Nov. 5—Dislocated mill workers — along with anyone who finds themselves between careers and without a job — now have a rare opportunity to go back to school and get job training at no cost.
That's thanks to a National Dislocated Worker Grant awarded to the region following the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill. The $7.5 million in federal funding is available to pay for education and training for workers in 11 western counties to aid the region's transition to a post-mill economy.
"We want to reach anyone who may be eligible. We want to help displaced workers find a new career path and help businesses find the qualified workers they need," said Jake Gottloeb, project manager for the National Dislocated Worker Grant with the Southwestern Commission.
There's a lot to consider for those contemplating going back to school, but thankfully the region's community colleges and NC Works staff are there to assist grant applicants with the process.
"We do most of the work. We will get it done as quickly as possible and make it an easy process to get enrolled in the program," Gottloeb said. "All it takes is three to four hours to get access to free tuition and training programs."
For those who are unsure about their next career path — or what courses and training they might need — NC Works career center counselors offer guidance on returning to school and the many programs available at community colleges.
Time is of the essence, however. Community college enrollment for the spring semester is underway, and prospective applicants should act now to get enrolled and take advantage of the grant.
"Now is the time to reconnect with education due to the availability of the National Dislocated Worker Grant," said Dr. Shelley White, president at Haywood Community College. "Those who qualify will have their educational costs covered and can pursue new careers in healthcare, manufacturing, business, trades, and more."
HCC offers both degree programs and short-term workforce development training programs.
"We're offering skills training, degrees, diplomas or certifications in areas where workers should be able to find stability for the rest of their time in the workforce," said Douglas Burchfield, dean of workforce and industry at HCC.
Burchfield said that while it may seem like a big decision, the chance of a free education is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Don't think that you can't. Don't think you're too old or you're too anything," Burchfield said. "There's a place for you at Haywood Community College, and we'll do everything we can to make you successful."
The National Dislocated Worker Grant casts a wide net of eligibility.
"The grant is not just for mill workers, but anybody who's been without work for 13 weeks," said Coley Bartholomew, career advisor with the NCWorks in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties. "If they've had to stay with a loved one for a healthcare situation, or if it's a mom who's been a homemaker and needs to go back to the workforce, this grant is for them."
Applying is easy
Tapping into the opportunities offered by the National Dislocated Worker Grant is simple and hassle free.
The first step is meeting with a career counselor at any NC Works Career Center in the region. Call 828-456-6061 or visit wncdislocatedworkergrant.com to fill out an interest form.
If you're undecided on your next career path, or don't know what education or training are needed to pursue a chosen route, counselors will guide you through the decisions.
Next, enroll for the courses, training or certification programs of your choice through a community college.
Enrollment for the spring 2024 semester is underway now, so don't delay, said David Garrett, the Southwestern Commission's Workforce Development Director.
To help with a seamless process, those administering the National Dislocated Worker Grant have joined forces with community colleges to be onsite during the enrollment period.
"As locals ourselves, we want to help people by connecting them to all the resources that we can," said Lisa Morris NC Works, career center manager for Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties, who was staffing the booth at HCC on the opening day of enrollment.
The booth will be set up every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Haywood Community College and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m every Tuesday at Southwestern Community College in Sylva — with NC Works and Southwestern Commission staff ready to provide resources and help prospective students connect with the grant funding.
David Garrett, the Southwestern Commission's Workforce Development Director, emphasized that candidates must first be enrolled in the National Dislocated Worker program prior to signing up for community college programs.
"We can't pay anything retroactive," Garrett explained. "Once approved, applicants complete the enrollment process directly through their chosen community college. Each school has a little bit of a different process."
Some displaced workers may just be a semester or two shy from completing a degree, or others may want to enter a specific trade program.
Community colleges in the region are eager partners in connecting people with the available grant funding.
"We are excited to see a source of funding available to so many people in our community," said Mike Despeaux, director of career services at SCC. "This helps us help students achieve their goals and succeed, and it also helps us meet workforce needs."
Despeaux said that for anyone unsure about programs or related work, college career services can help them make informed decisions, get the support they need and the job they want.
The important thing is to act now, as grant funds must be spent within a specific time frame.
"We have a hard stop date of May 31, 2025, and don't want to be put in the position of saying 'no' if someone is in the middle of their training," Garrett said. "At the career centers, we have experienced folks who can brainstorm with the applicants and answer those questions."
Community college options
There are five community colleges in the 11-county area covered by the grant. These include Haywood Community College, Southwestern Community College, Tri-County Community College, A-B Tech and Blue Ridge Community College.
Registration for the spring semester is underway now through January at Haywood, Southwestern and Tri-County community colleges. A-B Tech registration opens Nov. 13, and Blue Ridge Community College opens Dec. 14.
Continuing education courses at community colleges don't always follow the typical semester schedule, and offer enrollment at various times. Would-be students should check with the community colleges on availability and deadlines for the continuing education and certification programs.
"The National Dislocated Workers Grant will provide support for so many people to take advantage of our excellent training and preparation for 17 healthcare fields, more than a dozen options in career technologies, trades, and many other sectors of employment in Western North Carolina," Despeaux said of the opportunities at SCC.
Indeed, the options for those returning to school to gain new skills are endless — from industrial fields like welding and machining to health care fields like nursing and medical billing, Burchfield said.
Burchfield noted that there is high demand for paramedics, as well as plumbers. He quipped that it's only a matter of time before your plumber costs as much as your doctor.
Those wishing to start their own business can take an entrepreneurial path.
"You can never go wrong with investing in yourself," Burchfield said. "I think it's probably the most important thing they can do."
If someone is looking for training outside the community college route, grant funding is available to match workers with an employer for on-the-job training. Career counselors are also able to advise applicants on those options, Garrett said.
Learn all the details about the National Dislocated Worker Grant at wncdislocatedworkergrant.com. From the website, prospective applicants can fill out a quick interest form to be connected with a career center counselor.
