BDI Announces RENEW Class
July 17, 2014
For Immediate Release
BDI Announces RENEW Class
Gas Cards to help with Transportation Barriers
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. (July 17, 2014) – Burke Development, Inc. will hold its next RENEW session beginning in August. For the first 25, qualified registrants the organization will offer up to $100 in gas cards to help those unemployed or underemployed who would like to receive training but have transportation barriers. RENEW is a 96-hour course that prepares participants for an entry level position in advanced manufacturing and production. The class is free for anyone unemployed or underemployed. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings (from 9am to 12pm) and in the evenings (from 6pm to 9pm). Participants choose between the morning or evening class. BDI partners with local manufacturing employers for the program, which allows graduates of the program the opportunity to meet with these employers who regard the RENEW program as an advantage on someone’s resume. The organization acknowledges that transportation costs can be prohibitive for Burke County residents who wish to complete the program and therefore will offer the gas cards throughout the four month program based on attendance. The outlook for the manufacturing sector is positive as approximately 2.7 million manufacturing employees will retire over the next decade leaving a significant demand for a new, more highly skilled workforce. The RENEW class is recognized and was built by local industries to develop vital workforce skills. The program is endorsed by the Burke Manufacturers Executive Council. The course covers such topics Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, ISO 9000, CNC Machining and Metrology. Participating companies include Sypris, American Roller Bearing, Continental, Caterpillar, Marves, Packaging Corporation of America, Cherokee Manufacturing, Toner Machining, Kellex, BSN Medical, SpartaCraft, Environmental Inks/Siegwerk, Master Workholding, Leviton and Valdese Weavers. Participants must be 18 to participate. For registration information contact Peggy Byrd at 828.448.5299. For additional information about Project RENEW please visit www.burkedevinc.com/renew. About Project RENEW Project RENEW is a unique, workforce development program supported by a grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The program is a 96-hour course that prepares graduates for an entry level position in manufacturing. Participants can choose between the morning (9:00am-12:00pm) and evening (6:00-9:00pm) class. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants must also complete an HRD class in addition to the 96-hour course. About Burke Development, Inc. Burke Development, Inc. (BDI) is a nonprofit organization supported by private and public funding that is charged with accelerating economic growth in Burke County. BDI works with industry leaders, site selection consultants, government agencies and other entities to facilitate expansion strategies for existing businesses and recruit target industries to Burke County. For more information about BDI visit www.BurkeDevInc.com. ### Contact: Peggy Byrd 828.448.5299