The prestigious Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification was presented to 20 career advisers who work in the JobSight workforce network at a graduation ceremony held May 12 at the Sheraton Suites, Lexington.

The career advisers earned the nationally recognized certification through more than 120 hours of intensive training and personal study during the 10-month GCDF training course. The course was led by Carla Hunter and Caroline Francis, nationally certified career counselors and GCDF instructors.

Career advisers help people who are unemployed or underemployed develop and execute plans to get a job or to get the training necessary to get a job, using a wide array of services funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other state and federal education and training programs. Career advisers who have earned GCDF certification have received advanced training in one-on-one career counseling and have proven themselves competent in the specialized skills required by their job.

This graduating class was the second to take advantage of GCDF training provided through the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), which administers the JobSight network of workforce centers in 23 eastern Kentucky counties. At EKCEP’s JobSight workforce centers, job seekers and employers have access to over a dozen state and federal employment and training programs and employer services through a single location.

The GCDF credential “raises the bar for all career development professionals,” according to EKCEP Deputy Director Jeff Whitehead, who attended the graduation ceremony to recognize the graduates for their accomplishment.

“I am very proud of your achievement that we mark here today, and for finishing what you started,” Whitehead told the class. “Not everyone who starts something finishes it, but you are finishers and are to be congratulated for all your hard work. This graduation represents a continuing effort, and EKCEP is continuing its commitment to training just as you are continuing your commitment to serve your clients.”

“Your employers, clients, and everyone around you will benefit from the skills you have gained,” Whitehead said.

EKCEP plans to make a third round of GCDF training available to other eastern Kentucky career advisers in July.

“This class has inspired me with their level of professionalism,” said instructor Hunter. “This class is deeply compassionate . . . deeply committed to the clients they serve, the families they are part of, and the communities they live in.”

She challenged the graduates to “make the most of tomorrow by inspiring others with your compassion and dedication.”

The newly certified GCDF counselors include career advisers from the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program, Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, Daniel Boone Development Council, Gateway Community Service Organization, K.C.E.O.C. Community Action, L.K.L.P. Community Action Council, and Northeast Kentucky Area Development Council—all JobSight network partners who provide EKCEP-administered WIA programs in eastern Kentucky.

Last year, South Carolina mandated GCDF-certified counselors for its public schools. A number of states—including North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky and New Mexico—already employ GCDF-certified career counselors in a variety of agencies and services.

GCDF certification is valid for five years. Renewal requires the completion of 75 hours of continuing education and strict adherence to ethical guidelines set forth by the National Career Development Association.

The number of GCDF-certified career counselors in Kentucky has increased by 200 percent in the past two years, largely due to the training opportunities provided by EKCEP.