CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 17, 2018)-Kirkwood Community College will offer a Business Professional Certificate with a free 16-week training intended to help students build technical and interpersonal skills for business careers. The program was designed in partnership with area employers needing qualified candidates. It is targeted to persons who are low-skill, low-income, unemployed, underemployed or dislocated and require additional education to help qualify them for available jobs in business.
According to program Pathway Navigator Kelly Foresman, the training prepares graduates with the certification and related experience they need to compete for business professional positions with employers in the community.
“This high-quality training is comprehensive and helps individuals develop the technical and personal skills to build a career as a business professional,” said Foresman. “Students who successfully earn this certificate are capable of pursuing careers in a wide variety of businesses. Employer partnerships built into the design of this training also provide students a jump-start to obtaining employment.”
Kirkwood, in partnership with 11 local businesses, is offering this training program through Kirkwood Pathways for Academic Career Education and Employment (KPACE). Initial classes begin in August to help individuals prepare for and secure a job as a customer service representative, earning on average $15.60 an hour. Partnering businesses will provide students an overview of their company and help students practice interview skills during training.
According to Economic Modeling Specialists International, the finance and insurance industry is projected to grow 3.3 percent from 2018-2020. Customer service representatives make up nine percent of the industry and require customer service skills across a range of roles. Demand is increasing regionally for candidates with this training and is expected to total 3,332 jobs in Linn and Johnson counties alone in 2020.
For additional information, visit www.kirkwood.edu/kpace or contact Kelly Foresman at 319-784-1518 or [email protected].
*****EVENT*****
What: Business Professional Certificate Training – Information and Registration Sessions
When:
July 26 | 10 a.m. – noon
August 2 | 10 a.m. – noon
August 6 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
August 9 | 10 a.m. – noon
Where: Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids.
Cost: Free