Kirkwood Continuing Education serves a workforce in need, amid transitions
Amid the challenging economic conditions of 2009, the workforce training services of Kirkwood Community College have been busily reaching out and responding to a Corridor workforce facing multiple situations. As the economic conditions appear to slowly improve, those services are shifting and adapting along with those situations and needs.
Based on business and industry guidance as well as information from area agencies and governments, Kirkwood programs have been steadily providing skill-building courses and customized, structured programs to meet training needs. New programs are now in place, while other time-tested projects have been re-introduced to help meet the demands of workers caught in layoffs, plant closings and other situations.
Kirkwood Associate Vice President of Continuing Education Kim Johnson says the variety of courses and programs “meets people where they are now and where they may want to be” in career and job needs.
“We are fortunate in this area to have a great network of business leaders, human resources professionals and economic development offices to keep us informed and give input on what is needed for training and retraining workers. Whether economic conditions are good or bad, needs are there. That is why we try to be flexible in meeting those needs through a variety of programs and projects,” Johnson said.
Kirkwood Continuing Education workforce programs set for this fall include:
o A program that produced strong results during the last economic downturn has been revived, providing core skills adaptable to many career opportunities. The Call Center Certificate program was developed with a network of eight local employers. The training gives participants certification in collections, financial skills, call center technology and customer service skills, giving graduates a hands-on lab environment. Students will also visit participating employers to learn first-hand the work environment and skills needed before completing the course. Training will be held at the RuffaloCODY facility on the Kirkwood Campus, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., October 12, 2009 to January 20, 2010. Tuition assistance and scholarship are available based on eligibility, for more information on this program is available from Bethany Parker, (319) 398-5105.
o A Professional Development Certificate program, developed in response to several local worker dislocation and plant closing events. The course offerings are modeled after job skill needs identified in the recent Skills 2010 workforce and economic survey co-sponsored by Kirkwood and area business leaders. The course curriculum is designed to build professional and interpersonal skills for those looking to advance to a higher position in their present company or change careers. The program is a Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday format, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Classes are set for the Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education.
o For employees looking to build skills to step into higher levels and boost careers, the Emerging Leaders Certificate is designed to focus key skills for that advancement. The six-week program will feature seminars from the Franklin Covey Leadership Series, one of 12 Vital Learning Online Seminars, plus a special Community Leadership Series, featuring discussions led by former Kirkwood President Norm Nielsen and others. This series will be held Wednesdays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 28, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education.
Information on these and other workforce training options is available from Kirkwood Continuing Education, (319) 398-5529. Program descriptions and enrollments are also available via the Internet: www.kirkwood.edu/ce
For any interview needs contact Associate Vice President of Continuing Education Kim Johnson at 319-398-5525 or kjohnso@kirkwood.edu. For any help in setting this up or for any questions, please contact Marketing Services Coordinator Jon Keimig at 319-398-5651 or jkeimig@kirkwood.edu.