Pathways to Employment is a community-based initiative linking Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), the Department of Social Services, community businesses and other organizations to move participants from welfare to work. In an effort to meet the needs of the community, CPCC in cooperation with Work First, developed a flexible; short-term program that provides academic, social and job-specific training designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as skilled employees.

The enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act that took effect October 1, 1996, made fundamental changes in government aid to the poor. As a leader in adult education and literacy, CPCC’s Community Development Department recognized the need to provide strong basic skills and workplace skills in order for welfare recipients to succeed when their benefits lapse. A course of study that provides education in an area where there is a worker demand while reinforcing basic skills and employment skills seemed necessary. A grant from the North Carolina Community College System was awarded to CPCC to implement the Pathways to Employment model. This model was developed to incorporate three integrated components – human resources (employability and life skills), basic skills (reading, math, and GED preparation and communication skills) and the job skills necessary to succeed in a specific field. CPCC applies the Pathways to Employment model into a workable program. This nationally recognized program provides the education and training for those who have not had many opportunities for employment enhancement.

In an effort to provide short-term training that would enable a Work First participant to find successful employment, CPCC in partnership with the Employment Security Commission, Job Link, and the Department of Social Services, researched areas of employer needs. This collaborative effort between the organizations gives CPCC a more accurate representation of the needs of the business community. With this information, CPCC can provide a more viable and skilled workforce that benefits both the labor market and program participants. The development of the curriculum area is based on the workforce needs in the Charlotte/Mecklenberg area. The current curricula includes Medical Reimbursement Specialist, Office Information System Specialist/Receptionist, and Customer Service Representative, Hospital Unit Coordinator, and Medical Office Administrative Procedures.

The Pathways program is linked with other organizations to meet the needs of the community. Community aid organizations such as The United Way, Break the Cycle foundation, Charlotte Women’s Shelter, JTPA, The Charlotte Housing Authority, Goodwill and Neighborhood Development, participate in the Pathways program by offering scholarships and participant support.

A partnership with the Department of Social Services provides an effective way to recruit, manage and retain Work First participants in the Pathways program. An on-site Department of Social Services representative provides much needed support to both the program and the participants. The Social Worker has access to possible program participants and has knowledge of funding, which helps in recruitment of candidates who can benefit from the program. The partnership between CPCC and the Department of Social Services assures a successful program by also providing the participants with direct access to the Department of Social Services. This link helps with retention by providing students with Social Services support. The direct access reduces scheduling conflicts and assists with personal problems, such as childcare and transportation, that may interfere with the participant’s study schedule.

The interdepartmental linkages encourage better program flexibility to prepare the Work First participants for success. The Community Development Department, under which the Pathways program is housed, partners with short-term Training, Continuing Education and traditional curriculum departments in order to provide a flexible, supportive training program that fits the needs of the students, while maintaining academic standards and requirements. The partnership between the Pathways program and the Human Resource Development (HRD) department results in an integrated curricula that provides the job seeking and basic skills that are necessary for the students’ success in putting their education to work.

Other links within the college community provide students with support after the course itself ends. The Job Placement Services department is a resource on-campus that students can use to help find employment. The Work-Based Learning program at CPCC offers some graduates an opportunity to use their time in class toward work experience. The Work-Based Learning program also offers instruction on post-employment skills to help students keep their jobs after employment.

Pathways developed partnerships with local employers to assist students in attaining employment upon graduation. To that effect, businesses partnering in the program have agreed to give consideration for employment to program participants. Representatives from area businesses and placement agencies such as Carolinas HealthCare System, Presbyterian Hospital, North East Medical Center, Kelly Services, Pro Staff, and Med Dent provide valuable opportunities for field trips, clinical experiences, job shadowing, and guest speakers. Representatives from these organizations and others participate in job fairs for our graduating classes.