Keeping up with the rapidly changing business landscape requires ongoing training and education. The right skills at the right time can help boost a career.
We reached out to Beth Doiron, director of College Access and DoE Programs and Initiatives in the Community College System of New Hampshire, to learn more about how people can reach new career heights, and how these programs can help employers meet their workforce needs. (ccsnh.edu)
What short-term training programs are available for New Hampshire employers to “up-skill” workers quickly?
Doiron: “New Hampshire community colleges throughout the state offer shortterm, non-credit courses and training in numerous fields, including allied health, business, computer science, advanced manufacturing, English as a Second Language and more. Known as ‘Workforce Development Centers’ or ‘Business & Training Centers,’ the programs are housed at all seven community colleges. Fostering strategic partnerships with local employers, CCSNH programs respond to workforce needs, benefitting organizations looking to up-skill current employees as well as train new hires. The state of New Hampshire has also created the New Hampshire Job Training Fund (nhjobtrainingfund.org) to encourage companies to upgrade the skills of their employees. The fund covers up to 50% of the cost of employee training.
“Community colleges also offer noncredit classes and programs that individuals can sign up for that provide lifelong learning and professional development opportunities, including professional licensing and certifications in all industry sectors. Employers and individuals should contact their local community college via ccsnh.edu for more information.”
Are there any free/no-cost options for individuals looking to reenter the workforce?
Doiron: “Yes! For those looking to get back into the workplace with confidence and in-demand soft skills, WorkReadyNH is a practical, tuition-free program designed to provide training in professional job skills that employers are looking for in their current and future employees.
WorkReadyNH was developed after discussions with New Hampshire employers who wanted to see new hires come in with more skills and confidence. The WorkReadyNH program consists of 60 hours of classroom instruction that simulates many aspects of the workplace, along with online self-paced tutorials designed to increase essential skills such as applied math, reading workplace documents, charts and graphs. The program helps participants develop and refine professional skills, better understand their personal strengths, build confidence in skills and abilities, and work effectively independently and in teams. Benefits to employers include the opportunity to hire employees who are able to effectively work with others to complete tasks and projects and apply and analyze workplace information to better perform their jobs.”
What are apprenticeship programs, and how do they help address hiring challenges throughout the state?
Doiron: “Using an Earn and Learn model, Registered Apprenticeship is a creative way for employers to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. As a contributing employee from day one, apprentices in all apprenticeship programs receive employer-specific, direct, on-the-job training from an employer while they also attend technical training classes from the Community College System of New Hampshire to learn the theory behind the on-the-job learning. In addition, apprentices work with a mentor within their company who will show them the tips of the trade while enhancing or improving the company culture through knowledge transfer and building relationships. To help New Hampshire businesses create apprenticeship programs, a member of the CCSNH apprenticeship team works with employers to design a program that meets the needs of the individual business, assists with other documentation and requirements, helps with recruiting and screening of potential apprentices, while also providing grant funding to assist with the cost of instruction. The end result is a prepared, committed employee who is able to contribute to the productivity and goals of a business from day one. Learn more at apprenticeshipnh.com.”
