Graduate High School Career-Ready

A partnership between Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland Community College and the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP) recently launched a new Advanced Manufacturing Academy (AMA) to directly prepare high school students to enter the workforce with competitive manufacturing jobs after graduation.

The program, which is open to rising 11^th grade students in the Cleveland County Schools system, consists of online high school courses, community college programs and work-study opportunities at local manufacturing companies. Program participants will graduate with technically-focused high school and community college diplomas and many of the important skillsets that Cleveland County manufacturers are looking for in potential employees.

County Support for Manufacturing

In Cleveland County, we care about the success and happiness of our people. That’s why we work together at the county level with area manufacturers to ensure that you have the resources and skills to succeed. The Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP) partners with Gardner-Webb University, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland County Schools and other training providers to support the development of Cleveland County’s workforce. These customized training programs make Cleveland County a great place to work and grow a business.

Tips to Land the Job

Cleveland County is looking for hard workers and dynamic thinkers across different experience levels and interests. With that in mind, here are five tips to help you land the job you want.

1. Know Your Strengths. Even if you’ve never worked in manufacturing before, your personal and professional strengths will be important to your potential employer. Are you a natural leader? A head-down hard worker? An analytical thinker? Do you possess mechanical aptitude? Be ready to share an example of a time when you exemplified your strengths. These insights will help companies determine the right position and career path for you.
2. Understand the Skills Required for the Job. Do your research to make sure you know what skills a certain job entails. Understanding what’s expected of the position will help you prepare to answer relevant questions during the interview.
3. Perfect Your Resume. Once you understand your strengths and the skills required for a job, it’s important to put forward a resume that demonstrates this understanding to your potential employer. Be sure to include your educational background and technical proficiency, but don’t forget to spotlight the “soft skills” that you possess. Employers are looking for strong work ethic, leadership skills, the ability to work on a team and employees who are motivated and engaged, among other characteristics. For more tips, templates and examples of effective resumes, check out free online resources like Career Builder, Live Career and Resume-Now.
4. Dress to Impress. The in-person interview is often the most critical stage of the job application process because it allows employers to get a sense for how you think and present yourself. While a full suit and tie or formal dress isn’t required for most production jobs, it’s important to dress neatly to demonstrate that you take the opportunity seriously. Don’t be afraid to express your individual style…but do so with a professional twist.
5. Take Advantage of Local Resources. If you don’t have a certain technical proficiency, considering taking a certificate program or enrolling in a job-training academy at Cleveland Community College. Don’t be afraid to express to the potential employer that you’re interested in getting certified—they may be able to help.
6. Express Your Interest. Manufacturers love applicants who display enthusiasm and genuine interest in working for them. Do your research on the company before you apply or interview, but don’t be afraid to ask questions of the employer during the interview process. Engaged and inquisitive job applicants stand out to employers.
7. Talk to Senior-Level Manufacturers. When it comes to getting insight on how to excel in your career, nothing compares to a face-to-face discussion or phone call with someone who was once in your shoes. Contact a Cleveland County company that interests you to schedule a time to chat, or seek out a mentor in your community. We’re confident they will welcome the opportunity to speak with you.