The prestigious Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification has been earned by 18 career advisers who work in the JobSight workforce network.

The advisers received the nationally recognized GCDF certification at a May 13 graduation ceremony at the Hilton Suites in Lexington. The GCDF ceremony marked the conclusion of more than 120 hours of intensive training and personal study that began in July 2005. The training was facilitated by Carla Hunter and Caroline Francis, nationally certified career counselors and GCDF instructors.

Career advisers help young people and adults who are unemployed or underemployed develop and execute plans for obtaining jobs or getting the training necessary to become employed, using a wide array of services funded by the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

The opportunity to train for GCDF certification was provided by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), which administers the JobSight network of workforce centers in 23 eastern Kentucky counties. At JobSight workforce centers, job seekers and employers can access over a dozen state and federal employment and training programs and employer services through a single location.

EKCEP Executive Director Mable Duke and Deputy Director Jeff Whitehead attended the graduation ceremony to recognize the GCDF graduates for their accomplishment.

“GCDF certification means our career advisers are expertly qualified to take a one-on-one, hands-on approach with clients,” Duke said. “Whether they’re helping adult job seekers train to start a new career or helping youths set their sights on college or employment, these advisers will take an active role in helping their clients make informed choices about their careers.”

The GCDF credential raises the bar for all career development professionals, Whitehead said.

“The standards for certification include a strict adherence to ethical guidelines set forth by the National Career Development Association,” Whitehead said. “The certification also requires an adherence to important competencies needed to help clients in the best possible way.”

GCDF certification is valid for five years, and requires the completion of 75 hours of continuing education every five years for renewal. EKCEP plans to launch a second round of GCDF training for other WIA career advisers in July.

EKCEP administers WIA programs in eastern Kentucky, delivering services through partnerships with numerous community action agencies. GCDF certifications were earned by career advisers from the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program, Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, Daniel Boone Development Council, Gateway Community Service Organization, Harlan Community Action Agency, L.K.L.P. Community Action Council, Middle Kentucky River Area Development Council, and Northeast Kentucky Area Development Council—all partners in the JobSight network.