GREENVILLE, N.C. — The City of Greenville is partnering with Pitt Community College and the Community Crossroads Center to offer a Food Service Specialist Training Program that will provide participants with the skills and credentials needed to help them obtain jobs in the food service industry. A ceremonial signing of the agreement was held Monday, August 1, 2016 at the Community Crossroads Center.

City Manager Barbara Lipscomb, Pitt Community College President Dr. Dennis Massey, and Community Crossroads Executive Director Bob Williams were on hand to sign the contract and discuss the six-week program that is scheduled to begin in October. The current agreement is for two years.

"The City is pleased to be a part of this program," City Manager Barbara Lipscomb said. "We will be working with PCC to create job opportunities for the people of our community."

PCC instructors will teach the courses in the Community Crossroads Center kitchen and dining room. Through the Community Development Block Grant, the City is providing funding for the rent of the facility and the purchase of additional equipment including an electric steam table, holding cabinet, and a gas convection oven.

The program will serve about 20 participants each session with an attempt to include as many Greenville residents as possible to help grow Greenville's own. Participants will receive assistance in obtaining jobs through job fairs and interviews with business representatives that will be set up by program organizers.

According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant and food service jobs make up about 12 percent of North Carolina's employment. That number is expected to grow by nearly 15 percent during the next 10 years.