WorkCore Program Opens Doors to Lifelong
Learning
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/25/05
CONTACT: MARY A. GASTON, 855-8198
(By Lisa Garrett)
EASLEY --- Instructor Phyllis Turner believes that the biggest bonus
received from WorkCore, a 40-hour program designed to help men and
women get back into the workforce, is that it opens doors to lifelong
learning.
WorkCore classes offer skills for those individuals who are out of
work due to cutbacks or plant closures, or individuals who have been
out of the workplace for several years and who want to build the skills
needed for today's more technical jobs.
The course was recently held at the Simpson Academy in Easley and was
taught by Turner, an instructor in Tri-County Technical College's World
Class Training Center. The training was developed through a grant
proposed by Mary A. Gaston, director of Pickens County Adult Education
and funded by the South Carolina Department of Education?s Office of
Adult and Community Education. The project?s task force partners
include Pickens County Adult Education, Tri-County Technical College,
Pickens County Department of Social Services and the South Carolina
Employment Security Commission/Liberty One Stop.
Turner, supported by Gaston and her staff, offered intensive
instruction in workplace values, business communication, team building
and problem solving. Industrial safety, quality awareness, workplace
math and reading, business writing and resume creation also were
discussed.
During the two-week class, Turner targeted skills needed for success
on
the job and at home. "We talked about reading and math skills,
customer service skills, industry safety and diversity. We also
discussed devising a game plan for dealing with temporary setbacks and
emergencies that can occur at home."
To aid each individual in the job search, the group also developed
career portfolios. Amy Fendley, a counselor with the College's Career
Services Office, talked with the group about preparing for job
interviews, anticipating questions, dressing appropriately for the
workplace and thinking on their feet.
"Most of the participants are single mothers, and we work on boosting
their self confidence,? said Turner. "The benefits of the course
are
more awareness of their skills and focused career direction. I ask
them 'what do you want?' and 'what are your skills?' I try to make
them aware of their transferable skills."
The course gives them a sense of confidence, in addition to CEU credits
from Tri-County, added Turner.
"It also opens the door for pursuing a GED through Pickens County
Adult
Education, if needed. It gets them back into lifelong learning. I see
a transformation with each group,? said Turner. "I see a renewed
interest in education. It opens the door to possibilities they never
dreamed about."
Another course is scheduled for April 12-22, 2005. Contact Mary A.
Gaston, director of Pickens County Adult Education, at 864-855-8198
for
more information.
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Oconee