The City of Greenville has increased its financial commitment to enhancing the local workforce by donating $20,000 to workforce development initiatives at Pitt Community College.

This year's contribution, which was approved as part of the 2018-19 City Budget, is $5,000 more than the previous year. The investment provides financial assistance for participants in Pitt Community College workforce development programs in the School of Continuing Education. The City began providing the funding support during the 2017-18 fiscal year in an effort to address the financial hardships that some prospective students face, an obstacle that PCC officials say is the most common in recruitment.

"We are proud to have increased our contribution to the Pitt Community College School of Continuing Education," Mayor P.J. Connelly said. "We have to continue to support workforce training in every way that we can so that when we do get new jobs in our area, our people are ready for them."

Funding for the programs are consistent with the "Greenville Means Business" philosophy, an approach by the City Council that focuses on creating jobs and growing the local economy. Since the City began its contributions for scholarships, 73 people have received the financial assistance and 31 of those individuals are now employed.

The classes offered include Electrician, MIG Welding, Framing and Carpentry, Arc Welding, Nurses Assistant I/II, HVAC, EMT, and Electrical Wiring II.

For more information about the PCC School of Continuing Education, call (252) 493-7388.