(November 9, 2007) Melanie Kiker was the first to receive the Gold Certificate in the Career Readiness Certificate program here in Stanly County. She has been a member of the Stanly County workforce since graduating from West Stanly High School and taking her first job.
“Melanie is one of many in the county who have been obliged to take decisive personal action to stay ahead of the economic roller coaster that has been a part of all our lives in recent years,” remarked Kathy Gardner, Associate Dean, Literacy and Academic Support. “When she was forced to undertake a career change in 2006, Melanie entered the Career Start program at Stanly Community College,” added Gardner.
Career Start is a program implemented by Stanly Community College in cooperation with the Employment Security Commission and other agencies to assist people in developing job-seeking skills.
While Melanie was taking the Career Start program, Cathy Thurston, Human Resources Development Coordinator at Stanly Community College, informed her about the Career Readiness Certificate program. Melanie entered the program by pre-testing for basic achievement levels in Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Information Locating.
Her achievement level made her eligible for the Gold Certificate, which is the highest level of certificate available. In May 2007 she was awarded the Gold Certificate, signed by Governor Mike Easley, along with a keepsake golden pen inscribed with information about the certificate and a complementary T-shirt.
“Melanie’s main focus of success in the Career Readiness Certificate program has been increased confidence in applying and interviewing for her next position,” commented Cathy Thurston. “With her sound work experience and the new Gold Certificate in hand, she was able to begin a new career position in Stanly County in July of this year,” added Thurston.
Melanie plans to remain near home, to continue developing her skills, and to make sure everyone knows about the benefits of the Career Readiness Certificate.
For more information on the Career Readiness Certificate program, contact Cathy Thurston at (704) 991-0279 or cthurston5381@stanly.edu.
