ACC program hopes to bring workers back to the workforce
While educating someone is an important way to help a person become successful, it’s also important to provide that person with the best path to a prosperous career.
The Alvin Community College Continuing Education and Workforce Development department recently created a program, Mentoring for Success, to help students make their way back into the workplace. The Department’s Dean, Dr. Patricia Hertenberger, noted that industries are requiring shorter more technology-focused programs for potential workers and mentoring programs are becoming a strong support system for students earning a workforce certificate that will lead to a well-paying job.
The program’s first student, Tambra Anderson, recently started an internship with the Alvin Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce (AMACC). Anderson has worked in hotel and hospitality management and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.
Being out of work for several years, Anderson recently sought the help of ACC workforce specialist Joy Weiner who began development of the program this year.
“This (program) helps people like Tambra have a visibility in the community,” Weiner said. “Someone’s going to see her worth and offer her a job.”
As Anderson trains to upgrade her computer skills, the internship at the Chamber will give her a chance to brush up on her customer service skills as well.
“I’m excited,” Anderson said of her joining the mentoring program. “Wherever I get a job, I want to be a part of the community and give back.”
AMACC President Johana McWilliams said she brought Anderson in because one of the chamber’s missions is to build community leaders. Anderson has potential and working at the chamber increases her chance of succeeding, McWilliams said.
“Lots of our members come to us looking for staff,” she said.
The program began with five students who will mentor with ACC instructors to build their self-esteem and confidence. Mentoring for Success will help them find a job and each student will be tracked on their work history and completion of enrolled classes at ACC for a year. The mentored students will be referred to "ACC Achievers"!
For more information about the Mentoring for Success program, call 281-756-3907.
Photo Cutline: ACC student Tambra Anderson, second from right, stands with, from left, ACC Dean of Continuing Eduction Dr. Patricia Hertenberger, ACC Workforce Development Coordinator Joy Weiner, Anderson and Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce President Johana McWilliams.