FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS FOCUS OF NEW TRAINING PROGRAM

DANVILLE, VA, July 10, 2007 – Customer service training is the focus of Danville Community College’s newest short-term training program. Called Workplace Readiness, the certificate program provides students with the skills necessary to work in a variety of industries, including retail.

Joe Alexander, Director of Apprenticeship Services and Special Projects, says that the Workplace Readiness Career Studies Certificate will be especially beneficial to those who are unemployed or underemployed and want to enhance their job readiness skills. He adds the program will be offered this fall and is limited to 20 students.

Alexander notes that Workplace Readiness is a 16-credit hour program and can be completed in as little as one semester. It is designed to prepare students for jobs in retail sales, food and beverage services, or hotel front office operations. Instructors will include DCC professors as well as adjunct instructors in the retail industry.

“There are a lot of students who are not particularly interested in a two-year degree program for various reasons,” says Dr. Max Glass, Vice President of Workforce Services. “The Workplace Readiness program is designed for students who are interested in a short-term program that will result in quick employment.”

Alexander mentions that the program was also designed to meet the needs of the community. He explains that many retail stores have a high turnover of employees.

“Many applicants are turned down for employment at retail stores and restaurants because of poor customer service skills,” says Alexander. “There are employers who throw away half of their job applications just because they are incomplete, poorly written or have inaccurate information.

“When the employers conduct interviews, there are many applicants who are improperly dressed and do not directly answer questions,” Alexander continues.

Course topics for the program include: Work Ethic and Social Skills, Preparation for Employment, Psychology for Business and Industry, Customer Service, and Workplace Preparedness. Students must also take at least one of the following classes: Basics of Retail Sales, Food and Beverage Service Management, or Hotel Front Office Operations.

“We spoke with many employers to develop the curriculum and received common feedback,” Alexander explains. “Businesses were more interested in hiring individuals who could provide good customer service. They said they would train them how to perform the necessary hard skills.”

Alexander notes that the program is for individuals who (1) are unemployed or underemployed and want to work in the retail and food industry; (2) are serious about securing a career and not just a temporary job; and (3) wish to obtain customer service skills.

He adds that with the development of the new Coleman Marketplace in Danville, and other new companies locating to the region or expanding operations, the Workplace Readiness program will help prepare students for these new and expanded career opportunities or offer a credential for those currently employed.

“The concept of the Workplace Readiness program was presented to the Workforce Services advisory board, and they were very receptive to the idea,” says Glass. “There also was a rather strong acceptance of the program by the industry and public school officials. I am confident the program will be a success.”

Registration for the first class is being conducted now. Fall classes begin August 22. For more information, contact Joe Alexander at 434.797.8517; toll free: 800.560.4291, ext. 8517, or click here.