Charlotte Works enhances training provider program to improve economic mobility

HomeCharlotte Works enhances training provider program to improve economic mobility

Charlotte Works enhances training provider program to improve economic mobility

training-provider-constructionThrough funding provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Charlotte Works provides scholarships for vocational training to those with barriers to employment. Each year, we grant approximately 300 scholarships to individuals who may need certification to start their careers, advance in their fields or change careers altogether. Providing these scholarships are a key principle of our Careers4All initiative which advocates for workforce system change and to create a talent pipeline that meets industry demands.

To receive a training scholarship, career-seekers must have a barrier to employment and seek training from a provider approved by Charlotte Works. Local training providers meet criteria such as operating for at least two years; accreditation from a legitimate, industry-recognized institution; and offering competitive costs. Most importantly, training providers must offer an industry-recognized credential that leads to an in-demand occupation for the Charlotte area.

Career-seekers have a variety of options with more than 20 approved providers including Central Piedmont Community College, COMNet, Charlotte Truck Driving Training School, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, Urban League of Central Carolinas and UNC Charlotte. The providers train in some of Charlotte’s most in-demand industries like health care, transportation, manufacturing and information technology.

We’re committed to expanding training options for career-seekers. Since January, we’ve added four new providers to our approved providers list. One of them, D.A. Academy of North Carolina, offers programs in dental assisting.

“A credential in dental assisting can lead to a wide range of careers in health care. We have had students go on to have successful careers as dental assistants, dental hygienists and even dentists. We are excited to partner with Charlotte Works to provide scholarships for students who may not otherwise have been able to enroll at our school,” said the academy’s director Ruby Jones.

Another newly approved provider, Carolina Construction School, offers training to help close the skills gap in the construction industry. Located right across the state line in Lancaster County, South Carolina, the school offers credentials in commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) as well as heavy equipment operator training.

“Construction firms are in desperate need of skilled workers across our region and the country. Charlotte Works’ scholarship program gives us the ability to supply local employers with the skilled talent they need and gives the students an opportunity to obtain stable employment with decent wages,” said Reid Baker, administrator.

From July 1 to February 28, we’ve supplied 192 training scholarships totaling $925,100 in efforts to improve economic outcomes for those with barriers to employment. Want to learn more about training scholarships and other career-seeker services? Visit our career-seekers page for more information.



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