Continuing education to broaden your understanding of and proficiency in your chosen degree program has become crucial during this economic recession.
Sinclair’s Workforce Development aims to work with employers to help them meet their workforce needs by providing customized training, consulting and developmental opportunities for their employees.
“We spend most our day with employers, helping them make their businesses better,” said Deb Norris vice president of Workforce Development and Corporate Services at Sinclair Community College. “We do a lot of leadership development. We have had a lot of requests for supervisor and manager training because you know the number one reason people still leave companies is usually because of a bad boss, so we provide some of those tools.”
The second area that Workforce Development focuses on is continuing education programs that are non-college credit, which are geared toward knowledge and skills building.
Knowledge and skills building include improving PowerPoint skills, focusing on conflict resolution or becoming a better presenter, all of which helps the employer and employee succeed in the workforce.
Economic development, community alignment and regional development issues are also a pivotal focus of Workforce Development.
Sinclair collaborates with the Dayton Development Coalition, Dayton Area of Chambers of Commerce, and Montgomery County to figure out what the needs of the community are to make sure that there are programs offered that are aligned, Norris said.
“We have very strong partnerships. It is very important for community alignment that we are a convener,” Norris said.
Industry certifications and credentials are offered through Workforce Development as well.
From Feb. 9 through May 19, Sinclair’s Workforce Development division will partner with McGohan Brabender to offer an eight-part preparation class. The classes are designed to prepare participants to take either the Professional in Human Resources or the Senior Professional in Human Resources exam offered by the HR Certification Institute, said Norris.
“I am excited for this class because this is the first time that we are offering it,” Norris said. “It is an important credential for the HR community. You know how Sinclair is based on ‘find the need and endeavor to meet it’ this is meeting the community need.”
Though the classes are typically geared toward working professionals, Hope Arthur director for Workforce Development hopes that students who are interested in or on an HR track take the class.
“We would love to see individuals who are students at Sinclair who might be working in the field or interested take the class,” Arthur said. “It won’t be for every student but some of the population that Sinclair serves.”
Classes will be held every other Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at McGohan Brabender Learning Center, 3931 S. Dixie Drive, Dayton. The fee is $750, which includes the class textbook. For more information, call (937) 252-9787 or go online to register at www.DaytonHRCertification.com.
“This is an opportunity for education even if you are not interested in getting the certification,” said Rosalie Catalano, contract sales consultant for Workforce Development. “It is still a very good foundation of knowledge.”