First Class Graduates in New Program; 21 Are Trained and Ready to Work

By Naeem Mcfadden Star & Enterprise Staff Writer In a ceremony this past Saturday at the AVM training center, 21 participants in the REWARDS class celebrated the distinction of being the first to graduate since the county implemented the training program. The Rural Economic Workforce Alliance for Resource Development provided a free nine-week course, helping those involved gain more skills and retraining to help them compete in a global market. The program's long-term goal is to prepare citizens for the workforce. Such graduates, those associated with the program say, might be the key to bringing a big business into the Marion County area. Marion County continues to lead the state in unemployment, and workers have been suffering in the wake of layoffs and the outsourcing of jobs.

Rita Page accepts her graduate portfolio, shaking the hand of Dan Breeding, program director. Graduates celebrated in style, sharing comments on the experience, and spending time with classmates.

However, the graduates who made it through the courses, that included class topics on reading on the job, communication in the workplace, writing for the workplace, workplace math, analyzing and solving problems, teamwork, diversity, customer service and job search, said they have learned a great deal about themselves and their ability to cope with the unpredictable nature of the job market.

Graduates said they have begun to spread the word to get others involved, increasing the enrollment for the next session to nearly 80 students. Graduates stood up and commented on how the experience of participating in the REWARD program has helped them.

Some work late shifts and pull off a balancing act that includes the job, home, and school. Others have learned that they have the will and determination to finish the weeks of schooling, even when past experiences led them to stop when obstacles presented themselves The instructors shared stories as well, commending the collective group for their hard work and willingness to learn.

Each graduate took with them a portfolio containing a REWARD program certificate of completion, a resume, the very important WorkKeys assessment scores, and if earned, a career readiness certificate. "If we had hand picked this group, we couldn't do any better," says Lizzie Caulder of the ambassadors of the first class. Caulder, Dan Breeding, and Candyce Brooks have been instrumental in putting the program together, as was instructor Cindy Moody.

Instructors for the program were: Sammy Enzor, Fred Generette, Jennifer Reed, Sherry Elder, Henry McWhite, and the "multi-talented facilitators" Curtishia Campbell and Wyvetra Brunson.

Reprinted with permission of Media General. This story was first published in the Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise.