
One recent event that featured a single employer brought out about 80 people who were interested in jobs.
“People are out there and they DO want to work,” Brooks said. “And we want to help them.”
Employers are struggling to get workers and to retain employees, and Brooks said that either workers or businesses that use the services of the NCWorks Career Center get support and resources that improve retention rates.
Career advisors can guide job seekers through the process of creating a resume that reflects their skillsets and help match those skillsets with jobs in the area. Training opportunities are available as well.
Call 252.598.5200 to make an appointment or just drop by the center to learn more about services and programs.
The NCWorks Career Center in Henderson serves the KTCOG five-county region that includes Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties. KTCOG offers programs and services in all five counties. Visit https://www.ncworks.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx to learn more.
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