Virtual reality (VR) technology addresses two areas of need when it comes to youth. First is their deficiency of work experience and life skills. Second is the need to make NCWorks NextGen services more attractive to young people.

Currently the technology simulates real life interactions that promote positive behavior during mock interviews and also teaches conflict resolution. We hope to add career exploration scenarios soon. Too keep pace with ever-changing industry demands, VR can facilitate faster development of new skills which in turn enables individuals to learn more efficiently.

A 2016 study found that the passing rate for groups that engaged with test subject matter in VR was 90%, while the pass rate for the no-VR group–studying the same material–was only 40%.

CAWD is the only board using VR to impact youth outcomes.

CAWD has formed all new youth advisory councils. Each county we serve will have their own council. The mission of each council is to promote a continuum of services for youth and young adults by supporting comprehensive, integrated models of educational, developmental, and employment-related services.

The focus is an education-to-career system where every young person can

• Graduate form high school
• Engage in work experiences
• Obtain a post-secondary credential
• Secure living wage work.

A unique aspect of the councils is the inclusion of leaders from across the county that work with young people, including K12, community colleges, juvenile justice, social services, and community-based organizations.

County-wide strategies will be developed to improve the success rate of youth entering well-paying, sustainable careers.

Many customers who enter NCWorks Career Centers head straight to a computer without ever checking in with staff. As a result, they are excluded from the customer count. CAWD is adding an electronic greeting system to center entrances to get a more accurate customer count and to correct other inefficiencies.

In addition to getting a more accurate count, VOS greeter sends immediate notifications to staff when a customer checks in to see them. If visiting the center for the first time, staff can help the customer identify additional services for which they may be eligible, a step that is missed when individuals perform self-service on their own.

A training session for all center staff will be held on February 7th and a full equipment launch is scheduled for early March.

The Wake County Hospitality Job Fair is being held on April 2nd at the Raleigh Convention Center from 10 am – 2 pm. Some of the area’s most popular hotels, restaurants, and others offering food service will try to fill thousands of jobs in this fast-growing industry.

These jobs are perfect for those looking for flexible schedules on a full or part-time basis. Students, retirees, reentry participants and anyone looking for long-term career potential should attend.

This is the 3rd year that we have partnered with the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, NC Restaurant & Lodging Association and the City of Raleigh for this event.

For more information, visit Wakecountyhospitalityjobfair.com.

Feel free to download and print the event flyer for customers and clients.

Job seeker flyers