A CAFÉ Just for Educators

Centralina WDB and Partners Hold 5th Annual Career Academy for Educators in Stanly County

The 5th Annual Career Academy for Educators (CAFÉ) program was held Tuesday June 26- Thursday 28, 2012 and was a huge success!

The CAFÉ program offered twenty Stanly County educators a chance to become familiar with the many opportunities offered by Stanly Community College (SCC); but perhaps more importantly, the program helped educators and local employers identify the education and social skills necessary for employees to become successful within their company.

The CAFÉ program is sponsored by the Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB), Stanly Community College, Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, and Stanly County Schools.

The opening session was held at Stanly CC's Small Business Center in Albemarle on Tuesday June 26 and remarks were given by Dr. Brenda Kays, President of Stanly CC, Dr. Sam DePaul, outgoing Superintendent of Stanly County Schools, Tom Ramseur, President of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce and Centralina Workforce Development Board member and David Hollars, Executive Director of Centralina Workforce Development Board. Incoming Stanly County Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Griffin also welcomed the group.

CAFÉ participants are key players in public school education, post-secondary education, and the business sector; each having access to a vital network that promotes a free exchange of ideas in which to improve future endeavors for all involved. The event allowed educators to earn continuing education credits. This year's participants included teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff from elementary, middle, and high schools in the county. Jim Kohn with Resource Development Center, Inc. (WIA Youth contractor for Stanly County) also participated in this great professional development opportunity.

During the three day event, participants traveled to Tuscarora Yarns and CCI Conveyors for a full tour and opportunity to gain insight on what skills and qualifications new hires need in order to work there. Day two included an in depth tour of the Stanly Community College Allied Health and Advanced Manufacturing departments. Also, Arlene Childers from NC REAL took teachers through several exercises that they can use in the classroom to increase entrepreneurial thinking among students.

Marion Kinley with Stanly Community College stated, "The purpose of the CAFÉ is to assist students in choosing their best career path considering the many educational avenues as well as opportunities to enter directly into the workforce after high school."

The three day event concluded at the Albemarle City Hall and was complete with several more learning opportunities.

Participants took part in speed networking sessions, an opportunity where several business and county representatives answered questions asked by the educators regarding skill and educational levels needed by graduating students and what opportunities may be available for them.

Representatives in the speed networking sessions included Dee Pankey – GHA Autism Supports, Rhonda Smith – Michelin, Sherrill Smith - S&D Construction, and Master Sgt. Michael Laney- Air National Guard to name just a few.

The featured guest speaker for the concluding session was Vail Carter, Business Services Coordinator for the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Vail discussed the recently published 2012 Skills Survey of North Carolina Employers conducted by North Carolina Workforce Development Boards. He talked at length about the findings and how educators can help close the gap by helping to steer young people towards training programs and career plans that are beneficial. To view the Skills Gap Survey please click here.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council were proud to be a part of such a wonderful event! The Career Academy for Educators is a great way to connect business and industry with schools and education. For more information on the CAFÉ event or on ideas on how to start your own, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.

Featured above: Attendees, and presenters for the 5th Annual Career Academy for Educators pose for a quick picture.