Where Do I Go From Here?

As a high school student faced with graduation, you are probably anxious about all the decisions you are facing. There are so many employment options. How do you know what career to choose? Student WorkPath makes career planning easy with these few steps:

• Research Careers
• Register with WorkPath
• Assess Skills
• Find Work/Further Education

Research Careers

Think about experiences you have enjoyed and activities you like. What comes naturally to you? Does repairing a DVD player seem easy? If so, an occupation with electronics may be the answer. Do you find yourself constantly being asked to explain things in a group setting? Maybe you are a teacher at heart. Make a list of your interests, your natural gifts and abilities. Think about what careers the things on your list would lend themselves to.

[ Click Here to View Careers ]

Do what you love and the money will follow. This is the secret to finding a long-term career that combines your talents, passions and skills. If you plan to relocate, geography might not be a factor in your career planning. But, if you plan to live in a specific area, do your homework! What opportunities are available in that area for your chosen occupation?

[ Click Here to View Careers in Your State ]

18 Years Old? Time to Register with WorkPath.

WorkPath is a series of steps to guide individuals who are 18 and over in Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties with career planning, getting a job or advancing in their current career. Regardless of your education or expertise, if you are 18, registering for WorkPath is the first step on your road to success.

How Do I Get Started?

Contact your local NC JobLink Center to register and set up your assessment test.

Assess Skills

Technology is outpacing our current skill level. Even if you have earned a high school diploma, GED or post-secondary degree, by the year 2010, 80 percent of jobs may require skills more advanced than those traditionally acquired. WorkPath can help you determine your natural skills and abilities. You will be given an assessment called the CRC-Career Readiness Certificate that will test you in three major areas:

• Applied Mathematics
• Reading for Information
• Locating Information

Career Readiness Certificates (CRC) - Bronze, Silver or Gold - are awarded based on a test indicating your unique skill level.

What is a CRC and Why is it Important?

The occupation or career you choose to pursue will require certain skills. A CRC is an assessment-based credential that gives you a uniform measure of key workplace skills. Opportunities for growth and reinforcement will be identified and a plan for additional skill training can be developed. If you choose to enter a career straight from high school, a CRC gives you an advantage in a competitive workforce. It allows you to show prospective employers that you possess the basic skills and qualifications they require.

Find Work Now

To find immediate openings for jobs in your area click here.
Click on "Individuals", click on "Find a Job" then search by "county."

Further My Education

For information, click here.
Click on "Resources", scroll down to "Education."