Tri-County Job Readiness Updates

You're Hired: Sweet Words for Tri-County Job Readiness Training Program Participants

Quincey Medley Tri-County Job Readiness Program Completers found success in the program and are now finding success in the job market. Less than five months since completing the job readiness training program, a program made possible by federal stimulus monies and the creation of the Tri-County Collaborative, 50% of the South Boston cohort is gainfully employed. This success is even more impressive considering the economy is still recovering and that all program participants were unemployed before completing the program.

Program successes include Thomas Turbeville, the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Green Associate in Halifax County, and Quincey Medley. Turbeville is currently working as a full time machine operator with EIT in Danville, and Medley was recently hired as a fulltime forklift operator at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, VA. Medley stated that the resume writing and interview skills training he received during the job readiness program were essential to his ability to find employment. He also said that the credentials he earned in the program seemed to seal the deal for him during the interview process.

“We are immensely proud of the Tri-County Job Readiness Training Program completers,” said Dr. Simon-Owens Director of Workforce Assessment and Advancement at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). Simon-Owens worked with the Tri-County Collaborative and served as project and program manager for the Tri-County Job Readiness Training. “The ability of the program completers to find employment is a testament to the hard work and dedication they put into the training program as well as their ongoing job search efforts afterwards. Their success is not only an accomplishment for each of the participants, but also for the Tri-County Collaborative and the region,” she said.

Other program completers who have found full time employment locally include Doretha Kirby (Halifax Regional Health System), Harold Link (Dollar General Distribution Center), and Marque Medley (Tri-County Community Action). Marilyn Goode and Tanejah Tertilus have found part time employment at Banister Nursing Home and Pizza Hut respectively. Tertilus is also an intern in the SVHEC’s Department of Workforce Assessment & Advancement.

“The Tri-County Job Readiness Training Program was about giving the participants tools for success. They have now taken those tools and put them to good use. This is further proof that when properly prepared, employment and success are within reach,” said Reverend William Coleman, Executive Director of Tri-County Community Action.

Federal stimulus monies were used to fund the initiative that brought together educational providers and employers to provide comprehensive training to unemployed individuals in Halifax, Charlotte, and Mecklenburg Counties. Tri-County Community Action Agency, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, and the South Central Workforce Investment Board including the Virginia Workforce Center partnered to form the Tri-County Collaborative. The Tri-County Collaborative formed to leverage and maximize regional resources to create and support this new comprehensive job readiness program. Doretha Kirby

Danville Community College, Southside Virginia Community College, IAMGOGREEN, LLC, and the SVHEC Workforce Assessment and Advancement Department partnered to deliver the curriculum. Focused on Customer Service, Business Ethics, Teamwork, Basic Computer Skills, Workforce Preparation, Basic Measurements, and OSHA Safety, the curriculum provided participants with an opportunity to earn workplace credentials in the areas of OSHA 10 Safety Certification, Virginia’s Career Readiness Certificates (CRC), and LEED Certification. Local employers also participated in the program by providing onsite workplace visits and classroom involvement. Some of the participating employers were Dollar General Distribution Center, Halifax Regional Health System, and Huber Engineered Woods. Debbie’s Staffing provided onsite services to the participants as well.

“This was truly a regional collaborative effort with the entities involved working together to bring their assets to the table. The finished product was a comprehensive curriculum that successfully prepared participants to find gainful employment—even in difficult economic times,” Dr. Simon-Owens said.

The Workforce Assessment & Advancement staff at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center continues to work with the Tri-County Job Readiness Training program completers as they pursue full time employment. Simon-Owens stated, “Although the program has ended our work with the program completers continues. We made a commitment to the participants, and until everyone who desires employment has found it our work continues.”

For more information on Workforce Assessment & Advancement at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center contact Dr. Nettie Simon-Owens at 434-572-5488 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .