Single parents find place in new UVSC program

Chris Peterson
DAILY HERALD

June 2, 2005

Not too long ago, Candice Tice was unemployed. Now, she's looking forward to starting her new job at a graphics and printing company.

Tice is part of the first group of graduates from Skilled2Succeed, a new program at Utah Valley State College designed to help single parents gain education and skills in order to succeed in the workplace. 

On Wednesday, the pioneer group of 10 graduates was honored in a tree-planting ceremony on the campus of UVSC. The planting of the tree was meant to be symbolic of the program and its participants taking root and continuing to grow.

"It's exciting to be here today with all of these people that have helped me so much," Tice said.

She said the skills and education she has gained have already aided her tremendously. As a result of her work in the course, she is now IC3 certified, which arms her with core computer skills.

"It has really helped me," Tice said with a big smile. "I was able to walk into the place where I wanted a job and tell them about my skills, and I got the job. Without this certification, I wouldn't have been able to do it."

Tice and the other graduates -- four of whom already have landed jobs -- recently completed the nine-week program sponsored by area businesses.

"This is an alliance of public and private organizations that provides a potential pathway to better jobs," said John Pilmer, spokesman for the program.

The ceremony was also attended by Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, UVSC President William Sederburg and Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn.

"This is about economic development," Herbert said. "It's about providing the opportunity for all to have a job and to be self-sufficient."

James Bowmer, vice president of Adecco -- one of the businesses involved -- said Skilled2Succeed fills a much-needed gap.

"This program responds to the needs of labor by creating a bridge for these women to the labor market," Bowmer said.

Sederburg focused his words on the accomplishments of the graduates of the program and the cooperation between the university and community businesses.

"We are in the business of helping people," he said.