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Library offering new workforce training program

workforce trainingThe Atlantic City Free Public Library, in partnership with Atlantic Cape Community College, will look to present greater employability opportunities for local residents by offering a new training program: Communication Skills for the 21st Century Workforce (CS21).

The CS21 program will provide qualified disadvantaged, displaced and employed workers an additional opportunity to obtain workplace literacy services and career pathway training. The training is free for all participants.

The classes, taught by ACCC instructors, will begin this month at the Main Library in the Learning Center for Computer Literacy, Education and Career Advancement. The library’s CS21 training program will consist of two essential components for today’s job seekers:

Computer Literacy Skills training – This 10-week program will provide the basic computer skills needed for those searching for employment, writing a resume, submitting applications online, utilizing email and performing tasks at the workplace.
Guest Services certification – Participants can earn a professional certification that is recognized by the hotel and hospitality industry in this two-week class. The class will center on the communications skills those in the industry need to provide memorable guest services.

The library received $86,000, which fully funds this initiative, from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) through its Community Library Adult Literacy & Career Pathway Grant Program.

“The library has long supported workforce development for our community by offering technology and literacy classes, plus a weekly job skills lab,” Library Director Robert Rynkiewicz said. “This grant from the LWD will allow us to extend these services by providing an additional training option that focuses on the workforce needs of many in this region.”

The CS21 training program will complement existing programs offered by the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board, Atlantic County American Jobs Center (AJC) and ACCC. Participants will be able to enter the program through referrals from AJC, ACCC or the library.

Registration is required and will begin Tuesday, Nov. 13. Call CS21 coordinator Adrianna Martinez at (609) 345-2269, ext. 3044, for the class schedule and more information.