Students receive technical certifications through new jumpstart program

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Finding a job is not easy for some people. But, there is help available from local organizations in Macon, who cater to job placement.

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission Workforce Development Department and Central Georgia Technical College partnered to help individuals gain the tools needed to get a job.

E3 Career Jumpstart is a four-week program that allows adults to earn technical certifications.

Students learn workplace fundamentals and receive resume building tips. They also get job readiness training and attend empowerment seminars.

“It showed me things that I haven’t previously known as far as dealing with the computer, Microsoft Word and Excel and just all of the options and the possibilities and the things you can do with it,” says Wadler Gauthier who graduated with a certification.

Spokesperson with the workforce development department, Tyler Garrison says, “We see resumes come through the door where there is nothing on it but by the time they graduate from this program we’ve see them really be able to be confident and turn the resumes in to employers because now they have something on there they are proud of they’ve accomplished.”

The program also offers consumer credit counseling so that once they find a job, they will know how to manage their finances.

“If we develop or actually track back how we develop our particular mindsets with our money and learn to manage money better, as well as credit, then we can have better lives,” financial coach Daquanis Harvey adds.

Some of the students have already accepted positions.

“I was very prepared for the interview. The questions that they asked were the things we were taught in class and they asked specifically the way it was taught,” Terrilyn Taylor who participated explains.

A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday. Community members spoke to the graduating class as they applauded them for their success.

“This will allow them to be able to compete when they go out into their place for those jobs they are certified in,” Workforce Development Board Chair, Theresa Robinson adds.

The E3 Career Jumpstart Program is offered each month. The next class begins in mid September. Anyone 18 or older can sign up by calling (478) 751-6160.