CAWD Launches Catalyst 20/20: Up To $20,000 to Train Existing Workers

Raleigh, NC, March 5, 2018 – Capital Area Workforce Development Board  is pleased to announce the immediate launch of CATALYST 20/20, a program offering up to $20,000 to eligible businesses in Wake and Johnston counties for training. The purpose of Catalyst 20/20 is to fuel growth and productivity by building skills of existing workers.

“Many of our training dollars have been used to upskill those who are looking for work, but enhancing the skills of current employees is a must. Otherwise the business won’t be able to keep up global competition and everybody loses. Being able to offer Catalyst 20/20 to business customers is how we fulfill our vision of economic development through workforce excellence,” said Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director of CAWD.

“Research shows that continuing education reduces employee turnover and directly impacts an organization’s bottom line. Catalyst 20/20 provides a mechanism for spurring a level of employee engagement that some businesses haven’t been able to offer. Launching this program is another way of connecting employers with solutions that meet their talent needs,” said Kimberly Wheeler, CAWD’s Director of Business Engagement.

Companies can use the funds to train individual contributors, leaders, departments and/or teams. Training can consist of technical training, certifications, leadership development, soft skills, professional development, or whatever the business deems important.

Interested businesses can email catalyst2020@wakegov.com or call (919)856-6040.

About Capital Area Workforce Development Board

CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 largely funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others in Wake and Johnston Counties, the organization has developed state and nationally-recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to the education system and workforce resources, and helped thousands to gain employment and contribute to the prosperity of the community.

Participants Needed for YouthBuild Construction Training and Education Program

Raleigh, NC, January 30, 2018 – Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD) is looking for youth and young adults to participate in YouthBuild. YouthBuild provides education, construction skills training, and job placement opportunities to eligible 16-24 year olds from areas of Raleigh with higher poverty rates and unemployment. Participants will build affordable homes for low-income families during the training.

“In Wake County alone, the construction industry is projected to grow over 2,000 jobs in the next five years, but employers have jobs they can’t fill today. This program is one way to help fill that talent pipeline and connect young people with limited education, training and work experience to a field with long-term career potential. The fact that the hands-on portion of their learning will occur as they work on affordable housing is really the icing on the cake,” said Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director at CAWD.

Partners for the project include City of Raleigh, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, North Carolina Home Builders Association, Associated Builders and Contractors – Carolina Chapter, and NCWorks.

Interested applicants or their parents can access all eligibility requirements and additional information at here.

About Capital Area Workforce Development Board

CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 largely funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others in Wake and Johnston Counties, the organization has developed state and nationally-recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to the education system and workforce resources, and helped thousands to gain employment and contribute to the prosperity of the community.

CAWD Receives $200,000 to Help Students Complete Education and Training

Raleigh, NC, September 17, 2018 – Capital Area Workforce Development Board was awarded $200,000 to help community college students complete education and training programs at Wake Technical Community College and Johnston Community College. The funds come from Governor Roy Cooper’s Finish Line grant initiative developed to assist with unforeseen financial emergencies that can often derail program completion.

“In addition to young people, many students are adults with families trying to gain skills to make a better living,” said Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director at CAWD. “It’s in everyone’s best interest that they make it over the proverbial finish line because businesses need skilled workers to drive productivity and that’s what keeps our local economy moving.”

CAWD expects to serve 200 students. Each can receive up to $1000.00 per semester if they qualify. After an initial screening colleges forward student applications to CAWD’s Finish Line Program Manager for final determination. Academic standing and program completion rate are considered in conjunction with the type of financial emergency.

“One of the best things about Finish Line is students that haven’t been able to qualify under existing financial emergency programs. Common issues have been enrollment status or limited funding. Being able to offer another option will increase the ability of students to finish their program and start their career,” said Eric Breit, CAWD Strategic Initiatives Director.

For more information about Finish Line, contact Jane Sterner at 919-856-6117.

About Capital Area Workforce Development Board
CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 largely funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others in Wake and Johnston Counties, the organization has developed state and nationally-recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to the education system and workforce resources, and helped thousands to gain employment and contribute to the prosperity of the community.