Changing Directions and Finding Success NCWorks Career Center-Stanly Helps Customers Through Community Partnerships

Pam Gudger had 26 years of previous manufacturing work experience but following the completion of training in the clerical field, she could not locate employment. So, Pam visited the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly in Albemarle seeking assistance. Cathy Thurston with the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly completed the evaluation of Pam's skills, enrolled her in the services, and focused on what Pam's skills truly were. Ms. Thurston recognized the transferrable skills that Pam exhibited from her earlier years and knew the need within the NCWorks Career Center Stanly. The NCWorks Career Center-Stanly, led by Gus Vanegas, works with customers who are seeking employment and knew that the Center needed a receptionist to greet and guide customers as they entered the Center. Cathy reached out to AARP-Albemarle, a community partner that supports those 55 and older, and referred Pam for possible employment. AARP has been instrumental in Stanly County in locating employment for those 55 and older who need additional skills or work experience to become marketable. Following the development of Pam's resume and interview preparation by Ms. Thurston, Pam was interviewed and offered a part-time position with AARP working at the NCWorks Career Center- Stanly. It was Pam's willingness to accept the guidance from Ms. Thurston that helped her overcome the mindset of having 26 years of experience in one field and encouraged her willingness to start over and build new work experience and office skills.
The NCWorks Career Center services always focus on the employment of their customers. It was Ms. Frances Thornton, NCWorks Business Services Consultant who connected Pam with her new career. Ms. Thornton used her knowledge of the employers in the Stanly community to connect Pam with a business needing her exact skills. Pam was interviewed and began work immediately. It is the partnerships and community knowledge of the NCWorks Career Center Team that makes their services so beneficial for the residents of Stanly County.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud of the efforts of all the NCWorks Career Center-Stanly staff to improve the lives of the residents of Stanly County and the impact that all NCWorks members are making in lives throughout the region.
For more information on resources, opportunities, and successes, visit https://centralinaworkforce.com/. And be sure to download the FREE Centralina WDB Mobile App – available on the Google Play Store and the App Store for iPhone to keep up with all the local workforce services and events happening around the region.

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