CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
The Family Support Center is offering a workshop Sept. 9 - Oct. 7 for spouses of military members to help them become more affluent in basic computer skills.
The five-week course, CPT 101, will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the 437th Communications Squadron building. The course offers practical application of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint and Quickbooks software.
"The 2006 CPT 101 workshop will be the third of its kind offered at the Charleston AFB FSC," said Amanda Ambrose, 437 FSC community readiness technician. "It is supported by an Air Force Aid Society grant and is free to spouses of active-duty personnel and spouses of activated reservists."
Upon completion of the course, spouses are connected with the South Carolina Employment Commission for assistance with job placement.
"To be competitive for quality jobs, our spouses must have up-to-date computer and job search skills," Ms. Ambrose said. "The training curriculum offered will prepare Air Force spouses for entry-level positions in business, industry and government, thus enhancing their career development opportunities. It is our goal to meet the needs of spouses who wish to further their knowledge base and enter the job market with the skills attained from this course."
CPT 101 is a cooperative program between the FSC and Trident Technical College and is taught by an instructor from TTC. Continuing Education Units are awarded to participants and can be applied towards a degree at TTC.
Surveys from the 2005 workshop indicated the training was a resounding success, as many spouses claimed they gained the self confidence to further their training by enrolling in college courses, Ms. Ambrose said. Others were able to obtain employment following completion of the course.
"I would highly recommend this class, especially since this time they are going to offer training on the QuickBooks program," said Kelbresha Parris, FSC Discover Center specialist. "This class is so well worth your time and has a very relaxed, adult atmosphere. There are beginners and those who are more experienced. The instructor just brings everything to a middle point and the class really flows. I can't say enough about how good the instructor really is with the material."
Ms. Parris attended the 2005 workshop and said the skills she learned have had a significant impact on her career and even helped her to get hired for her current job.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the class was the training for the Microsoft Access programs," Ms. Parris said. "That was really helpful, especially for the job I have now."
Space is limited so participants are urged to sign up for CPT 101 as soon as possible.
For more information and to register, call the FSC at 963-4406.