May 19, 2009 – Wakefield, RI – The Education Exchange, a non-profit provider of affordable, convenient, and accessible adult literacy and job skills training programs throughout southern Rhode Island, today announced that eleven of its computer classes and certification programs are now eligible technology training programs through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, State Workforce Investment Office. The approval provides some unemployed Rhode Islanders with free access to select computer training programs at the Education Exchange, allowing them to obtain the computer skills necessary to find and retain employment.
With Rhode Island unemployment at 10.5% in March 2009, many low-skill workers are finding themselves unemployed and without job prospects. In today’s workplace, basic computer skills are a necessity and advanced skills are often a prerequisite for management and other higher wage employment opportunities. With the support of the RI Department of Labor and Training, the Education Exchange is providing computer training programs to allow unemployed Rhode Islanders to develop their skills and work toward employment and economic self-sufficiency.
Computer classes and training programs available at the Education Exchange range from basic skills development to internationally recognized Microsoft certification programs. Among the programs approved by the RI Department of Labor and Training are:
- Computer Basics (Wakefield and Westerly)
- MS Excel Basics
- MS Excel Certification
- MS Outlook Certification
- MS PowerPoint Basics
- MS PowerPoint Certification
- MS Word Basics
- MS Word Certification
- MOS/MCAS
- QuickBooks
For additional information about the Education Exchange classes available through the RI Department of Labor and Training program, visit http://www.dlt.ri.gov/wio/programs.htm. To determine eligibility to participate in this job skills program, unemployed individuals should contact netWORKri at 1-888-616-JOBS.
In addition to computer skills training, the Education Exchange offers a full range of adult education classes, including basic literacy, ESL, and GED preparation. Seminars and workshops are also available to help members of the community look for work and prepare a compelling resume. These classes, workshops, and seminars, together with the computer skills programs, provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. For more information, call 401-783-0293, send email to info@EducationExchangeRI.org, or visit www.EducationExchangeRI.org.
About the Education Exchange
For thirty years, the Education Exchange has enriched the lives of southern Rhode Islanders by providing affordable, convenient, and accessible adult education programs. Classes, seminars, and workforce training opportunities available at the Education Exchange help students improve their lives and achieve their professional goals. More information is available online at www.EducationExchangeRI.org or by calling 401-783-0293.
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