The Town of Elkin’s economic development director is drawing attention to jobs for individuals age 30 and under.
“We often hear that young people just don’t know what good jobs are available to them in the area, and they believe they will need to travel outside Elkin and the region to get a good entry level or mid-level job,” said Economic Development Director Leslie Schlender. “Many are unsure of the work atmosphere of these larger employers because they have never had an opportunity to visit them or learn more about them before seeing the ‘help wanted or now hiring’ notice in the paper.”
Schlender says that Elkin, Yadkin County and Surry Community College have teamed up to create the Career Placement Program. It is designed to give young people an opportunity to learn about the skills local employers are looking for and also a chance to hear from and visit those employers.
“This program gives participants a chance to learn more about local employers and the skills those employers are looking for,” said Schlender.
Pittsburgh Glass Works, MVP International, Weyerhaeuser, Unifi, Lydall and others are partners in the program. If the skills and interest areas of the participants match another type of industry or business the program will support them to find a job in those areas as well.
The next session is being held at The Elkin Center Tuesday June 11. It is a three-day program meeting from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with time spent at the Center as well as going on visits to businesses. Transportation can be provided to and from the Center for registered participants.
The success of the program is gauged on how many participants are matched to jobs and is part of the New Generations Career grant project of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.
“Younger workers see how their managers got to where they are through a work ethic that requires a 10 hour day and unquestioning loyalty to a company,” said a spokesperson for the Institute for Emerging Issues with N.C. State University. “Many plan to move around, try out different jobs, companies and locations before they settle in one place for the long run. However, those who attend career placement venues are more likely to settle and have the greatest advantage of securing a job compared to their peers.”
Anyone interested in attending can call Schlender at 336-794-6468 or Wayne Matthews at 336-386-3584, or stop by and register at The Elkin Center. More information can also be found on www.fb.com/ElkinYadkinCareersProgram.
Reach Anthony Gonzalez at 336-835-1513 or email at agonzalez@civitasmedia.com.
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