Chesapeake College this year teamed up with area departments of social services and corrections to prepare 100 citizens for employment. By helping train people for the local workforce, these partnerships are boosting the economic health of individuals, families and communities.
For information about work force training partnerships, please contact Leanne Allen at lallen@chesapeake.edu
During the past year, Chesapeake has provided job training for the Re-engaging Individuals though Successful Employment (RISE) Program for the five-county service area. The program is designed to help non-custodial parents find good jobs in order to support their families.
The DSS turned to Chesapeake College to provide occupational training in forklift operation and flagger skills. With area construction and road repairs projects, both skills are in high demand, according to Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Training Leanne Allen.
“They key is working with community and business leaders to match our training to employment opportunities,” Ms. Allen said. “Employers are telling us that need both trained flaggers and forklift operators.”
Melissa Jones-Harris, Child Support Lead Supervisor for Caroline County Department of Social Services, also leads the RISE Program and said a first step is determining what barriers may be keeping a non-custodial parent from gainful employment,
“In this area, transportation is a huge challenge. The second most significant barrier is a lack of skills or education,” Ms. Jones-Harris said. “With the number of warehouses and projects on the Shore, forklift and flagger skills are in demand. Obtaining these skills give our participants a real career pathway that will give them independence and allow them to support their families.”
In addition, inmates at the Caroline County Detention Center received forklift training in June. Caroline County provided the forklift used for the training. Chesapeake has offered Adult Basic Education classes at the detention center, but this was the first occupational training course the college has offered at a correctional facility.
Cutline: Chesapeake Instructor Roy Blades conducts hands-on forklift training on Chesapeake’s campus.