Workforce and Economic Development
Workforce and Economic Development is defined as those activities engaged in by adults for the purpose of learning a trade, upgrading a skill, personal improvement, or cultural enrichment. The purpose of Halifax Community College is to offer adults the opportunity to engage in vocational, cultural and community service activities. In order to meet the desired goals and objectives of the College, the Department of Workforce and Economic Development offers a variety of courses and programs.
These non- curricular activities vary in length and are offered during the day and evening hours both on and off campus.
The development of workforce and economic development activities for adults is based upon: (1) interest shown by the community, (2) availability of qualified instructional personnel, and (3) the availability of equipment, adequate teaching facilities, and funds. Other courses and programs are developed at the request of individuals, businesses, industries, and agencies.
Objectives
1. To provide professional development and training designed to prepare adults for a trade or upgrade their ability to perform in their present job.
2. To provide cultural and community service activities for adults.
3. To provide small business owners and prospective owners with the informational, educational, training services, and assistance necessary to increase the success rate and number of small businesses in the service area.
4. To offer industry specific training for existing, new, and expanding industries.
Criteria for Activities
At least three criteria are needed for the implementation of a workforce and economic development activity. Those criteria are:
1. Qualified instructional personnel.
2. An adequate teaching facility, equipment, and funds.
3. A minimum number of registered adults per class, as determined by the dean of workforce and economic development.
Admissions
The philosophy of Halifax Community College encompasses the open-door policy of workforce and economic development for everyone of suitable age who has the need and desire to learn. Any adult who can benefit from the instruction being offered may enroll in a workforce and economic development activity.
Registration
Students may register for workforce and economic development courses or activities through the census date of the total course hours. Exceptions to this may apply when external agencies or state requirements mandate different course attendance or registration requirements or when the College requires registration during the first class meeting. The current fee structure for workforce and economic development classes is a sliding scale that is based on the number of hours a class is scheduled.
See chart below: Hours Cost
1 - 24 $70
25 - 50 $125
50+ $180
Fees
A registration fee is charged for most workforce and economic development activities. There is no charge for adults enrolling in adult basic education courses and the programs provide appropriate instructional materials. However, students are responsible for paying high school equivalency testing fees. Students are responsible for their supplies and books. Some programs require students to purchase insurance and instructional kits such as watches, uniforms, shoes, etc. A technology fee of $5 will be charged for computer classes (exception: Ed2Go classes). A $3 parking fee will be
charged for courses a semester in length for literacy education students. There is a $10 assessment fee per Workkeys Assessments (Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics and Locating Information) for Career Readiness Certificates (CRC). There is a
$15 per assessment for WorkKeys Assessments for areas other than CRC. Also, there is
$5 CRC certificate reprinting, duplicating, or upgrading of original certification fee.
Fee Exemptions
No fees of any kind shall be charged students enrolling for special workforce and economic development training programs as set forth in the Community College Laws of North Carolina.
Attendance
Unless more stringent attendance guidelines are stated in course syllabi or agreed upon by students and instructors on or before the beginning of a course, the following shall serve as the minimum attendance requirements for workforce and economic development activities:
1. Regular attendance and class participation are important if the student is to \ receive full benefit of a course of study.
2. If student contact is not maintained with the instructor or College for a period of two consecutive classes, the student may be dropped from the course.
Refunds
Refunds will be made based on the following circumstances:
1. A 100 percent refund will be issued upon the request of the student, if the student officially withdraws from the class(es) prior to the first day of class(es).
2. A 75 percent refund will be issued upon the request of the student, if the student officially withdraws from the class(es) prior to or on the official 10 percent point of the class(es).
3. No refunds will be issued after the 10 percent point of the class(es). For contact hour classes, no refunds will be issued after 10 calendar days from the first day of the class(es).
Grading System
P: Passed - Student completed no less than 70 percent of the course objectives, and/or the equivalent numerical score of 70. Some courses may require a higher passing score.
I: Incomplete - Student has not completed a phase of the course work assigned and is passing.
W: Withdrawal - Student voluntarily withdraws or was withdrawn due to excessive absences.
AU: Audit - Student attended as a non-participant and received no grade.
F: Failed - Student completed less than 70 percent of the course objectives, and/or less than the equivalent numerical score of 70.
All fire protection certification course grades are recorded as S (Satisfactory), U (Un- satisfactory), W (Withdrawn), P (Passed), and AU (Audited). Non-certification course grades are recorded as P,S, U, W,AU, NG (No Hours).
Transcripts
Class records are maintained in the Registrar ’s Office. Students desiring a transcript of workforce and economic development activities should submit a request in writing to the Registrar ’s Office indicating the person, organization, and address for forwarding the transcript. Students desiring a high school equivalency transcript must make this request by visiting the North Carolina Community College website: www.ncccs.edu.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
A CEU is defined as 10 contact hours in an organized workforce and economic development experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
The CEU should not be interpreted as a substitute for college credit. It is merely a means of recording and reporting various workforce and economic development activities a student accumulates over a period of years.
Halifax Community College records two types of CEUs: institutional and individual. The institutional CEU is used only as a reporting device to local, state, and national organizations and agencies. The individual CEU is used as a reporting device to local, state, and national organizations and may be used by some students for teacher re- certification, State Board of Nursing and employee advancement in some businesses, industries and agencies.
COURSES AND SERVICES
A. Special Interest and Enrichment Courses
Special interest and enrichment courses offer opportunities for lifelong learning in areas of cultural interest, creative arts, personal enrichment, and just for fun. Special interest and enrichment courses are offered in a variety of formats to meet the needs of the community.
B. Literacy Education Objectives
1. To provide convenient and accessible classes, on and off campus, for adults needing to increase their academic level.
2. To provide a program of educational services for students with diverse academic levels
3. To reduce functional illiteracy by providing a core curriculum of reading, writing, and computational skills.
Admission
The philosophy of Halifax Community College encompasses the open-door policy of workforce and economic development for everyone of suitable age who has the need and desire to learn. Any adult who did not finish high school may enroll in Adult Basic Education (ABE)/high school equivalency at off-campus sites or the Learning Lab on campus.
Admission requirements for serving students with disabilities are restricted to adults documented as such by an outside source or agency. Participants in this program may or may not be high school graduates. An adult is defined as a person no less than 18 years of age and not presently enrolled in a secondary school administrative unit.
Fees
There is no registration fee for literacy education activities. The high school equivalency examinations offer high school equivalency credentials to individuals who did not obtain a high school diploma. Literacy education instruction is free and of great value to our students. However, candidates taking the high school equivalency examinations are required to pay fees.
Registration
The Literacy Education on-campus programs operate under managed enrollment. Students are able to enroll in on- campus literacy education classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. On-campus students should attend classes a minimum of 15 hours per week. However, if possible, students are encouraged to at- tend class more frequently. New on-campus students or returning on-campus students who have not been enrolled in the literacy education program for a period of three months or longer are required to attend new student orientation sessions. These students are required to attend new student orientation sessions 3 consecutive days and/ or evenings. Day new student orientation sessions are held 2 times per month and evening new student orientation sessions are held once per month. As needed, new student orientation sessions will be added. Off-campus students may enroll in classes during the time frames and days that the classes meet. Off-campus students should plan to attend each class session.
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is an individualized program for adults in the community who wish to improve basic academic skills or start to prepare for the high school diploma equivalency examination. Instruction is provided to students at various academic learning levels. Many ABE classes are located throughout the service area.
High School Equivalency Diploma
High school equivalency diploma is a program consisting of individualized diagnosis and instruction. Students who successfully complete the high school equivalency requirements are awarded a high school diploma equivalency from the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. The high school equivalency diploma enables students to pursue certificate, diploma, and college programs.
North Carolina’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma program offers instruction to assist learners in preparing to successfully pass a designated high school equivalency assessment. The three nationally- recognized assessments used to obtain a state- issued high school equivalency credential in North Carolina are GED®, HiSET®, and TASC.
GED® Testing Service
• Fee: $80*
• Computer-based test
• Four Subjects:
- Language Arts (Combined Reading & Writing)
- Science
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
• Retake the test up to two times for free
ETS HiSET®
• Fee: $50*
• Computer or paper-based test
• Five Subjects
- Reading
- Writing
- Science
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
• Retake the test up to two times for free
TASC Test Asses sin g Secondary Completion ™
• Fee: $54
• Computer or paper-based test
• Five Subjects
- Reading
- Writing
- Science
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
• Retake the test up to two times for free
• *Testing fees are subject to change.
All three high school equivalency assessments are recognized by US Department of Education USDOE GEN-14-16 (http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/GEN1406. pdf) and cover the same content areas. Passing any one of the assessments will lead to the same high school equivalency diploma issued by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. Halifax Community College offers the following tests: GED®, HiSET, and TASC®. Parents of 16- and 17-year-olds must contact Director of Literacy Education Dr. Tamba O. Thompson to schedule a face-to-face meeting and request drop- release paperwork to be eligible to take high school equivalency assessments in North Carolina.
Learning Lab
Our highly qualified and motivated instructors provide individualized, group, and computerized instruction that involves real-life situations. Additionally, instruction is provided by utilizing magazines, newspapers, videos, computer-assisted media, etc.
Through the use of professional staff and instruction, students prepare to take the high school diploma equivalency examination or study for self-improvement. Self-improvement is designed to help students improve math, reading, and other academic skills as they strive for additional career and learning opportunities or desire to improve personally. The lab is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
This program of instruction is designed to help limited English proficient adults achieve competence in speaking, reading, listening and writing the English language.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SERVICES
A primary goal of this institution is to provide technical and vocational training to business and industry. The following services are available through Business and Industry Services:
1. The Small Business Center
The Small Business Center (SBC) uses a three-fold effort to help small businesses succeed. Non-traditional seminars and workshops can be presented on virtually any business-related topic that the small business community needs. There is a heavy emphasis on seminars for start-ups, including business planning and financials. Help with developing business plans is one of the most popular services offered by the SBC. A resource center with periodicals, tapes and books that may be used on the premises or checked out is located in the HCC Library. The director can be reached at 252-536- 7274. The SBC welcomes comments about how to better serve the needs of the small business community. The class schedule is listed on the HCC website; click on “SBC ” to access it.
2. Customized Training for Productivity Enhancement
Customized Training for Productivity Enhancement Programs provide customized training and services for manufacturing industries based on approved North American Industry Classification System (NACIS) codes to help them become more productive and competitive. These programs are designed to assist industries with training needs assessments, to assist in the development of companies or industry-specific plans for training and also to provide training for incumbent workers. Customized Training for Productivity Enhancement is directed toward workers who need to upgrade their skills and technical knowledge due to technological change. Instruction is customized to focus on specific training needs and may require small classes that cannot be conducted with regular program funds. Classes that are funded with these funds do not earn full- time equivalency.
3. Customized Training for Job Growth
Customized Training for Job Growth Programs provide for the training needs of new industries that are moving into the state and also existing industries undergoing a major expansion, resulting in the need for additional skilled manpower.
4. Workplace Literacy
For employees who need to improve basic reading, English, or mathematical skills, free literacy classes, either in-plant or on-campus, are available. Classes will be arranged at convenient times for participants and all necessary supplies and materials will be supplied by the College.
5. Customized Training for Technology Investment
The North Carolina Community College System has created the Customized Training Program (CTP) to offer programs and training services as new options for assisting business and industry to remain productive, profitable, and within the state. The CTP Program provides the flexibility to meet the retraining needs for existing business organizations in North Carolina’s communities.
6. Career Readiness Certification Training (CRC)
North Carolina recognizes the need to assess an individual’s skill levels and identify any gaps in workplace skill requirements that will guide training needs. The CRC is a portable credential that promotes career development and skill attainment for the individual and confirms to employers that an individual possesses basic workplace skills in:
• Reading for Information
• Applied Mathematics
• Locating Information
These are skills that most jobs require.
OCCUPATIONAL EXTENSION
Occupational Extension courses are designed for the specific purposes of training individuals for employment, upgrading the skills of persons presently employed, and retraining others for new employment in occupational fields. Courses are offered to people in many technical or vocational occupations and vary in length according to the complexity of the skill and the need of the employee or employer. Most occupational courses are developed and taught on request from a trade group or an employer. There is a reasonably priced registration fee for these courses. Our most popular occupational extension courses are our computer classes, online distance learning, human resources development, certified nursing assistant programs, law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. Other popular courses are those for the trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and auto safety inspection.
1. Computer Classes
A variety of computer classes are offered based upon community interest. These classes range from beginning classes to advance. Classes are scheduled during the daytime and evening, both on campus and off to provide access to all students.
2. Online Distance Learning - Education2Go
These courses run for six weeks and can be completed in the comfort of your home or office at the times most convenient to you. All materials are made available over the World Wide Web on a wide variety of topics. Individuals can also receive continuing education units (CEUs) for these courses.
3. Human Resources Development
Human Resources Development (HRD) courses are designed to educate and train individuals for success in the workplace through skill assessment services, employability skills training, and career development counseling. The courses taught address six core components: assessment of an individual’s assets and limitations, development of a positive self-concept, development of employability skills, development of communication skills, development of problem-solving skills, and awareness of the impact of information technology in the workplace. Courses are offered to individuals who are unemployed, unemployed insurance claimants, dislocated workers and underemployed. Most HRD courses are developed and taught on request from the Department of Social Services and other community-based organizations. Classes are arranged at convenient times.
4. Certified Nursing Assistant Programs
Halifax Community College offers Certified Nurse Aide I and Certified Nurse Aide II and Medication Aide for Skilled Facilities classes. Hybrid class will also be available, as well as weekend classes. Classes are held on campus, in Enfield, and in Scotland Neck. Class size is limited. Day and evening classes are available.
The evolving age of health care has increased the demand for responsible and knowledgeable nursing assistants. Halifax Community College is committed to producing high quality and professional nursing assistants. These courses are designed to produce the best nursing assistants available.
A test of general knowledge must be taken prior to registration. A test result of Level 9 is required on the reading test. This test is given in the Learning Lab (500 Building),
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. If a student has a college transcript or Career Readiness silver-level certificate or higher, the test of general knowledge may be waived. In addition to the test requirement, a state issued pic-
ture ID, and Social Security card, are required for all classes. Prior to entering clinical, students must have a uniform (white tops and red bottoms), white shoes, watch with a second hand, and malpractice insurance. Also, immunization records, TB skin tests,
criminal background check and drug screening may be required before entering clinical. CNAI and CNAII students must be able to lift 25-50 pounds.
Any student who consumes alcohol or takes drugs (prescription or otherwise) that impairs the student’s mental or physical ability to provide safe care to clients while in the clinical setting will be asked to immediately submit to a drug screening. Results of the criminal background checks and drug screenings will be reviewed by the clinical site and be used to determine if a student will train in their facility if required.
Certified Nurse Aide I
The Nurse Aide I (CNAI) Program prepares individuals to work under the supervision of licensed nursing professionals in performing nursing care and services to patients/ clients in a hospital, nursing facility, or home care agency. Emphasis is on the process of aging, mental, social, and physical needs of the elderly, patients’ rights, nutrition, elimination, safety, restorative services, special care procedures, the human body structure and functions and related common diseases and disorders, communication, documentation, death and dying, and the role of the nursing assistant as a health care team member. CPR & First Aid and Fire Safety are part of the CNA I class. These are mandatory before starting clinicals. Upon successful completion of this class, you will be eligible to take the state exam with Pearson Vue at a cost of $101.00. The student will be listed in the North Carolina Division of Facility Services’ Nurse Aide Registry.
Preregistration is required for this course.
Certified Nurse Aide II
The Certified Nurse Aide II (CNAII) Program prepares the student to perform more complex skills for patients or residents. Emphasis is placed on infection control including principles of sterile techniques and dressing changes for wounds over 48 hours, elimination, procedures including catherizations, irrigations and care of established ostomies, observation of intravenous site and removal of IVs, oropharyngeal suctioning, blood glucose monitoring, and roles of CNAII with healthcare teams. Upon satisfactory completion of the course and lab skills/written competency evaluation, graduates are eligible to apply for listing as a Certified Nursing Assistant II with the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Prerequisites for CNAII are a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma, current North Carolina listing as CNAI and immunization record with 2 MMR and 2 varicella. A state criminal background check and drug screening are required before students enter clinical.
Results of the drug screenings and criminal background checks will be reviewed by the clinical site and be used to determine if a student will train in their facility.
Medication Aide for Skilled Facilities
Student must be listed on the NC Nurse Aide Registry and have a high school diploma or GED in order to take this class.
5. Law Enforcement
Halifax Community College offers courses for people who are already employed in law enforcement areas and either need to update or upgrade their present areas of certification. Courses offered include, but are not limited to:
• Correction Officers Training
• Radar Operator Certification Course
• K-9 Training
• Firearms
• Driving
• Instructor Training
• Officer Survival
• Physical Fitness
• TASER
• Management and Supervision
• Interview and Interrogation
• Officers Drug Enforcement
• Defensive Tactics
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Annual In-service Training
Other classes that are offered to the public are:
• Certification Classes
- Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
- Detention Officer
- Telecommunicator
• Public Interest Classes
-Concealed Weapon
-Driver Safety
6. Fire
HCC fire program (FIP) courses provide didactic and skills training for all area fire departments. The registration fee for courses for practicing firefighters is waived. Many of the classes offered in the fire program are accredited by organizations such as North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (NCOSFM), National Fire Academy (NFA) International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and others. Courses offered include, but are not limited to:
• Firefighter Certification
• Technical Rescue Certification
• Wilderness Rescue
• Driver/Operator certification
• Leadership including Fire Officer
• Fire Life Safety Educator
• Instruction Methodology
• Rope Rescue
• Swift Water Rescue
• Underwater Rescue
• Live burn classes
• Vehicle Extrication
• Anti-Terrorism
• Other specialty classes
7. Emergency Medical Services
Halifax Community College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program is designed to train students to provide immediate pre-hospital care to those in need. Halifax Community College offers beginner and advance level courses. Many of these courses are accredited by organizations such as North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS), National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators (NAEMSE), American Heart Association (AHA), American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) and others. Courses offered include, but are not limited to:
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Paramedic
• Emergency Medial Responder (EMR)
• Anatomy and Physiology for EMS
• Geriatric Emergencies (GEMS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Life Support (PALS)
• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
• Continuing education in traditional classroom anonline
• Other specialty courses
8. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid
Halifax Community College’s CPR and First Aid Program teaches initial and refresher lifesaving skills to health professionals as well as to the general public through American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI), nationally accredited organizations. Classes offered in this area include, but are not limited to:
• Health Care CPR
• Community CPR
• Basic First Aid
• Wilderness First Aid
• Pet CPR/First Aid
• Automated External Defibrillator Use
• Other specialty courses
9. Emergency Management
Halifax Community College’s Emergency Management Program (EPT) instructs students in appropriate planning, response, mitigation, resource allocation and leadership techniques that will help them deal with emergency responses. Many of these classes are accredited through organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Emergency Management Institute (EMI), North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) and others. Classes offered in this area include, but are not limited to:
• National Incident Management System Courses (NIMS)
• Damage Assessment
• Specific Incident Command System (ICS) functional position
• Table top exercises (TTX)
• Full scale exercises (FTX)
• Weather recognition and reporting
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
• Other specialty classes
10. Industrial Emergency Response and Safety
Halifax Community College’s Emergency Response and Safety Program teaches initial and refresher classes to businesses and industry on safety concerns and regulations with a strong emphasis on prevention. Many of these classes are accredited by third party organizations. Classes offered in this area include, but are not limited to:
• Workplace Safety