Forsyth Tech News
Forsyth Tech is proud to present the AWESM Conference! This conference symbolizes a pivotal step in our collaborative journey towards aligning education and occupational training with the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry. Our consortium grant, AWESM, which stands for Aligning the Workforce and Education System for Manufacturing, represents our collective commitment to systems-change enhancements. We are honored to host speakers from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, the North Carolina Chamber Foundation, and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Additionally, the North Carolina Community College System Office and Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., bring invaluable perspectives. Forsyth Tech is proud to present alongside Apprenticeship NC, showcasing initiatives that exemplify our dedication to skills development and lifelong learning.
Below you will find more detailed information about the conference, including conference goals, keynote speakers and panelist information. We look forward to embarking on this day together and thank you for being a part.
AWESM Conference: February 20, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm (lunch included)
Forsyth Tech, Main Campus, Rhoades Conference Center
2100 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston Salem, NC 27103
Registration is now closed. If you need information, please contact Linda Robinson at 336.978.8671 or lrobinson@forsythtech.edu.
Conference Goals
• Facilitating Regional Collaboration: We aim to foster a robust network among educational institutions, industry partners, and workforce boards. This collaboration is essential to address the evolving employment needs within advanced manufacturing, ensuring that both current and future employees remain competitive in this dynamic sector.
• Fostering Equitable Outcomes: Equitable outcomes in education and workforce systems are not just a goal but a necessity. We are dedicated to acknowledging and granting credit for prior learning, implementing micro-credentials for skill validation and employability, and ensuring that work-based learning pathways are inclusive and accessible to all qualified students.
• Advancing Workforce Preparedness: Strengthening apprenticeships and work-based learning programs is key to enhancing workforce preparedness and job placement. These initiatives are crucial in equipping individuals with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing careers.
• Coordinating Support Services: By aligning local and regional student support services, we aim to minimize redundancy and extend accessibility, ensuring that a broader audience benefits from our collective efforts.
Keynote Speakers
• Mr. Exodus Moon – Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC)
• Mr. Vincent Ginski, NC Chamber Foundation’s Director of Workforce Competitiveness
• Ms. Tricia McManus, Superintendent for WSFCS
• Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System
Panelists
• Moderator: Kyle Haney, Community and Economic Development Director Forsyth County
• Non-Profit: Cherese Smith Blue, NCWorks District Director
• Industry: Terry Swade, Corporate Operations Manager at Salem One, Inc.
• K12: Dr. Shawn Stover, Superintendent, Rockingham County Schools
• Community College: Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the NCCCS, Michael Perry, Alamance Community College Faculty Member
Please contact lrobinson@forsythtech.edu with any questions.