Fire / Rescue Weekend College
Continued Success:
Sampson Community College will sponsor the third an
nual Fire / Rescue Weekend College November 11 and 12.
This effort is done with the cooperation of Associations
representing sixteen volunteer fire departments and seven
volunteer rescue squads. Although overall ''FTE” genera
tion is usually break even for the college, the community
relations is a greater reward and results in positive support
from the communities throughout Sampson County. If you
are considering this two day concentrated effort be prepared
for much planning and time allocation. One key to finan
cial success of the event is sharing the cost of certain items
with Fire / Rescue Association. Examples would be print
ing cost and refreshments.
My suggestion would be to give it a try, it's worth the ef
fort.
Submitted by J.W. Simmons
Center for Applied Textile Technology
Boosts Statewide Industrial Training
The North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Tech
nology continues to lend its expertise to community col
leges and industries across the state.
Instructors from The Center worked with eight commu
nity colleges in providing industrial instruction this year.
In Zebulon, die Center contracted with Naomi Knitting
in a $16,000 comprehensive project that included creating
and revising training manuals for knitters and mechanics,
the installation of a safety program and advice in comply
ing with OSHA regulations. The three-week intensive
project was completed in conjunction with Wake Technical
Community College in Raleigh.
In another part of eastern North Carolina, NCCATT in
structors traveled to Jasper Textiles Inc., to provide similar
services. At Jasper, instructors produced training manuals
and videos for employees. The program, which provided
training to 48 adults, was a joint effiirt with Robeson, South
eastern, Wayne, Craven and Central Carolina community
colleges.
Earlier this year, NCCATT Vice President Bill Poplin
taught an on-site six-week course at Ramseur Interlock.
His "Knitted Fabric Analysis" instruction was geared to
wards third-shift employees who were able to attend classes
without disrupting work schedules.
Submitted by Andrea Beam
Common bond Forged
in HRD Program
The state-funded program pays for itself by increas
ing the earning power of the adults while decreasing
public assistance.
HUDSON - Their ages range from 19 to 48. Some of
them are high school graduates. Some are not. Some are
married, others are divorced and some have never been
married.
What could possibly bring such a diverse group together?
What could they possibly have in common?
The answer is ambition - defined by Webster's Dictio
nary as "the desire to achieve a particular end."
In this instance, the "particular end" is to get and keep a
good job and the HRD Pre-Job class at Caldwell Commu
nity College is the first step toward reaching this goal.
The HRD Pre-Job Program is now in its 23 rd year at
Caldwell Community College. The program offers the op
portunity for students to learn how to fill out applications
and write resumes, how to find the appropriate job and a
chance to work on their education or GED.
The primary objective of the program is to assist unem
ployed people to get jobs and become self-sufficient.
To accomplish this goal, program instructors teach stu
dents to determine their assets and limitations, develop prob
lem solving skills, understand interpersonal relationships
and set career goals.
Since its beginning, 4,200 students have completed the
HRD Pre-Job Program. While this year's current place
ment rate is 97 percent, typically it runs about 85 percent.
The state-funded program pays for itself by increasing
the earning power of the adults while decreasing public as
sistance.
Typically, the money put back into the economy in a two-
year period through employment of a graduate is about three
times that spent on the student.
That translates into a great investment for the taxpayer
officials say.
HRD Pre-Job is a free, seven-week course for individu
als who are over age 18.
Child care and transportation assistance may be avail
able to those who qualify for JTPA funds.
HRD Pre-Job - a name that has been around Caldwell
County for 23 years - is perhaps something many people
have taken for granted, but to the class that graduated on
Aug. 25, it is a step to a better life.
They hope it will be the catalyst in their lives that will
move Aem from the life that held no promise to one that
will have many more possibilities.
The winds of change are blowing for this unlikely group
of HRD Pre-Job graduates - no matter what their marital
status, family size or educational background.
Their common bond is ambition; and their common goal
is to have a good job and ultimately a better life.
Reprint from Lenoir News Topic - September 6, 1995
Submitted by Wanda Prince