campusconnection: Human Resources Development
The fabulous staff at Human Resources Development. Clockwise from lower left: Gea Skeens, Sylvia Hitchcock, Barbara Butcher, Elizabeth Saunders, Kay Manley, Lee Spencer, Terri Sizemore, Carolyn McCarter Wood, Joan Gilmore, Shelley White, Alma Fisher.
Imagine you are a single mother on public assistance wanting to be self-sufficient, a factory worker whose plant has closed, a Spanish-or Russian-speaking laborer wanting to enter the professional workforce, or a professional looking to change careers. Where do you go to get help in the somewhat daunting task of changing not only your life, but also your paradigm?
You go to A-B Tech's Human Resources Development (HRD) department. As part of Continuing Education, HRD's primary mission is to provide training opportunities and career guidance classes for the unemployed and underemployed population.
In partnership with the Department of Social Service's Workfirst Program, clients who have been on public assistance can attend the Aspire classes taught on the A-B Tech campus by instructors Alma Fisher and Carolyn Wood. Here, students learn the fundamentals of seeking, securing, and keeping a job. But, after a few minutes conversation with HRD Coordinator Shelley White, it's clear these students learn more than just how to write a resume. "HRD is able to reach out and work with people in the community who are somewhat un-served," says White. "They need extra encouragement and support." The students are taught everything from how to set goals and overcome their fears and barriers, to how to cook nutritious, inexpensive meals. "We're focused on the whole person," says White. "If you feel good about yourself and are more confident, you are a better person, and a better employee."
But HRD doesn't stop there. The students, now more confident in their ability to handle a job interview, still may need concrete job skills. That is where the Computer Literacy classes come in. Here, students are taught basic computer skills, which could lead to an entry-level position, or motivate them to take more classes. "Many of these students have never been on a college campus before," says White. "These classes provide them with a door to further their education." As part of a Rapid Response team, White visits manufacturing sites that have down-sized or closed and offers free computer training in English, Spanish, and Russian to better serve the needs of these growing populations of displaced workers.
So, the student now has new life and job skills, and HRD is still there to help guide them on their journey. In partnership with JobLink, also located on the A-B Tech campus, HRD instructors Alma Fisher and Lee Spencer provide assistance in an open computer lab setting to clients searching for a new job, career, or direction in life. With career assessments and inventories, students are encouraged to discover creative ways of finding their perfect job. Then, they are guided through the process of adjusting their resumes and filling out the applications. And, once they've found that perfect job, they can attend Wellness in the Workplace classes to learn conflict management and how to relieve stress.
"HRD is about building up people," says White. It is a nurturing, supportive, yet still professional environment that provides a bridge from one way of life into another. It supplies hope that whether you've never had a job, lost your job, don't speak the language, or are even incarcerated, goals can be reached, and the people at HRD will help show you the way.
A Big Time In The Big City
Front row kneeling: Melissa Holcombe, Maurico Villa, Ally Trantham, Second row kneeling: Bethany Butti, Stephanie Watson, Third row standing: Hospitality Education Instructor Gary Schwartz, Lydia Douglas, Hospitality Education Chairperson Sheila Tillman, Nelly White, Last row: Brent LaValley, Keai Henderson, Kelly Tantalo, Kirk Miller, Neal Smith, Keith Stolarick.
On Feb. 13, Sheila Tillman, Gary Schwartz and 17 students from Culinary Technology and Hotel and Restaurant Management went to the Southeastern Hospitality Job Fair at the World Congress Center in Atlanta. Sponsored by Georgia State University, some 400 students from Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky came to talk to representatives of over 35 major hotel chains, multi-unit restaurants, and contract feeders.
A-B Tech students prepared for the fair by attending two workshops. The first helped them produce high-quality resumes and the second focused on interviewing techniques and dressing for success. Both were conducted by the Business Department's resident expert Kathy Toler. The students worked hard on perfecting their resumes and learning the keys to professional dress.
Student's Responses:
"It was a good experience meeting people from so many different companies. "
"It showed me new avenues to take in my culinary career."
"I saw first hand what an employer is looking for."
"I enjoyed having the opportunity to see the variety of companies out there and to hear what they had to offer."
On Saturdays ethnic shopping:
"It opened my eyes to what people from around the world eat."
"I have never been at a market with so much live fish and seafood."
PTK News
Alpha Upsilon Eta (AUE), A-B Tech's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, received numerous awards and accolades at the recent Carolinas Regional Convention. The chapter received an award for Most Improved Chapter, going from a One Star Chapter to a Five Star Chapter in just one year.
Each year the chapter is encouraged to host activities that embody the hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. A team of students then writes essays informing Phi Theta Kappa regional and international headquarters of the accomplishments in each hallmark. AUE's dedication to Scholarship earned the chapter an Honorable Mention in the Hallmark Award category for Scholarship.
AUE President June Ingle was recognized with an Honorable Mention for the Distinguished Chapter President Award, while Public Relations Officer/Historian Jessica Decker was recognized with an Honorable Mention for the Distinguished Chapter Officer Award. A-B Tech Librarian Robin Wiggins and Computer Instructor Veronica Dooly received awards for their leadership and service as chapter advisors.
The Carolinas Region has issued a Clover Challenge to all chapters in the area. The challenge is to help kids conquer cancer by participating in four areas: prevention, advocacy, service, and fundraising. Chapters are awarded Clover levels based on involvement in each focus area. AUE received a plaque recognizing their commitment to help children conquer cancer and their attainment of Four Clover levels.
The Carolinas Super Stars Award recognizes chapters for their involvement and participation in Regional and International activities. AUE met all the criteria for this award including attendance at five regional or international events. The chapter was presented with a plaque and "Super Star" pins for members to wear.
Inspiring Women To Inspire Women
News 13 co-anchor Darcel Grimes (far left) was the featured speaker while local singer Kat Williams provided music at the National Women's History Month Program March 18 in Ferguson Auditorium on the Asheville Campus of A-B Tech. The theme of the evening was "Inspiring Hope and Possibility." Grimes spoke movingly of her main inspiration in life, her mother. The program was well attended by A-B Tech staff, students and members of the community.
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