If you have been laid off, received notice of layoff or find yourself unemployed you may qualify for financial assistance to be re-trained. You do not have to be currently drawing Unemployment Benefits in order to qualify for services provided under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The NC Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development administers a statewide system of workforce programs that prepare Gaston County citizens facing economic disadvantage, job loss, and other serious barriers to employment for participation in the labor force. These programs provide high support training and other services that result in increased employment and earnings, increased educational and occupational skills, and decreased welfare dependency. The statewide system is designed to improve the quality of the workforce, as well as, the state's competitiveness in a global economy.

Your first step is to visit one of the local NCWorks Career and Resource Centers.  NCWorks Career Center - Gaston is  located within the Division of Workforce Solutions at 1391 Bessemer City Road in Gastonia, NC.  Gaston County Career Center - Belmont is located on the Kimbrell Campus of Gaston College at 7220 Wilkinson Blvd., Harney Hall Room 212, in Belmont, NC. DHHS Resource Career Center is located within the Department of Health & Human Services at 330 N. Marietta St., in Gastonia.   

The NCWorks Career Centers are user friendly facilities located throughout North Carolina.  Customers come first!   Services include job placement assistance, employment preparation, skills development and employer/business services.   The Career Centers utilize the NCWorks Online system which serves as a connection between employers and qualified workers.  By offering a wide range of service options, the Career Centers offers comprehensive training and employment services to the community, all under one roof.

Step 1 - Ask to see a WIOA representative at the NCWorks Career Center - Gaston or Gaston County Career Center - Belmont and let them know that you are seeking WIOA assistance.

We will get you started on your pathway to Success! Career services are the first step towards re-entering the workforce. Career services allow you to explore the resources available to help you become employed OR become better employed. You will learn where to look for job listings, how to receive referrals, and how to apply for positions to which you have been referred. The goal of providing career services is to assist you to locate the tools you need to meet your employment goals.

In addition, services are individualized.  Career services help to identify and address difficulties in gaining new employment opportunities. Participants work together with a case manager to create a plan that will allow you to identify barriers to employment and enact strategies to overcome those barriers. Also, career services will allow you to identify any skill deficiencies that you may have and assist you in creating a plan to improve in those areas.

Training is available in areas that have been approved by our local Workforce Development Board. To find out more about training that is available to you, please visit our Training Providers page that includes important training information including links to WIOA approved training facilities, an up-to-date list of occupations approved for training, WIOA contact information and other important links.