Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Categories
What is ProNet all about?
ProNet brings together the Charlotte Region's education, training,
job placement, economic development and workforce development
agencies with a single focus - addressing the needs of professionals
who have recently lost a job, have concerns about the future
of their current jobs or are considering a career change.
Why should I Register with the ProNet Website?
Registering with the ProNet website has several advantages.
First, you will be able to use the ProNet online networking
tools where you can share information and ideas with other
ProNet members. Second, registering ProNet will allow
you to find out about partner events (job fairs, training
opportunities, etc.) as soon as that information is posted
to the website. Finally, registering with ProNet and completing
a short information form about yourself will help us help
you by providing aggregate information (not individual information)
to economic developers to help attract businesses to the region
and assist local businesses looking to expand. Businesses
always want to know about the "talent" available
locally when making business location decisions. Providing
real-time data about the skills, experience and education
of people in ProNet will be an asset in business attraction
and retention.
What does ProNet cost?
ProNet is free.
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Unemployment Insurance
FAQ (courtesy of NCESC
Website)
I received separation pay (or severance pay, wages
in lieu of notice, vacation pay, etc.). When should I file
a claim?
You are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits for
any full week covered by separation pay, vacation pay, etc.
(nor may such a week count as your “waiting period week”).
Generally, you should file your claim the first week after
the period covered by the payment (if the last week of the
payment is not a full week’s pay, you may file that
same week, although you may still be ineligible due to excessive
earnings).
IMPORTANT EXCEPTION: Individuals receiving severance
pay are considered to be unemployed (and, therefore, may file
a claim) during any week that they are registered at or attending
an institution of higher learning, a secondary school or an
approved training program. You must provide documentation
of your school attendance/registration, and you must meet
unemployment insurance “availability for work”
requirements.
How long must I have worked to qualify for unemployment
benefits? How much will my benefits be?
“Base period” is the term used to define the time
frame used as the basis for determining whether or not you
will be monetarily eligible for unemployment. It is normally
the first four of the last five calendar quarters. You must
have wages in two of the base period quarters to be monetarily
eligible. Your weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks
of entitlement to benefits are based on the wages you were
paid and amount of time you worked during your base period.
The exact amount of benefits and the duration of those benefits
cannot be determined until you actually file your claim for
benefits.
I have worked long enough to qualify. Are there other
requirements?
Potentially eligible claimants must have become unemployed
through no fault of their own. All claimants, except those
who are still attached to an employer's payroll, must (a)
register for work with ESC; (b) file a claim for each calendar
week of benefits they request, and (c) actively seek work
during any week for which unemployment benefits are claimed.
Actively seeking work means doing those things that an unemployed
person who wants to work would normally do. Unless otherwise
instructed, a claimant must seek work in person on two different
days with at least two different employers and must keep a
written record of all work search contacts for periodic review
by ESC.
What is the meaning of a “waiting period week”?
The “waiting period week” is the first week you
file for and are otherwise eligible. You will never receive
payment for this first week. It must be claimed to be counted.
It does not mean you should wait a week before you file the
claim.
How do I apply for Unemployment Insurance?
Visit the North
Carolina Employment Security Commission website to apply
online.
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Accessing JobLink
Career Center Services FAQ
What is a JobLink Career Center?
JobLink Career Centers offer a variety of employment and training
services that can help job seekers find a new or better job.
Local workforce development professionals from diverse partner
agencies work together under one roof to help provide these
services. JobLink Career Centers also serve businesses seeking
qualified job candidates, training programs, displaced worker
services and more. Local, statewide and national resources
give JobLink Career Centers unparalled reach in making the
right connection between employers and job seekers.
What type of services can I get at a JobLink Career
Center?
For Job Seekers, the JobLink Career Center System offers a
number of services to help individuals explore careers and
get a good job:
- Job search skills and techniques workshops
- Filling out job applications
- Resume writing workshops
- Interviewing workshops
- Managing your money workshops
- Financial aid for training or school
- Career counseling
- Skills assessments
- Career information and exploration
- Job openings and applications
- Click here for a JobLink
Services Overview (PDF)
What is WIA?
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is federal legislation
that provides funding for employment related services. It
is administered in our area by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Workforce
Development Board, and the goal is for individuals to become
gainfully employed and self-sufficient. Click
here for an overview of WIA services and eligibility (PDF)
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Education and
Training FAQ
What sort of training can I benefit from?
UNC Charlotte and
Central Piedmont Community College
continuously create new courses to respond to education and
training needs in the Charlotte region. In conjunction
with workforce development and economic development partners,
many education and training opportunites are forward-looking,
designed to meet expected future Occupations in Demand.
What types of specific classes are available?
To learn about specfic classes, visit the UNC
Charlotte and CPCC websites.
Also, NC Stars is a
website that lists approved training providers/programs in
all North Carolina Counties. An approved training provider/program
may be eligibile for full or partial tuition assistance through
local Workforce Development Boards and its JobLink Career
Centers.
I have had a the same job for a long time, and just
need to update my skills in certain areas. What opportunities
are available?
CPCC's Corporate &
Continuing Education classes offer a wide range of classes
to update specific skills or explore other career interests.
UNC Charlotte's Continuing
Education, Extension and Summer Programs offer a number
of Continuing Education, Distance/Virtual Education and Summer
classes designed to meet specific career/continuing education
needs.
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Starting a Business
FAQ
Click here for ProNet
Charlotte's Considering Entreprenuership Section
I am interested in starting a new business.
What steps are involved?
To learn more about the specifics of starting a business
in North Carolina, visit the North
Carolina Department of Commerce's website. To start a
business in South Carolina, visit the South
Carolina Department of Commerce's website.
The government has provided Stimulus Funding to encourage
small business growth. What are the details of the program?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
has provided stimulus to assist small business, click
here for information (PDF).
What resources are available locally to learn about
starting a business and to see if starting a business is the
right choice for me?
The North Carolina Small Business
and Technology Development Center provides advice, resources
and support for new and existing small businesses.
The Small Business Administration is a federal small business
resource. Click
here for the local SBA Office.
CPCC has established its New
Ventures Entrepreneurship Certificate, a comprehensive
course about starting your own business.
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