By: The Mountaineer

Haywood Community College is rolling out new efforts to bring more adults who may have not completed a degree or job training program back to the classroom through a new Better Skills, Better Jobs, Better Future campaign.

Over the next few months, HCC will be proactively sharing educational programs and college information with adults across the region to prepare them for the growing number of job openings.

Interested adults are encouraged to visit HCC’s “Better Skills Better Jobs” website to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college.

From nursing to machining and industrial systems, to business and tourism, and many more, completing courses at Haywood offers a direct pipeline to many of the region’s top employers.

“We work directly with local employers to offer the courses they need to support their businesses and employees, but too often, we are still referred to as a ‘hidden gem.’ This Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future campaign will help generate awareness among adult learners specifically,” said Dr. Shelley White, President of Haywood Community College. “We want more adult learners to acquire the skills, credentials, and degrees they need for a better job, a bigger paycheck, and an even brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Despite North Carolina’s booming economy, less than half of North Carolinians between the ages of 25-44 have the education and training needed to fill current and future job openings. Meanwhile, many employers are desperately seeking skilled talent to fill vacancies.

The Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign includes direct outreach to adults who previously earned some college credits, but left without a degree or certification; special community events and earned media promotions; paid digital marketing and advertising, and customized materials designed to quickly help more adult learners reconnect and re-enroll.

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, which is why Haywood Community College, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to support this special outreach campaign to attract even more adult learners back to college.

“Many in our state are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and our community colleges are a great place to begin their journey,” said M.C. Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. “Our goal is for all North Carolinians to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state.”

For more information about the Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign, visit betterskillsbetterjobs.com/Haywood-Community-College/.

View the article on TheMountaineer.com.