CAWD is working with our partners on a plan to reopen NCWorks Career centers at Tillery Place in Raleigh and Clayton to the public soon. Staff returned to the centers on July 13^th and are using established protocols for personal health and safety and preparing for the public’s return. New signage with safety information and instructions for customers while onsite have been installed in addition to sneeze guards at computer stations.

If all goes according to plan, the centers will reopen at reduced capacity in late July or early August.  Since NC Commerce is a major partner in center operations, the exact date for opening to the public will be influenced by guidance from the state. Career centers located in Wake County’s regional centers will reopen on the county’s schedule.

The 3-month average rate of unemployment claims by individuals under the age of 25 was 18%. Many youth and young adults work in the hospitality industry which was hardest hit by Covid. CAWD applied to Wake County government for emergency funds that will help young people transition into jobs with better career potential. The funding will be used specifically for electrical  and information technology training, and apprenticeships.

Raleigh-Durham Joint Apprenticeship Task Committee (JATC) has a pre-apprenticeship program that introduces youth, women and people of color to the electrical profession. Training is a hybrid model with an online component alternated with in-person training to allow for social distancing. Students will also complete training hours with local employers. When complete, they will be considered for a Registered Apprenticeship with IBEW members that includes full-time pay and continued training.

ISG has developed ITAP (Information Technology Apprenticeship Program) to help young people gain entry-level knowledge in the IT field. This program is a gateway into IT and possibly Cyber Security careers for those with an interest and aptitude for the work. The curriculum covers foundational knowledge in IT and will include assistance with sought after certificates in CompTIA. Training will primarily be online to allow for at-home learning. Upon completion, participants will be prepared to continue their education in higher skilled areas such as a Cyber Security Apprenticeship or entry level IT employment.

CAWD was one of 10 organizations in the nation selected by IBM as a partner for their Re-Ignite initiative. The goal of Re-Ignite is to minimize the impacts of the pandemic by speeding up the recovery of local workforces, communities and economies. We were selected because we have a firm grasp off the region’s workforce/economic development ecosystem and have an existing focus on vulnerable communities.

One element of Re-Ignite is SkillsBuild, a platform IBM created to equip job seekers with professional skills needed in a digital world. In addition to technical training, there are modules to acquaints users with new ways of working such as Agile and Design Thinking. It also introduces them to new technologies such as AI and Blockchain.  As a service to businesses, companies can receive individualized support to address key business challenges, opportunities and strategies for development of re-launch plans, and much more.

CAWD plans to incorporate IBM’s SkillsBuild platform into service offerings at the career centers for customers enrolled in WIOA programs, and those who are not. This partnership has the ability to produce a long-lasting impact on workers and businesses in the Triangle.