Workforce Development Services at Eastern Shore Community College echoes the Commonwealth’s focus on supporting economic growth and development and providing relevant short term workforce training to support the needs of our local businesses and industries.  Customized training is offered for business, designed to prepare individuals for skilled employment in targeted industry sectors. WDS seeks to make the extensive resources of the Commonwealth’s Higher Education System available to help Eastern Shore business and industry be more competitive and more profitable.
WDS has recently offered CDL Tractor Trailer Training, and Cybersecurity, both of which lead to industry recognized certifications, along with specialized training for the poultry industry and local watermen.  Success stories continue to emerge from programs ranging from Adult and Continuing Education, Workforce Investment Act Programs, and a multitude of Community Education Programs.

DeQuan Smith, who was appointed as the Dean of Workforce Development this past July, has announced two new endeavors that will directly address and facilitate training in a pair of exciting fields where qualified employees are constantly in demand: Pharmacy Technician and Hospitality Readiness.

The Pharmacy Technician Training Program at Eastern Shore Community College will be committed to serving the students across the Shore and the pharmaceutical community through guidance, quality academic instruction, and professional training. This 10 week program will meet on Tuesday’s and Thursdays from 6:00pm-8:30pm at a starting date to be announced soon. Under pharmacist supervision, pharmacy technicians supply medicines to patients, whether on prescription or over the counter. They also assemble medicines for prescriptions and provide information to patients and other healthcare professionals.  Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 9 percent between now and 2024. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services.

The Hospitality Readiness Certificate at Eastern Shore Community College is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skill set to obtain entry level employment in the hospitality industry.  The length of the program is twelve weeks. Students can gain four industry credentials by the completion of the program. This program will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. beginning Monday, January 23th and ending Wednesday, April 12th. Each credentialing course lasts three weeks. These courses will provide specific knowledge and skill sets leading to an industry-recognized and portable professional certification through the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Students could receive four credentials in as little as twelve weeks.

This certificate program will prepare students to leave the classroom and gain skillful employment. Supported by local Eastern Shore hospitality businesses, the curriculum will promote professionalism, confidence, positive work ethics, and the soft skills needed for long-term success in the hospitality industry.  Two successful and popular dining establishments, The Blarney Stone Pub and Island House Restaurant, will be partnering with the WDS to assist students in completion of the Hospitality Readiness Certificate.

The outlook for hospitality in Virginia is very promising. Generating $22.9 billion in domestic visitor spending, it supported 223,100 jobs and provided $1.6 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia’s coffers in 2015. The 223,100 jobs supported by domestic travel in Virginia comprised 7.1 percent of the State’s total private employment during 2015.  The Eastern Shore specifically has been one the fastest growing destinations for tourism in recent years, in a continued trend that creates increased employment opportunities in a number of hospitality related areas.

An open house and information session will be held Monday, October 17th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Workforce Development Services building.  In addition to Q&A about both programs, there will be refreshments and additional resources on these and other WDS offerings.

Workforce Development at Eastern Shore Community College continues to solicit input from the business community on what training is needed to create eligible candidates for jobs in their field.  Likewise, suggestions are always welcome on new subjects that Eastern Shore learners would find interest in from a personal enrichment standpoint or adult learning.  As courses and subjects are being considered for the Spring 2017 offerings at WDS, all input and suggestions from Shore residents and businesses are welcomed and encouraged.  Emails can be sent to DeQuan Smith, Dean of Workforce Development, at dsmith@es.vccs.edu, or by calling 757-789-7979.

As ESCC prepares to celebrate its 45^th Anniversary this fall, the college is proud to include Workforce Development Services as part of our successful history of serving Shore residents and businesses, with a constantly evolving offering of learning opportunities. Find out more at es.vccs.edu.