New certification helps boost opportunity for Southwest Virginia students through United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Ignite program

New certification helps boost opportunity for Southwest Virginia students through United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Ignite program

Abingdon, VA (September 1, 2022)–United Way of Southwest Virginia’s (UWSWVA) Director of Youth Success, Melinda Leland, has been granted certification as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), continuing to enhance opportunities for area students as they evaluate career-driven decisions.

The Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) awarded the certificate for Leland’s work in career development and advisory fields. The certification requires over 120 hours of training along with educational and experience requirements.

“Completing the GCDF certification positions our Youth Success Department at United Way of Southwest Virginia to be a leader in career facilitation for our 19 localities,” Leland said. “This certification complements all of the other great workforce development activities that we offer in our Ignite program. I am excited to be able to help youth in southwest Virginia really navigate their career choices and make informed decisions about post-secondary education as well as training and coursework for their preferred careers.”

Career Facilitators help plan, conduct and administer programs that train individuals to improve their skills and knowledge. The training centers around 12 core competencies identified by career counseling experts. Those include: helping skills, labor market information and resources, assessment, diverse populations, ethical and legal issues, career development models, employability skills, training clients and peers, program management and implementation, promotion and public relations, technology and supervision.

“Ignite plays a vital role in our cradle-to-career approach,” said Travis Staton, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Virginia. “This certification shows Melinda’s continued work to help ignite our area youth and businesses, helping train and keep our young workers right here in Southwest Virginia.”

UWSWVA’s Youth Success team helps address the challenges facing tomorrow’s workforce through collaboration with government, business, nonprofit and individuals. You can learn more about the work Youth Success does by clicking here.