(Chelsea Update would like to thank Susan Ferraro for the information in this story.)
Washtenaw Community College plans to open a new Career Transitions Office to prepare employers, individuals and the community for future jobs.
“The days when you train for one job that you keep for the rest of your career are over,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca in a press release. “Changing technology in the workplace means we all have to commit to a process of continuous training and lifelong learning to be successful.”
Bellanca said the Career Transitions Office will be open to everyone in the community, not just students.
“The purpose of the office is not to tell individuals what classes to take, but rather to provide a place for anyone to go for help in identifying the skills they may need to find a new job or move ahead in their current career,” she said.
The new office will provide anyone access to assistance with the following:
Evaluation of marketable skill sets and recommended next steps
Options for obtaining marketable skill sets include industry-based certification preparation and testing, workforce training, apprenticeship opportunities, and certificate or degrees
Job placement assistance including job search, resume development, interviewing skills and topical workshops
“More than 15 percent of our students at WCC already have a four-year college degree, anywhere from a bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D.,” said Bellanca. “Why are they here? Because the skills people need for jobs in the 21st century are constantly changing.”
According to Dr. Michelle Mueller, WCC vice president for Economic, Community and College Development, short-term, industry-based certificates are an example of one tool that can benefit people on both ends of the work experience spectrum.
“Through our work in the community with various economic development agencies, we meet with industry leaders to find out what employers need in terms of short-term technical training,” said Mueller. “Then we offer that training either through credit-based degrees and certificates or workforce training.”
Washtenaw Community College offers more than 200 credit-based certificates and degrees and hundreds of professional development courses online and in-person.
For information about Washtenaw Community College visit: www.wccnet.edu.
