(State Award Nominee)
Kathy Durham of Rock Hill worked for Celanese for 8 years and found herself without a job. As a dislocated worker, she chose to attend school to be retrained for a profession that is considered Non-Traditional Employment for women and a profession that would bring wages greater than those of usual “female” careers. She received her Welding diploma despite the obstacle. Her husband has a disabling condition that required her to take him to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for medical care that she had to schedule around her classes. She kept up school and cared for him through several surgeries as well as caring for her children. She was 45 years old and going back to College, but she was strong and determined to reach her goals. She did achieve her goal and her employer, INA USA commented that she was an excellent worker. She is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when strength and determination is combined with the WIA Program. |
(State Award Nominee)
Shavonda Carter of Lancaster entered the WIA Youthbuild Program as deficient in basic skills, a high school dropout, and as a single expectant mother. She came to Youthbuild with undeveloped leadership skills, not much self-confidence, and the need to provide for 2 small children, but she also had a desire to succeed! Her attendance was above 95% and she contributed 80+ hours of community service. She worked with Youthbuild and Adult Ed from 4/03 to 11/03 to obtain her High School Diploma and she did in 11/03. She is a peer leader and always gives her best. She is attending York Technical College (since 5/04) and has a 3.0 average. She is employed with the campus bookstore and her wages are applied to her book fees. She listens, asks good questions, is a positive influence on others, and is always happy. She always takes advantages of opportunities, but she still struggles with the medical conditions and special requirements of her children. She has good support from her mother and grandparents and has become a very productive citizen in the community. |
(State Award Nominee)
Jeff Gossett has served as Vice Chair of the Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board for the past two years as well as the Chair of the Board’s Marketing Committee for the past four years. He has provided leadership in developing and implementing the Catawba WIA marketing plan. He was responsible for designing WIA’s first One Stop brochure and Power Point presentation. As a representative from Bowater, he was an active participant in disseminating information about the One-Stop to local employers, job seekers, and human service agencies. He led the organization of a local focus group to solicit feedback on plans to market the One Stop services. He served as the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee and played a pivotal role in implementing plans that insure that WIA is addressing the needs of this region. He has dedicated many hours of service to the local WIB and is a dedicated member of the Catawba Technology and Education Consortium Board, York County HR Professionals, and several others. He believes in the local WIA/One Stop system and has spent countless hours to make sure that all customers are aware of the services offered. Mr. Gossett represented the board and participated in the overview of Catawba WIA during a meeting of the state board in June 2003. In July of 2003, he served as a lead participant in a local Employer Forum promoting the benefits of the WIA/One Stop within the Catawba Region. Through his leadership as Chair of the Marketing Committee the Board has been successful in achieving 80% of its marketing goals. He is the consummate professional and the Catawba Region is very fortunate to have him involved in and committed to WIA in this region. |
(Catawba Area Award)
Keyna Ashley entered the WIA program in 4/01 after she was laid off from her job at Duracell where she worked for 14 years. She found it difficult to fine employment with the skills she had. She could not find a job in manufacturing with the same pay as she earned at Duracell. After searching for work for several months, she decided that she needed training for a new career that would provide her with skills that are currently in demand in the job market. She did well in the program and received her Associate Degree in Computer Technology in May 2004. Her GPA was at least a 3.0 while in training and she received the President’s Award. She is working at York Technical College with the computer help desk on a part time basis and continues to take classes to further her education and career. |
Employer Award (Catawba Area Award)
Berkshire Weaving has been the most successful OJT employer in the Lancaster Area. Since 2002, 32 SCESC customers have been hired as OJT participants. Becky Stewart, HR, has always worked very closely with the Lancaster One-Stop and staff in both the screening and hiring process for OJT positions. Their successful retention rate for OJT participants has been outstanding. Any information needed by the Lancaster One Stop has always been provided promptly. A good working relationship has led to both jobs for the One Stop applicant as well as fulfilling the need for good workers for Berkshire. |
(Catawba Area Award)
Superior Essex as listed job orders with Chester One Stop on a regular basis during the last fiscal year. Chester assisted them by taking Tech. School Applications, gathering LMI information, and answering questions for them about UI policies and procedures. The company is now working with WIA Business and Industry Liaison in exploring the possibility of using the OJT and Incumbent Worker program. This on-going relationship has resulted in 24 job orders for a number of varied positions to benefit the community. The pay rate varied from $10.00 to $18.00 per hour. This relationship has been beneficial to both by providing qualified applicants and job orders for the community. Springs Industries has always been a great supporter of the Lancaster One Stop. They have had some lay-offs in the past year, but still they have supported the One Stop. All job orders for Springs are posted with the Lancaster One Stop. They have participated in the On-the-Job Training Program and the Incumbent Worker Program. They have made sure that their laid off workers had all the information about benefits and programs available to them. They have placed over 24 job orders with numerous openings for each order. They have placed over 97 applicants on the job orders and have placed over 300 dislocated workers. Approximately 400 workers have been reemployed. They have placed both blue collar workers as well as white collar workers with the salary range of $10.00 hourly to$60,000.00 yearly. Springs personnel serve on the local Workforce Investment Board and the local Employers Council. Arvin-Meritor Incorporated has had a close relationship with the Rock Hill One Stop for several years. For instance, in 2003-2004 the company trained 12 OJT participants and 12 entered employment. The company trained employees for a number of positions and the total of $19,000.00 in training costs were reimbursed from the OJT program resulting in permanent jobs for Rock Hill applicants. There were 22 jobs filled by Arvin-Meritor. Arvin-Meritor is committed to the philosophy that “training is an essential element to professional growth and development”. Arvin-Meritor recognized the long term benefits of the OJT Program as a recruiting tool and merged the program with the Pre-Employment and CATTS program at York Technical College to assist in the training, development, and assessment of potential employees. This dedication and commitment to excellence has provided the company with a successful formula for hiring and retaining good employees. The winning philosophy has increased employee retention and the company’s productivity. |
(State Award Nominee)
Jeannie Mackey is an Intensive Services case manager with WIA at York Technical College in Rock Hill. Ms. Mackey has shown an excellent work ethic throughout her current employment in that capacity. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist her students with needed services. She works well with students of differing backgrounds and treats all participants with respect and dignity. She also treats her co-workers with the same respect. Ms. Mackey has on numerous occasions assisted her co-workers in conducting follow-up services for their participants and performing other duties to assist with caseloads. She never declines a request to help out. Ms. Mackey manages a case load of approximately 150 participants very efficiently. She works diligently and does not stop until the job is done. She is a team player and efficient in providing information when requested. Her work ethics and contributions play a major role in meeting our objectives and goals. She goes above and beyond her job description as well as displaying a positive image for WIA |
