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WINTON – For those seeking a pathway to local jobs, look no further than the Made in Hertford County project.

This exciting new venture officially launched Oct. 21 thanks to an effort by the Rivers East Workforce Development Board in collaboration with the Hertford County NC Works Career Center, NENC Career Pathways, Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce, Hertford County Schools, Roanoke-Chowan Community College and Hertford County Economic Development.

The Rivers East Workforce Development Board is part of the Mid East Commission, which serves Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Hyde, Martin and Pitt counties.

This project is a marketing package developed to highlight the “Live, Work & Play” opportunities with a focus on manufacturing. Made in Hertford County showcases companies who make products in the county, the careers in high-demand by those companies and the associated training and education required for those careers.

Working with the partners previously mentioned, Hertford County has the opportunity to attract visitors, residents and industries though a common campaign. The marketing package includes a logo for branding, career cluster flyers, brochures, retractable banners, a series of videos, and a website with links to social media for sharing the information.

Jennie Bowen, Rivers East Workforce Development Board Director, gave an overview of the project at the Oct. 21 meeting of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners.

“[The project] focuses on how we can grow our own, making sure that our K-12 public schools all the way up to our adult job seekers understand what’s going on, what’s being made inside the buildings they pass by every day,” Bowen said.

She noted there are good paying jobs in Hertford County, referencing printed brochures that offer more details about those employment opportunities and the average salaries they pay locally. Those brochures highlight local careers in fabrication and manufacturing, welding, wood and plastic molding, and food and beverage industries.

Bowen said some of the jobs may require a post-secondary education, but a pathway to those employment opportunities already exists due to diverse educational offerings in Hertford County and beyond. They include specialized courses at C.S. Brown High School STEM, Hertford County Early College High School, Roanoke-Chowan Community College, East Carolina University, and the NC Works program.

“A person can hop on one or more of these pathways and find a good job,” Bowen stressed.

She mentioned that more information is available by visiting www.madeinhertfordcounty.com, which includes local success stories, or they can contact her at jbowen@mideastcom.org or call 252-974-1815.

Additionally, Bowen stressed that the Hertford County NC Works Center is open to the public two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). It is located in the Davis Building on the campus of Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

She noted a new partnership with Berry Global, who has a manufacturing facility near Ahoskie. There, Rivers East was able to place a rising senior to work as a summer intern.

“We paid the wages through our program. We’re looking to expand that program and get more youth involved next summer,” Bowen said.

“Employers in the area are following the ‘grow your own’ mentality,” she added.