Janice's Success Story

Janice was raising two teenage sons and her 2-year-old granddaughter when she lost her job. Bills began to pile up and eventually Janice lost her home to foreclosure. In a state of depression, Janice turned to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, where she was referred to Goodwill. After taking some training classes, Janice was hired as a seamstress in Goodwill’s Contract Services Division. Janice smiles when she talks about being able to provide for her sons and granddaughter. “I’m making my own money and feeling better about the future for my kids. We don’t have everything yet, but we’re getting there.”

NEWS

Forsyth Tech to Hold First Jobs NOW Graduation

12/3/2009

Workforce Development Center - Winston-Salem - Forsyth County

Winston-Salem NC

Winston-Salem – Forsyth Technical Community College is holding its first graduation for its Jobs NOW night program on Thursday, December 10 at 6 p.m. in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. The ceremony will feature a keynote address from Mayor Allen Joines and will honor 84 graduates from eight night programs held in 2009.

The Jobs NOW: 12 in 6 program offers training in the top 12 occupational areas and in 6 months or less, prepares individuals to enter the workforce and achieve success. Forsyth Tech develops the curriculum and provides the instructors. Goodwill handles admissions, hosts the classes and assists with job placement upon successful completion of the curriculum. The similar missions of the two organizations – to help people develop marketable skills for the workplace – has sustained a twenty-year partnership which continues to expand to meet the workforce development needs of the community.

Despite a challenging job market, approximately 60% of the Jobs NOW graduates have already secured employment, prompting Forsyth Tech and Goodwill to hold the first graduation for Jobs NOW. The 2009 classes targeted growth industries such as healthcare and skilled trades and included Electrician Helper, Medical Office Billing, Plumbing Helper, Introduction to Masonry, Pharmacy Assistant and Nursing Assistant.

“This graduation marks the success that has occurred this year in spite of the economic crisis,” said Sherry Carpenter, Goodwill’s vice president of Workforce Development Services. “In addition, it’s a great way for people to learn about fields that have the most opportunities for placement right now and about training programs that are available.

The graduation will take place at 6 p.m. on December 10 at Goodwill, 2701 University Parkway. The event is open to media representatives. For more information on Jobs NOW, please visit www.forsythtech.eduor call (336) 761-1002.

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