5 Earn VGCC Multi-Skills Certificates, Increase Workforce Employability
Vance-Granville Community College honored five students for completing more than one Applied Technologies (formerly Vocational) programs – and excelling in them.
The five new Multi-Skilled Technicians earned their certification by maintaining at least 3.0 grade-point-averages in the two programs.
The latest Multi-Skilled Technicians and the programs they have completed are: Joseph M. Correa of Warrenton, Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology and Electrical/Electronics Technology; Jimmy L. Gilliam of Louisburg, Industrial Systems Technology and Welding Technology; Keith W. Jones of Oxford, Industrial Systems Technology and Welding Technology; David Pulley of Kittrell, Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology and Electrical/Electronics Technology; and Darrell M. Taborn of Oxford, Carpentry and Electrical/Electronics Technology.
Herbert Washington, Applied Technologies advisor, said only about 50 students have earned the Multi-Skilled Technician certification in the 16 years the program has been in place at Vance-Granville.
“The Multi-Skilled Technician was initiated to encourage students to go beyond a one-year, single vocational program,” Washington said. “It is hard to stick around and complete more than one program; most students are ready after completing one program to go out and face the world and earn a living.
James Wheeler, Dean of Applied Technologies and Public Services, said, “The more skills students earn, the more employable they are. Having these multiple skills cuts the employers’ training costs.”
“Having more than one marketable skill gives a student a more well-rounded background,” said Robert Hudson, program head and instructor for Industrial Systems Technology. “They are more appreciated in industry.”
Anyone interested in the Multi-Skilled Technician program can contact Herbert Washington at (252) 738-3228.
MULTI-SKILLED – Receiving their Multi-Skilled Technician certificates from Vance-Granville Community College at a luncheon in their honor on July 27 were, from left: Darrell M. Taborn and Keith W. Jones, both of Oxford, Jimmy L. Gilliam of Louisburg and Joseph M. Correa of Warrenton. Not present for the picture was a fifth recipient, David Pulley of Kittrell.
