James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) recently hosted a lunch and learn opportunity for employers and local business owners. The event on Wednesday, November 6th, at noon, was held in the Williams building on JSCC’s main campus. Representatives from local businesses were invited to learn how JSCC could partner to provide skilled employees to meet their industry’s specific needs.
JSCC places a high value on connecting students with long-term and sustainable careers. Seeing students gainfully employed is the long-term goal for all employees. Events like the lunch and learn, full-time and part-time job fairs, and programs such as Work-Based Learning and Customized Training provide a bridge between local industry and our students.
Karla Blanton, Director of Career Services, is passionate about serving students and watching them obtain gainful employment in the field of their choice. She said,
“I hope this event will be a catalyst for future networking events to bridge the gap between training and employment for our students.”
Event highlights included:
- WIOA Employment Training/ Work Experience (WEX) and On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Work-Based Learning
- Small Business Center
- Customized Training
- Access to Achievement/ Employment for individuals with IDD
Each category, represented by a JSCC employee, was explained to those in attendance. The purpose of each program was highlighted, as well as how to obtain viable employees from each respective field. Each representative expressed what JSCC can provide to the industry through the customized skills of our students.
Dr. Shakeena White, Vice President of Student Services, stated, “Five employers walked away with a better understanding of the resources available at JSCC. I am so proud of our work at JSCC and look forward to more events like this.”
The following employees attended this special event:
- Cypress Knee Resources
- ECU Health
- LEAR Corporation (Guilford Performance Textiles)
- Murphy Family Ventures
- Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities – NC DHHS
Beth Wooten, JSCC’s Access to Achievement Coordinator, was one of many staff members involved in executing the employer lunch and learn. About the event, she said,
“It was fascinating to connect personally with local employers and share the resources available to them at JSCC. We are looking forward to hosting similar events in the future!”
Dr. White emphasized the value JSCC places on relationships with local industry,
“James Sprunt truly appreciates our partnership with employers. Today’s event provided an excellent opportunity to share how we can provide employers with training and skilled employees to meet their workforce needs. We are looking forward to our next event!”
For more information on upcoming employer events or how to utilize the JSCC student base for your workplace, contact Karla Blanton, Director of Career Services, at kblanton@jamessprunt.edu or (910) 275-6367.
