Nancy Pierce

Central Piedmont Community College has received a $207,000 grant to train prospective Convergys Corp. (NYSE:CVG) employees.
Jennifer Thomas

    Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal

Central Piedmont Community College has received a $207,000 state grant to provide customized leadership and pre-employment training to prospective Convergys Corp. (NYSE:CVG) employees.

The N.C. Customized Training Program provides funding to companies that are expanding their workforce or making an appreciable capital investment.

Cincinnati-based Convergys has announced plans to add 1,600 jobs at two Charlotte-area call centers. It is investing $1.8 million in renovations.

It alsoplans to add 100 jobs in Hickory.

Working with CPCC will ensure that Convergys has a pipeline of qualified potential employees, says Shawn Conley, site leader for the Convergys call center in Charlotte.

The customer-management company plans to add 150 jobs to its workforce in the next six months.

"It's helping our organization gain the advantage it needs to grow and be successful in today's economy, which is critical given the competitiveness of the marketplace," Conley says.

Prospective Convergys employees have been meeting at CPCC's Harris Campus in Matthews to participate in pre-employment and work-skills training classes. The sessions focus on teamwork, change management, computer keyboarding and customer service.

At the same time, 100 Convergys supervisors are receiving leadership training tied to issues such as providing constructive feedback, conflict mitigation and performance reviews.

"Today's businesses are placing a greater emphasis on employee training and enhanced work skills that lead to greater productivity," says Allison Bowers, director of economic recruitment for CPCC.

The customized training plan will help meet Convergys' needs, while engaging its employees. That will help the organization meet its goals, while addressing potential challenges, she adds.