Professional Training

Another amenity employees had access to as a resident of Enka Village, were all the professional training opportunities. Vocational training, First Aid, and a Night School were all offered to workers and their families for people wanting to learn something new.

One of these opportunities people could participate in included the Enka Vocational Training Program.¹ This allowed employees to develop skills in other areas of the factory. According to the Enka Voice, these skills included metal layout, electricity, drawing, welding, first aid, elementary writing/reading/arithmetic. ² It essentially gave workers the opportunity to move into more skilled positions. As the Enka Voice said, “the purpose for offering these courses is that the employees of our plant may have the opportunity of improving themselves in the knowledge and understanding of the particular work they are now doing or to prepare themselves for a better job, if and when the opportunity occurs.”³

Enka also offered First Aid training to their employees. According to a February 1935 issue of the Enka Voice, “thirteen young women have just recently completed the fifteen hours of work necessary to receive their standard First Aid certificates from the American Red Cross.”⁴

In addition, in October of 1932, the American Enka Corporation announced a “Community Night School” for employees.⁵ The Enka Voice said that starting October 3rd, they were offering elementary education in the evenings to workers who were interested.⁶ It stated that multiple education leaders in the area worked together to create an educational program for adults at Enka.⁷ This was a collaboration between Buncombe County Schools, the Federation of Women’s Clubs of North Carolina, and a local Reverend. The Enka Voice mentioned specifically the program would teach reading, writing, math, and more. The article emphasized the opportunity because it was free: “it’s a wonderful opportunity for those of the Enka neighborhood who have not had the opportunity of attending school to avail themselves of free schooling.”⁸

For many workers and families, having fun and developing a sense of community was another large part of their experience at Enka Mill Village. The recreational opportunities the company provided allowed people to form friendships and made Enka a happier place to be.

1. “Enka Vocational Training Program,” Enka Voice, March 1934, 3, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
2. “Enka Vocational Training Program,” Enka Voice, March 1934, 3, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
3. “Enka Vocational Training Program,” Enka Voice, March 1934, 3, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
4. “First Aid Certificates,” Enka Voice, February 1935, 7, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
5. “Announcement of the Enka Community Night School,” Enka Voice, October 1932, 20, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
6. “Announcement of the Enka Community Night School,” Enka Voice, October 1932, 20, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
7. “Announcement of the Enka Community Night School,” Enka Voice, October 1932, 20, in private collection held by Becca Norris.
8. “Announcement of the Enka Community Night School,” Enka Voice, October 1932, 20, in private collection held by Becca Norris.