GCWD helps students prepare for job market with new training

A diverse group of 15 students is entering the workforce retrained and reenergized after graduating last month in the first class of the MSSC (Manufacturing Standard Skills Council) Certified Production Technician program.

"It feels great," said Reginald Bornslater, a former construction worker from New Orleans who landed in Greenville after Hurricane Katrina five years ago. "This is a chance for me to get my foot in the door for a better paying job. I'm already seeing more opportunity out there."

The innovative training program was developed as collaborative community effort between United Way of Greenville County and other local agencies, including Greenville Tech, United Ministries, WIA/Greenville County Workforce Development, Greenville County Schools Lifelong Learning and Greenville ESC One-Stop.

The students received four MSSC certifications in demand by area employers, including training in safety, production processes, quality and maintenance awareness.

The Jan. 27 graduation ceremony gave students and their families a chance to celebrate their accomplishments, as well as an opportunity to immediately market their new qualifications and distribute resumes to several potential employers and staffing agencies who were invited to network with the graduates.

"This gives me a better foundation to work from," said Bornslater. "Now, if I can convince the prospective employers I'm the right one for them, it'll be even better."

For more information on United Way of Greenville County's work to increase financial stability in the community through the Greenville Collaborative for Workforce Development, click here.