With the help of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, more than $300,000 in Tennessee Community CARES Program funding is headed to the Cleveland State Community College Foundation. The gift will fund the college’s brand new Quick Job Recovery Bootcamp. This program will create free workforce training to lead to gainful employment of those within the college’s service area who lost their source of income and economic security due to COVID-19.
“Cleveland State has been looking for every advantage as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr.
Bill Seymour, Cleveland State Community College president. “In cooperation with the Cleveland State Foundation, we found another way to support our community and regional workforce. Right now, nothing is more important than enabling individuals in our community to get good jobs.”
The Quick Job Recovery Bootcamp offers three different courses which will provide the student with nationally-recognized certification upon completion. The courses can be completed in six weeks or less. Scholarships will be awarded to qualified residents. Courses available will train students to earn a new skilled career as a welder, HVAC technician, or Microsoft Office specialist.
“This grant compliments our continuing effort to enhance the lives and lifestyles of the residents of our Southeast Tennessee communities by providing relevant workforce and career preparation for every student,” said Gary Fuller, Cleveland State Community College Foundation chair. “The CSCC Foundation is proud to support the advancement of the college by providing financial support through annual fundraising and grant award efforts like the Tennessee Community CARES Program.”
The courses being offered in the Quick Job Recovery Bootcamp are Entry-Level and Refresher MIG Welding, HVAC Technician, and Microsoft Office Specialist.
Entry-Level and Refresher MIG Welding - Welding class using the Spray MIG process with the end goal of workplace proficiency in the flat and horizontal fillet (1F and 2F) positions. In addition to becoming proficient in the 1F and 2F welding techniques, students will receive training in welding safety, machine set-up and troubleshooting techniques. Students will receive American Welding Society and OSHA 10 certifications. Class includes all tools.
Classes for Entry-Level and Refresher MIG Welding will take place:
Oct. 5 - 21
Mondays – 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Mondays – 5-8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays/Fridays – 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CSCC Main Campus
HVAC Technician - This hands-on training provides an in-depth knowledge of the HVAC system so that participants can understand, diagnose, and repair the HVAC system. Training includes sessions on Sealed System & Air Movement, HVAC Electrical, Heat Pump, Preventive Maintenance, Gas Furnace, and Soldering. Successful completion of the course will earn the student EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. Students will leave class with quality technician tools valued at $600.
Classes for HVAC Technician will take place:
Sept. 28 – Oct. 14
Monday – Friday – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monroe County Center, Vonore
Microsoft Office Specialist - Learn the skills needed to operate in an office administration position by mastering the components of Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. This live online course will give individuals the knowledge needed to take the nationally recognized Microsoft Office Specialist exams. This will give students a commanding competitive edge in today’s professional environment. Students successfully completing the course will earn a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. Students will leave with a laptop valued over $1,000.
Classes for Microsoft Office Specialist will take place:
Oct. 19 – Nov. 20
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – 9 a.m.-noon
Virtual Online Class
“The Workforce Development Team is excited to offer these short term courses with nationally recognized certifications at no cost for qualified individuals,” said Andrea Byerly, Cleveland State Community College Workforce and Economic Development Project coordinator. “This is a life changing opportunity that will provide training for high demand jobs and help individuals start a new career in less than six weeks. We are committed to serving our region and offering training like these that meet the needs of our communities."
The Tennessee Department of Human Services announced grant assistance has been awarded to 656 non-profit organizations across the state serving Tennessee communities. These grants are all provided through the new Tennessee Community CARES Program. TDHS, along with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group created the program to invest $150 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to help with ongoing efforts to address health and economic needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Financial Stimulus Accountability Group has worked tirelessly to identify the greatest areas of need for Tennesseans throughout this pandemic,” said Governor Lee. “Supporting non-profit partners strengthens communities and ensures recovery is swift and effective. We look forward to working with these organizations."
For more information, you can call the Office of Workforce and Economic Development at Cleveland State Community College at 423-473-2270 or visit the college at ClevelandStateCC.edu. Students are currently enrolled online and on-campus through the CSCC main campus in Cleveland, as well as CSCC’s Athens Center in Athens and Monroe County Center in Vonore.