Q: Tell me how you first got involved with the Trident Workforce Investment Board (TWIB)?

A: I was asked if I would be interested by the COG based on a recommendation from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.

 

Q: How did you come to be on the TWIB?

A: I have been involved in various committees that originate out of the Chamber. The TWIB seemed like a good fit as Johnson Controls is always looking for good employees.

 

Q: What do you find most challenging about serving on the TWIB?

A: Not being able to hire more of the people who use the services, and getting the time to attend graduations.

 

Q: What do you wish other people knew about the TWIB?

A: Availability of workers and tax credits and their strong tie into other job related groups (school districts, Trident Technical College, Veteran's Administration, etc.)

 

Q: What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about the TWIB?

A: The TWIB provides a good service to people who need a little help. It can be a good source of talented people.

 

Q: What might someone be surprised to know about you?

A: A friend and I caught crabs for a summer job in my early teenage years using a trot line. Before that I picked watermelon and cantaloupe for one summer. I believe in hard work.

 

Q: What do you think will change about the TWIB over the next five years?

A: The need for more skilled workers will grow rapidly over the next 2-3 years. The TWIB will need to make sure their offerings/output reflect that.

 

Q: What else can you tell me about the TWIB?

A: It's composed of a good group of leaders who genuinely care about helping others while at the same time improving the business climate in the tri-county area.

SC Works Trident continues to work with area employers to increase awareness of and participation in the WIA funded On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program. In early March, WIA

Scout Boats in Summerville

OJT participant Richard Danielson began working with Scout Boats of Summerville as an Options Department Specialist. Mr. Danielson's training included learning to install optional equipment on new boats, wiring electronics and electrical power systems and installing fiberglass components. Mr. Danielson is earning a competitive wage and benefits and receiving positive feedback from his supervisors for his performance. If your business is interested in an On-The-Job Training contract, please contact Kim Self, Business Development Coordinator at (843) 725-0306 or kims@tridentscworks.org.

 

Frances Kotnik came to SC Works in August of 2011, and enrolled in the WIA program hoping to receive training to restart her career. She had previously worked in office settings, but knew that manufacturing skills would be a valuable trait. She worked with her Workforce Specialist who encouraged her to take a look at the Certified Production Technician program at Trident Technical College. The program proved to be a good fit, and Frances graduated from the program with the new skills she needed to start a new career in manufacturing. At the Certified Production Technician Graduation, Scout Boats was one of the several employers on hand to interview the new graduates. Scout Boats later offered her a full-time position as a Quality Control Inspector testing various functions of the boats they manufacture. Frances said "Manufacturing is one field in South Carolina where there is a ton of growth, and SC Works and Trident Technical College made it possible for me to gain the knowledge I needed to become successful in this field. If it weren't for the support of SC Works and Trident Technical College, I wouldn't be where I am today".

 

Mr. James Kniss is an example of what determination and focus can accomplish. He was registered in the WIA program in November 2011. He came into the program knowing exactly what he wanted and was not against working hard for it.  He entered into the CDL training in January 2011 while working full-time. He worked the night shift and attended training during the day and on weekends. He received his CDL credential in March 2012. According to Palmetto Training, "Mr. Kniss was one of the best students we ever had the privilege of training". Palmetto Training was so impressed with Mr. Kniss and his abilities as a fast learner, and his willingness to assist other students, he was offered a full-time instructor position at their company. He completed the Driver's Instructors exam in Columbia, and passed with an above average score. Mr. Kniss is currently a full-time instructor with Palmetto Training earning $15.50 per hour with benefits!

 

On April 20, 2012, Trident Technical College held a graduation ceremony for those earning their Medical Assistant certificates. Fifteen of the graduates were participants in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program. The Medical Assistant Program requires attendance four days a week for six months. The students complete five months of classroom work, then four weeks of an unpaid externship at different facilities around the region. Upon completion of this program, they are qualified to not only sit for the Registered Medical Assistant exam, but also for the Phlebotomy exam. Both certifications are nationally recognized. Class work includes 32 term papers, 94 quizzes and exams, three mid-terms, three final exams, and one PowerPoint Presentation. Topics include Anatomy, Physiology, Phlebotomy, Disease, Triage, and aspects of medical care.

 

WIA participant, Tracey Rech had the top average in the course. All of the graduates are prepared to take a certified examination where they are then prepared to seek jobs in medical practices, outpatient care facilities, and hospitals. Congratulations graduates!

Each quarter, four outstanding employees are selected for Employee of the Quarter. One employee from each SC Works center and one from the COG main office are recognized for going above and beyond their daily duties. For the 1st Quarter of 2012, Lisa Rhame, Sharon Goss, Tim Hawkins, and Patricia Gadsden were given the honors. Lisa Rhame is a Customer Service Representative at the SC Works Charleston Center, where she's worked for 5 years. When asked what Lisa thought about winning the award, she stated "I am truly thankful! It reminds me to stay focused on the positives in my life. It will help me see the great things I have and do, and help me to put frustrations and worries into perspective." Lisa has a special place in her heart for literacy, she states "I wish everyone could obtain the basic reading skills needed to do just everyday tasks. Those of us who can read take for granted how powerful this skill really is, and sometimes forget how a little thing like reading can have an impact on someone's life." In the future, Lisa would like to open a free center for anyone who is willing to learn.

 

Sharon Goss has been the Program Manager of the SC Works Trident program for the past 5 years. Sharon was recognized by fellow staff members for her continual assistance and positive attitude. When asked what Sharon wished other people knew about the SC Works Trident System, she stated "We really are in the business of helping people find the right career path and our goal is to get our customers employed." When not working, Sharon enjoys doing craft projects with her children and spending quality time with her friends and family.

 

Tim Hawkins, Employment Services Program Rep with SCDEW was selected at the SC Works Berkeley Center. Tim has been recognized multiple times by customers for being not only helpful and informative but also a "delight". Thank you to Tim for all you do in helping get South Carolinians back to work.

 

Patricia Gadsden, SCDEW Receptionist, was named SC Works Dorchester's Employee of the Quarter for her outstanding and superior work as the center's receptionist and resource room attendent. Patricia has been with the Department of Employment and Workforce for nearly 3 years and is the first and last smiling face most individuals see when visting the center.

Some people write a resume as if the purpose of the document was to land a job. As a result they end up with a really long and boring piece that  makes them look like desperate job hunters. The objective of your resume is to land an interview, and the interview will land you the job (hopefully!)

Every Tuesday - Palmetto Youth Connections Orientation - 1pm 
 

 

SC Works Online is a free and easy way to recruit new employees. Recently, Cooper River Partners contacted SC works Trident's Business Development Coordinator in search of a Mechanical Engineer. As a result, Cooper River Partners hired Nathan Wingate as their new Mechanical Engineer. Mr. Wingate started his new position in March! If you are looking to recruit new employees, please contact Kim Self at (843) 725-0306 or kims@tridentscworks.org.

  

SC Works Berkeley had three WIA Participants complete Medical Assistant Training with Trident Technical College. One completed the 911 Call Center training and is awaiting certification as an Emergency Dispatcher. Two completed CDL Training, one with X-tra Mile and one with Palmetto Training. SC Works Berkeley also has a customer who is enrolled in HVAC training at Trident Technical College and is working part-time for a local apartment community, but has an offer for full-time employment once he successfully completes his training in August.

Customer Feedback  

 

Thank you to Faith Carter for taking the time and for your assistance in reviewing my resume this morning. The SC Works Team, and in particular you, Corina Williams, and Iona Jenkins have really made a big difference in my approach to finding my next assignment.

 

I would like  to take this opportunity to thank the team and organization for excellent, courteous, prompt and personalized help and dedicated professionalism.

 

~Michael Buet

 

SC Works Trident staff attended Charleston County's Earth Day Festival on April 14th at Riverfront Park, North Charelston with attendees and discuss programs and services offered at our three SC Works facilities. Staff provided information to thousands of attendees on job placement opportunities, training services, the On-The-Job Training program, and many of the other services offered.  The Black Expo is a forum for staff to educate, enlighten and inspire the community. SC Works Trident is pleased to have been a part in this great event! 

 

SC Works Trident St. Paul's Parish Access Point

 

SC Works Trident is offering services in the St. Paul's Parish area on Tuesday and Thursday's from 1-5pm at Charleston County's Ravenel Services Center, 5962 Highway 165, Ravenel SC. Citizens have the opportunity to come to the facility and learn more information on the SC Works Trident services and speak with a Workforce Specialist! Please contact us at (843) 574-1800 for more information!