By Nicole Daughhetee, Courier Staff

COUNTY — The Parenting Place, in partnership with the Goodwill Job Connection, is providing several opportunities for unemployed and under-employed members of the Pickens County community to increase employment options through a series of four job and employee skills training sessions.

“We have a great partnership with the Goodwill Job Connection to provide job training and other employment skills,” said Sharon Sanders, director of family services for The Parenting Place. “This partnership is huge because they do employment well and we do relationships well.”

Beginning on Friday, July 12, and continuing every Friday through Aug. 2, the Employment Skills Workshop, led by Kristen Henry, employment specialist for Goodwill’s Job Connection in Powdersville, will examine topics including online job searches, completing online applications, creating resumes, interviewing techniques and basic computer skills like Word and Excel.

“For the interviewing skills, local businesses have volunteered to come in and help. They will be doing some role play and gaining real-life practice and experience,” said Sanders. “Kristen Henry will also be able to provide contacts and information for the certifications (Goodwill) offers.”

The mission of the Parenting Place in Pickens County is to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Proffering opportunities to increase employment options is one of the many ways the agency works in the community. More job opportunities and better-paying jobs helps to reduce the financial stress and strain sometimes symptomatic of abuse.

Goodwill, in connection with Tri-County Technical College, offers several certifications for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Manufacturing Skills (MSSC) and Retail Training.

“The certifications Goodwill offers make someone more attractive to an employer,” said Sanders.

On Aug. 1, Melissa Cheek, intake specialist with Goodwill Job Connection, will facilitate an information and screening session for the basic certifications offered through Goodwill Industries. Those who are eligible and meet the requirements will be placed in a program. Qualifications include a clean criminal background check and a negative drug screen. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a high schhol diploma or G.E.D.

Certification classes are not offered at the Parenting Place, but in conjunction with Goodwill’s Job Connection, they will facilitate the screening session.

Both the Employment Skills Workshop and the Certification Screening are open to everyone in the Pickens County community.

“Space is limited, so people definitely need to pre-register. Those who are members of the Parenting Place will be given preference,” said Sanders. “We will also provide child care for anyone who needs it, but we need to know ahead of time.”

The Parenting Place is located at 1899 Gentry Memorial Highway between Easley and Pickens. For more information or to register for one or both of these programs, contact Sanders at (864) 898-5583.