Unemployed and underemployed people in the Upstate have a new resource for training and job placement support, thanks to a local partnership of nonprofits and area technical colleges.
The free Career Skills Now (CSN) training program also includes counseling in financial management and career planning, according to a press release. After completing initial training, students can gain advanced skills training in several high-demand disciplines including machining, multi-skill maintenance, welding and quality assurance. In some cases, students can receive paid work experience with top employers at local manufacturing sites, according to the release.
The CSN training program should particularly appeal to individuals and veterans who are unemployed or underemployed in a low-wage job with their current employer, but who want to “take the next step to better themselves,” said John Baker, the program’s executive director.
“This is no handout, and we expect the participants who sign up to participate to work hard, attend the training diligently, and be fully committed to this learning opportunity,” said Baker. “And for those who do, we expect to place upwards of 80 percent of the training graduates in quality jobs with more than 30 of the Upstate’s top manufacturers.”
To participate in the program, applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED, be 18 years of age or older, pass drug screenings and a background check, and be a South Carolina resident and U.S. citizen or hold permanent status. Applicants must earn a WorkKeys Silver level or higher Career Readiness Certificate to enter the program.
Overall training can take as little as six weeks, the release said. Average starting pay for those earning the initial training certifications is $16.35 an hour.
Training will be conducted at the Upstate campuses of Greenville Tech, Tri-County Tech and Spartanburg Community College initially, said Baker.
Funding comes largely from federal, state and local funds (both public and private), and facilitated by the Greenville Region Workforce Collaborative.
To apply directly to the program while space is available, visit CareerSkillsNow.com.
