FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORKPLACE READINESS TRAINING OFFERS THREE CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIZATIONS     

Joe Alexander

DANVILLE, VA, August 13, 2007 – “Say it with a smile” and “The customer is always right” are common phrases employers constantly remind

their employees. Now Danville Community College takes the customer service training one step further – before the potential employee lands the job.

DCC is preparing students for employment with its new Workplace Readiness Career Studies Certificate program. This is a 16-credit program in which students can complete in just one semester. Each class section can accommodate up to 20 students.

The Workplace Readiness program is designed to prepare individuals to work in a variety of entry level positions in customer service, including retail sales, food and beverage services, and hotel front management operations, explains Joe Alexander, DCC’s Director of Apprenticeship and Special Projects.

“New companies are coming to Danville,” says Alexander. “Many of these companies should be ready to hire by early 2008. People need to hurry to get in and complete the program to prepare for these new job opportunities.”

Alexander refers to the construction of new retail businesses in the Coleman Marketplace in Danville, which will include a Sam’s Club, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and five sit-down restaurants that have yet to be announced.

“A lot of people will have the opportunity to apply for new jobs, are you ready?” Alexander asks. “DCC wants to help its students get their foot in the door. We need for people in the community to evaluate their circumstances by asking themselves, ‘What do I need before I apply for a job?’”

After meeting with community business managers and leaders, Alexander reports the main concerns are that some applicants are unable to correctly complete applications and/or they are unable to present themselves in an appropriate manner when interviewing for jobs.

“For example, one local restaurant manager needed to hire 150 people. He received over 1,000 applications. Unfortunately, he trashed almost 500 applications because they were either not complete or had inaccurate information on the applications. Then, he faced another dilemma when most of the people he interviewed were not properly dressed or just could not communicate appropriately,” Alexander recalls.

This program can be an answer to employers’ prayers as it offers courses such as: Work Ethic & Social Skills, Preparation for Employment, Psychology for Business & Industry, Customer Service and Workplace Preparedness. The program also includes courses in the three specialized areas: Basics of Retail Sales, Food & Beverage Service Management and Hotel Front Office Operation.

Alexander says the program makes allowances for a thorough training in each of the three specializations of customer service entry level positions. The first specialization is retail. The Basics of Retail Sales course presents a fundamental, skill-based approach to selling and relationship building. It also teaches effective interpersonal communication skills in all areas of the sales process through skill-building activities.

Since the program’s second specialization is food service, the Food & Beverage Service Management course provides a conceptual and technical framework for managing the service of meals in a variety of commercial settings. Students will study the integration of product and service delivery, guest contact dynamics, reservation management and point of sale systems.

The third specialization is hotel front office preparation. Therefore, its Hotel Front Office Operations course analyzes hotel front office positions and the procedures involved in reservation registration, accounting for and checking out guests and principles and practices of night auditing. Alexander says the course also covers the complete guest operation in both traditional and computerized operations.

Alexander says the program’s instructors will use a variety of teaching methods and invite resource personnel in the course of the semester. He says Marvin Vickers, the instructor for Preparation for Employment, Work Ethic & Social Skills, Workplace Preparedness and Basics of Retail Sales courses, often videotapes the mock interviews with his students.

“Vickers uses this as a teaching tool,” explains Alexander. “He plays each interview for the entire class and allows the students to identify the positive aspects of the interview and what the interviewee could have done to make a better impression on the potential employer.”

Dr. Max Glass, DCC’s Vice President of Workforce Services, says there is a strong acceptance of this program by the Workforce Services advisory board, area industries and public school officials.

“I am confident this program will be a success!” exclaims Glass

Alexander says the Workplace Readiness program comes at a time when a large percentage of area citizens are trying to redirect careers after the closing of area textile and tobacco industries.

“There is no guarantee to a job, but if you worked at a mill for a number of years, you may not have interviewed, written cover letters, or used your writing skills recently. This program provides the skills needed to sell yourself during the interview process.  Many people are not even able to make it to this first step.” Alexander continues.

The program’s timeliness is also an added benefit to students who may receive Trade Act benefits as a result of company closings. Recipients can use the educational benefits to earn a General Educational Development Certificate (GED) and take college courses within the two-year window, Alexander says.

Alexander also reminds students not to be disheartened at the prospect of part-time employment.

“People often get discouraged about applying for part time jobs, but part time jobs can lead to full time employment,” Alexander explains.

 Fifteen people have already registered for the new Workplace Readiness program for Fall Semester 2007, says Alexander so he encourages interested persons to contact him immediately if they want to be in the first class. He adds graduates of the program may pursue additional training in their chosen field such as supervision and management.

For more information about the Workplace Readiness program, contact Joe Alexander at 434.797.8517; toll free: 800.560.4291, ext. 8517, or email: info@dcc.vccs.edu.