Johnston Community College will begin offering two certification programs this fall as part of the JobsNOW 12 in 6 workforce development initiative to help displaced workers get retrained and back to work.

Gov. Bev Perdue’s 12 in 6 initiative creates community college programs in 12 careers, each requiring less than six months to complete. Starting this fall, JCC plans to offer additional BioWork courses as well as new certified nursing assistant/phlebotomy technician training with its $200,000 of the federal recovery funds.

BioWork is a popular 136-hour continuing education program which provides the basic education needed for careers as entry-level technicians in bioprocessing, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing. The nursing assistant/phlebotomy program combines basic certified nursing assistant training with a phlebotomy course, allowing students to earn dual certificates.

Talbert Myers, vice president of continuing education at JCC, said college administrators selected the programs after researching high-demand careers and talking with local business and industry about their employment needs.

“We have companies in the area that continually hire our BioWork graduates and discussions our staff has had with the area health care professionals indicate the dual certification of certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy provides them with a person that is flexible and versatile,” Myers said. “We feel these are good programs to offer that will allow individuals to get jobs once they complete.”

Both programs will be offered in the fall and spring semesters, serving an estimated 60 students in each.

Students interested in the BioWork course should contact Leslie Isenhour at 919.209.2593 to attend the next upcoming information session. Students interested in the nursing assistant/phlebotomy training should contact Deborah Aycock at 919.209.2009 for more information.