New Generation Careers

New Generation Careers assists the development of locally based strategies to train and place rural young people in high-demand career fields. It also focuses on building the talent pool to support business and economic development in rural North Carolina communities.

Careers is part of the larger New Generation Initiative, a three-year effort to transform rural counties through youth and young adult engagement. Other programs of the initiative target community training, entrepreneurship and the engagement of young leaders in community service.

Thirteen communities received grants in June 2012 to support New Generation Careers projects.

All of the projects build on collaborations among workforce development agencies, the business community and nonprofits. Many target disadvantaged young people, including those who have dropped out of school or have other barriers to employment.

The projects are expected to serve 700 young adults with career guidance, training and job placement assistance. Some will also offer work-based experiences such as internships and pre-apprenticeships. Training will prepare young people for careers in occupational fields ranging from manufacturing, welding and electric line maintenance to health care and culinary arts.

By their conclusion, the projects are expected to place nearly 500 young adults in jobs or apprenticeships.

The awards, ranging from $46,000 to $100,000, went to:

New Generation Careers-Brunswick

Brunswick Community College will collaborate with Brunswick Housing Opportunities Inc. to focus on career development in such fields as health care, industrial and vehicle maintenance, and green housing construction. The project will serve more than 50 young adults and place 40 in jobs in Brunswick County.

Bakery Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Land-of-Sky Regional Council will work with My Place Inc. to serve 80 young adults and place 30 in jobs. The participants will receive on-the-job bakery training, culinary classroom instruction, life-skills coaching and job-placement assistance in Henderson County. The project is one of the first pre-apprenticeship programs under an initiative of the N.C. Department of Labor.

Public Allies-Robeson County

N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development will train 50 young adults and place 10 in jobs. During the 10-month program, participants will work full-time for nonprofit organizations in Robeson County.

Coordinated Services to At-Risk Youth

Haywood County Schools will expand an existing program through which participants earn high school diplomas, explore job possibilities and design career paths. The project will serve at least 75 young adults and place 40 in jobs.

Developing a Lifelong Trade

Johnston Community College will train students for manufacturing jobs. The project will provide training for 45 young adults and place 30 in jobs.

Training Youth for Health-Care Careers

This Central Carolina Community College project will help meet the needs of health care employers in Harnett County. It will provide training for 75 young adults and place 40 in jobs.

Manufacturing Skills Training

Lee County Industries will provide manufacturing skills training, work readiness preparation, work experience and job placement to young adults in Chatham and Lee counties. It will emphasize assistance to those with disabilities or other barriers to employment. The project will train 60 young adults and place 30 in jobs.

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