Landing your first full-time job is a life-changing experience. For three young women from Newark, that achievement resulted after they successfully completed the Certified Homemaker Home Health Aide Program at New Community’s Workforce Development Center.
The three students who received job offers just two weeks after completing their training at NCC—Mizani Drummond, Qaneisha McCree and Shamella Hughes—will be employed by Caring People Home Healthcare Agency, according to the employment letters from the Clifton-based agency dated April 8, 2015.
Director of Workforce Development Rodney Brutton said that the employer was impressed with the graduates of the Certified Homemaker Home Health Aide Program and requested that NCC recommend additional graduates in the future.
“I’m excited for the three young ladies, Shamella, Qaneisha and Mizani. I’m confident they will represent the Workforce Development Center in a positive manner,” Brutton said.
The three program graduates completed the five-week, 100-hour course where students participate in lectures as well as hands-on training and demonstrations under the guidance of Instructor Tejumade V. Falae, whom the students call “Ms. Veronica” or simply “Ms. V.”
“I attribute their skill set and professional training to the good work provided by our instructor, Ms. Veronica,” Brutton added.
The young women expect to receive their temporary licenses from the New Jersey Board of Nursing in time to start working in May.
“I’m excited because I’m ready to work,” Drummond, 19, said.
Hughes, also 19, said she was “kind of surprised” to get hired so quickly but added, “I feel great.”
For McCree, 20, entering the healthcare field fulfills a goal she’s had since age 14, when she was diagnosed with cancer. After having a metal rod surgically implanted in her right leg to replace part of her bone that was removed, McCree decided she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. And for her—just like for Drummond and Hughes—the job that awaits is her first step towards building her future.