BCCC Receives $420K for FREE Job Skills Training

Bucks County Community College’s Center of Workforce Development (CWD) is pleased to announce that they have been awarded $420,000 for training to address the displacement of county residents as a result of COVID-19. These monies are being awarded via the County of Bucks through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) grant as approved by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Training is free for Bucks County residents who have been affected by COVID-19. “The Covid crisis has been such a burden on the residents, families and work force of Bucks County; we are so grateful for the ability to make these funds available for such a worthwhile cause.” Said Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo. “Free job training in up and coming fields that can ensure bright futures and financial security is a silver lining we can all take great pride in.”

In partnership with the County of Bucks, Bucks County Community College is providing FREE training for residents to speed their way into their next career. "Even before the pandemic our economy was seeing a shortage of skilled workers," said Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie. "This grant will allow BCCC to help those who want to help themselves and their families by expanding their skills. It’s critical to our recovery to have this program funded and operational."

Buck’s CWD will be offering the following training programs: Metalwork Training Program and Industrial Maintenance (electro-mechanical) Programs for careers in advanced manufacturing; Microsoft Office Technology and Customer Service Specialist Program, and the new Bookkeeping with Quickbooks Certification Program. Bucks’ CWD will be running these programs online via Zoom and in hybrid format. Hybrid courses will involve both online and in-person hands-on instruction. Additionally, students will work one-on-one with a career coach/recruiter to assist them with their resume, interviewing and job search.

The Bookkeeping with Quickbooks Certification course introduces the principles of financial accounting with a focus on bookkeeping and accounting procedures. Students will participate in a 7-week online course and will learn comprehensive tools for fast and easy financial management. Students will have the opportunity to sit for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in Excel and for QuickBooks Pro certification. The skills learned in this course can translate into many career paths including financial analyst, accountant, and financial supervisor. First class begins October 12th!

The Metalwork Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program includes theory as well as hands-on skills training, and introduces participants to the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a machinist in the field of advanced manufacturing. The hybrid, 12-week program runs quarterly and boasts over a 90% placement rate. Topics, taught by industry experts, include measurement tools and systems, blueprint reading, safety, hand tools, manual machines, CNC machining, welding, and shop math. Students earn OSHA10 & Forklift Safety certifications, and sit for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) exam for Measurement, Materials, and Safety Certification. Next class begins September 28th!

The Industrial Maintenance Training Pre-Apprenticeship Program includes theory and hands-on skills assessment and introduces participants to the fundamental concepts and skills required by electro-mechanical technicians in manufacturing and a variety of industries. The hybrid 12-week program runs quarterly and boasts over a 90% placement rate. Coursework includes Safety, Shop Math, Measurement, Blueprint Reading, Basic Electricity (AC/DC Circuits), Electrical Fabrication, Mechanical Fabrication, Hydraulic & Pneumatic Basics and Troubleshooting, Electric Relay Control concepts and applied practice, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Students earn OSHA10 & Forklift Safety certifications. Next class begins October 26th!

In the Microsoft Office Technology and Customer Service Specialist program students gain the skills, attributes, and practices necessary to enhance their resumes and career options. The 8-week online course provides instruction in office technology, including computer basics, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The course also covers business professionalism and customer service skills. Students are able to take this class completely online and will have the opportunity to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams for Word and Excel. Next class begins September 21st!

To register or learn more about Bucks’ programs, please visit www.bucks.edu/wfd.

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