Greenville County Human Relations will host a Help for Carolina Homeowners event on Saturday, August 28, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McAlister Square in Greenville. Free services will include face to face sessions with lender representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, informative workshops and access to attorneys. Bilingual services will be available. Attendees should bring copies of the following documents: recent correspondence and statements from your lender, information about other mortgages on your home, two most recent pay stubs and documentation of other income received, two most recent bank statements, account balances and monthly payments for debts, and estimates of other monthly expenditures. Forms are available online and should be completed prior to the workshop for faster service at the event.

ReadySC has announced the application process for the first round of First Quality hiring. Training applications will be accepted August 16-20, 2010, for the following positions:

* Lead Operator – Paper
* Lead Operator – Converting
* Controls Technician
* DCS Operator
* Maintenance Specialist
* General Maintenance

Requirements for all positions include the ability to work in a fast-paced, safety and quality focused team environment. Applicants must be able to work 12 hour flexible shifts. Note that First Quality is an equal opportunity employer, and the Anderson facility will be a tobacco/drug free work environment. A pre-employment drug screen is required.

Training will be provided at no charge to trainees and classes will be held during morning and/or evening hours at Tri-County Technical College. However, successful completion of the training program carries no obligation o accept any offer of employment, nor is an offered guaranteed. If hired, travel to Lock Haven, PA, for extended training periods will be required. For additional information, visit the ReadySC website.

WorkLink's summer newsletter is available online. Check out the latest news on Job Fairs, business recognition events, and the Summer Youth Employment Program.

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce has been awarded a $1.3 million competitive grant through the U.S. Department of Labor to provide On‐the‐Job Training throughout the state.

These funds will create training Opportunities for people who have lost jobs due to a business closure or mass layoff, and assist businesses interested in expanding their workforce.

On‐the‐Job Training offers a method to jump start re‐employment for dislocated workers
experiencing prolonged unemployment by enabling employers to create training and job
opportunities.

The grant, totaling $1,327,704, is part of a national initiative to help jobseekers find jobs and businesses remain productive.

CNN recently focused on South Carolina's Apprenticship Program. Apprenticeship Carolina™, a division of the SC Technical College System, works to ensure all employers in South Carolina have access to the information and technical assistance they need to create federally registered ap¬prenticeship programs. Since its inception in July 2007, Apprenticeship Carolina’s™ work has led to a 199% increase in the number of registered apprenticeship programs in the state and a 228% increase in the number of individuals benefiting from apprenticeship education and training.

Job seekers looking for advanced manufacturing jobs in the areas of CNC production and Mechatronics should make note of Thursday’s Pre-Employment Manufacturing Training Fair at Tri-County Technical College.

The Training Fair will be held Thursday, June 17, from 8 a.m. - noon, in the Industrial and Business Development Center (IBDC) on the Pendleton Campus of Tri-County Technical College.

The fair is sponsored by the WorkLink Workforce Investment Board, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and Tri-County.

Participating employers will include Clarion Technologies, Human Technologies (H TI), Kroger Anderson Bakery and U.S. Engine Valve.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a screening interview with potential employers. If the applicant meets industry requirements, the industry representative will recommend the individual for training. If the candidates meet entry criteria, they may enter one of the QuickJobs training programs including the Certified Production Technician, Mechatronics (electronics and mechanical competencies) and CNC Operator at no charge. Upon completion of the training, company personnel will be given the opportunity to interview these candidates for employment in advanced manufacturing facilities in the three-county area.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Oconee County today announced that U.S. Engine Valve Company will expand its operations in Oconee County. The company expects to invest $18 million over the next five years and create 10 new jobs.

“We are pleased to expand our manufacturing facility in Oconee County. South Carolina continues to serve as an excellent home for our company, with a positive business environment and solid workforce. This expansion will help us meet growing demand for our automotive valves and better serve our customers. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Robert Griffin, plant manager for U.S. Engine Valve Company.

The company will expand its operation in Westminster by upgrading the manufacturing facility with new equipment. The expansion will allow U.S. Engine Valve to increase its plant’s capacity and efficiency, as well as improve product quality. The expansion will be completed in phases, with the first part expected to be in place late this year.

“U.S. Engine Valve has been a part of the Upstate business community for more than two decades, and the company’s decision to grow in South Carolina is a great compliment to our state, the local community and its workforce. South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to present opportunities and the growth of U.S. Engine Valve is another sign that the automotive industry can be successful here despite a challenging economy. By focusing on the fundamentals businesses require to be successful, such as low taxes, a low-burden regulatory environment and a workforce second to none, South Carolina will continue to benefit from new investment and growth among existing industries,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“We are thrilled to welcome this expansion by U.S. Engine Valve and for providing the much needed jobs for our citizens. U.S. Engine Valve Company is a valued member of the Oconee County industrial family and a vital member of our business community. The county council is working diligently to encourage this type of growth,” said Oconee County Council Chairman Reg Dexter.

“We are proud of our existing industries in Oconee County and make it a priority to assist with their expansion projects. This investment being made by U.S. Engine Valve demonstrates the company’s confidence in our community and our workforce,” said Hank Field, chairman of the Oconee County Economic Development Commission.

U.S. Engine Valve supplies the global automotive industry with highly engineered valves that help to increase fuel economy as well as improve a vehicle’s overall efficiency and performance. Over the years, U.S. Engine Valve has received several awards from Toyota for both quality and delivery performance. Also, U.S. Engine Valve is the first two-time recipient of the Honda Corporate Citizenship Award which awards companies that have demonstrated outstanding results in six categories: Ethics & Compliance, Health & Safety, Community Involvement, Environment, Diversity and Government Relations. For more information about the company and for employment opportunities with U.S. Engine Valve, please visit www.usenginevalve.com.

Press release courtesy of the South Carolina Department of Commerce

Pickens Adult Learning Center is offering free classes that allow participants to learn computer skills and earn a WorkKeys Certificate.

The first class is June 14th-July 1st, and will meet Monday-Thursday, 9 am to 3:30 at the Adult Learning Center in Easley (106 Glazner Street).

The class will be offered a second time July 12-July 29, Monday-Thursday, 9 am to 3:30 at the same location.

Participants must be registered PRIOR to the beginning of the class. For more information, call 855-8198.

The Summer Youth Employment Program, administered by WorkLink Workforce Investment Board and Palmetto Youth Connections, is now accepting applications for the out-of-school program on a first-come, first-served basis through June 15, 2010. The program will serve a total of 75 out-of-school youth in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties.

Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the program will provide a work-readiness/soft skills class and work experience for youth ages 17-24.

Participants will receive a stipend of $50 for each of the two classes completed and $7.25 for each hour of work experience in local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Out-of-school youth must meet Workforce Investment Act requirements to be eligible for the program. Eligibility guidelines are based on family income during the past six months and other information collected during the application process. Parents or legal guardians must attend the information session for youth under age 18.

For more information about the out-of-school youth employment program, contact WorkLink at (864) 646-1515 or visit www.worklinkweb.com. WorkLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

from SC DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Pickens County today announced that Allegro Industries will locate its new manufacturing facility in Pickens County. The $4.53 million investment is expected to generate 45 new jobs.

“This new location will allow us to increase our production capacity as well as give us a presence in the Southeastern United States. In spite of the economy, Allegro has grown and is excited to expand its operations. Pickens County provides an excellent business environment for Allegro Industries, with a strong workforce and exceptional market access. With this move we will be able to be more responsive to our East Coast customers. We look forward to beginning our operations in South Carolina’s Upstate,” said Thomas Johnston, president of Allegro Industries.

Allegro Industries will construct its new manufacturing facility in the Pickens County Commerce Park near Liberty, S.C. The facility will produce a variety of industrial safety products, including respirators, respirator accessories and ventilator products. Allegro Industries expects to have the facility operational by the first quarter of next year.

“Allegro Industries is a well-known producer of safety equipment and we are pleased to welcome them to Pickens County. This announcement is another reminder of the positive things occurring throughout our state. From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, South Carolina continues to demonstrate that it has the resources to be highly competitive in today’s economy. In fact, Pickens County will provide Allegro Industries with exceptional market access and a workforce second to none. We appreciate the company’s decision to invest and create new jobs in South Carolina and look forward to more good news coming to the Pickens community in the days ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“All of us in Pickens County are excited about the prospects of 45 new jobs. We appreciate the investment of Allegro Industries and we look forward to their success,” said Pickens County Council Chairman Neil Smith.

“Allegro Industries Inc. is a very welcome addition to our Pickens County industrial base. Our Pickens County community is most grateful to Allegro owners Tom Johnston and Tony Ferroni for selecting the Pickens County Commerce Park for Allegro’s new home. Allegro will augment very well the park’s other life safety specialty device manufacturers Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company and St. Jude Medical, as well as KeyMark Inc. and the park’s most recent tenant, Tri Tech USA,” said Alliance Pickens Chairman Joel Ledbetter.

The company will begin hiring for the positions in the first quarter of 2011, which will include assemblers, packagers, technicians and office staff. Allegro Industries will work with the Workforce One-Stop in Pickens County when the hiring process starts.

Founded in 1987 and based in Garden Grove, Calif., Allegro Industries offers a full line of safety equipment and ergonomic products for the workplace. For more information about the company, please visit www.allegrosafety.com.

By Chad Dorsett
WSNW/Special to the ANDERSON INDEPENDENT-MAIL

SENECA — Eager job seekers were brought in by the bus load to Tuesday’s Tri-County Community Job Fair at Seneca’s Shaver Recreation Complex.

People packed buses going to the fair to hear about job opportunities in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. Clemson Area Transit provided a shuttle bus from the main downtown Seneca bus stop to the job fair.

“I’m unemployed and have lost two jobs in manufacturing, so I decided to come to the job fair and see what they had to offer,” said Lynn Benson of Seneca.

WorkLink and the OneStop Workforce Centers in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties sponsored the annual job fair.

“WorkLink’s mission is to connect companies and employees and this annual job fair is one way that we can do that,” said Amy Jessee, outreach and grant-writing coordinator with WorkLink.

Some 45 exhibitors from manufacturing, health care, the service industry and staffing agencies were on hand to meet with prospective employees.

Several employers at the job fair were accepting resumes and applications on site. Some even conducted job interviews.

“We wanted to come today to keep our name exposed to the community,” said Marilyn Truett of Cross Country Home Services of Anderson. “Cross Country is a growing call center. We’ve been located in Anderson almost two years now. We’ve hired 70 people this year already, but we’re still out looking for good talent.”

WorkLink’s goal is to have a fully employed, skilled workforce for the region and to that end it helps job seekers find the tools to build their careers and works with businesses to hire good employees.

Under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, WorkLink partners with local service providers and through a comprehensive OneStop system that provides access points for employment and training services.

“We’ve gotten a really good base of applicants in today and we’re doing business in the area, so we’re looking to hire some new employees,” said Deana Ebernickle of Upstate Staffing in Anderson. “It’s been a really good turnout, so I’m real pleased. We are a temporary staffing agency that staff mainly for light industrial manufacturing.”

One success story from the annual Tri-County Community Job Fair was visible in this year’s organizer, Amy Jessee. She attended the job fair last year and was quickly hired by WorkLink.

“I was on the other side of the table last year,” said Jessee. “I remember coming to the job fair, looking through all the different opportunities, putting in my resume with WorkLink and getting an interview a couple of months later. So here I am and I think it worked out well and it’s thanks to the job fair.”

This White Paper is prepared by the South Carolina Workforce Development Area Administrators Association (SCWDAAA) in cooperation with a consortium of state agencies. The purpose of the White Paper is to support the efforts for improving the Workforce Development System in South Carolina.

The SCWDAAA is a volunteer organization of workforce development directors who represent South Carolina’s forty-six (46) counties. Specifically, the SCWDAAA is comprised of administrators of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) program who also serve as directors of Twelve (12) local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIBs). The White Paper will provide stakeholders with valuable information on South Carolina’s workforce development system under the WIA for the purpose of aligning strategies and partnerships in order to meet the needs of South Carolina’s evolving economy.