Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will offer a spring schedule of “JobsNOW” certificate programs in a number of career fields starting in January 2010.
As part of the statewide “JobsNOW 12-in-6” initiative, RCCC’s programs will provide unemployed adults the opportunity to be trained in a new career in no more than six months.
JobsNOW is an initiative requested by Gov. Beverly Perdue, developed by North Carolina community colleges and funded by federal stimulus dollars through the Division of Workforce Development in the N.C. Department of Commerce.
The objective of JobsNOW is to quickly train workers to re-enter the job market in fields that are in demand locally and across the state.
In addition to receiving the training needed to start a new career, those completing a JobsNOW program will receive Career Readiness Certification. This is a national program that helps job applicants show proof of their basic skills to employers. The certificate is a portable credential, allowing job searchers to use it anywhere in the United States to demonstrate their competence in key foundational skills.
RCCC has received $350,000 in federal money to develop JobsNOW training programs and pay instructors to teach the courses. Students are currently enrolled in RCCC JobsNOW programs that began in September and October. The college will offer five more programs during its 2010 spring semester.
Normal North Carolina community college tuition rates apply. However, some JobsNOW education and training funds are available for unemployed persons through local Workforce Development Boards.
RCCC’s spring semester JobsNOW certificate programs are:
– Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration ó classes begin in March and May;
– Office Systems Technology/Administration ó classes start in January;
– Tax Preparation/Accounting ó classes start in January;
– Welding Technology ó classes begin in March; and
– Wiring and National Electric Code (NEC) ó classes begin in February.
Anyone who wants to enroll in a JobsNOW program at RCCC must attend a JobsNOW workshop, conducted free-of-charge by the college’s R3 Center. The center will offer numerous workshops in Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
For more information about RCCC’s JobsNOW programs and to register for a JobsNOW workshop, call the R3 Center at 704-216-7201. The R3 Center is located at 164 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. in Kannapolis. Information is also available on the RCCC Web site at www.rowancabarrus.edu/jobsNOW/.
“RCCC is proud to offer JobsNOW programs,” said Ann Morris, RCCC JobsNOW project director and dean of corporate education. “These time-condensed and highly intensive certificate programs will give local individuals a great opportunity to learn new skills and move into a career field in which jobs are currently available.
“Anyone who has an interest should contact RCCC’s R3 Center as soon as possible, and attend a JobsNOW workshop,” Morris added.