CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- It opened just three weeks ago, and already a new career center in Center City is seeing days near capacity.
The services are free, and aimed at getting laid off professionals back to work.
“I think you’ve got to put a game plan together,” said therapist Shaun Tyrance as he taught a stress management course in the Professionals Career Center.
In the workshop: a handful of people looking for work. Tyrance volunteers his time here because he’s passionate about trying to help.
“People’s lives kind of get turned upside down. Having a chance to refine your skills and practice and really put your best foot forward is important,” he said.
This workshop is one of many offered here ranging from networking, to social media skills and resume writing.
“A lot of our workshops and classes talk about how you can take control. You can find everything you need about unemployment and training dollars all in one physical location,” said Steve Partridge who runs the center.
It’s the result of Governor Bev Perdue’s Charlotte Regional Recovery Initiative. “The Professionals Career Center is public/private partnership at its best,” said Robert Fish, chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Workforce Development Board.
Partridge added, “We couldn’t have done this without the private sector because you see the space around here. It’s almost 10,000 square feet in Uptown Charlotte.”
The space is owned by Bank of America and leased to the center rent free. Computer, software and other items were also donated and generous volunteers like Shaun Tyrance continue to give their time.
“We’ve had over 50 people sign up for class the past couple of days so we’re almost at capacity,” said Partridge.
He calls this a positive sign considering the operation is so new.
“I needed to dust off my resume a little bit,” said job seeker Debbie Moser.
She’s been out of work since late summer, and feels what she’s learning at the center is giving her new direction and a better chance.
“I have just begun the process. I know others have been at it a little while longer than I have. It’s not an easy market right now, but that just means we have to be more diligent,” she said.
Partridge says the center is also starting to get calls from employers looking to hire.
“They’ve said, hey, we’re hiring three people. It’s not hundreds, but you get a dozen or so employers saying I’ve got three jobs here can you send me some folks. It’s important,” he added.
The center is on the 2nd floor of 525 North Tryon Street.
It’s open Monday thru Thursday from 9am to 4pm and from 9am to 1pm on Friday’s. You do need to register for workshops.
To get more information, check out www.pronetcharlotte.com.
Partridge says the Professionals Career Center has a six month commitment, but he’s hoping to get funding and approval to keep it open much longer.
