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Pathways: Computer Applications for Speakers of Other Languages (CASOL)

The purpose of this approximately 6 and a half month (2 term training plus a bridge) is to introduce non-native English speakers to employment opportunities in office and customer service entry-level jobs through college credit, a Certificate of Completion and support classes for success.

Applicants should have high-intermediate to advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English.  The class introduces students to keyboarding, MS Word, MS Excel and work readiness, safety issues, communication, other computer and teamwork skills.  This higher-level training will focus on entry-level clerical and administrative jobs in health care, business, education, insurance, social services and the public sector where there is a growing need for bilingual customer service. Participants will need to have strong language skills in English as well as in their native language.

The purpose of this training program is to introduce non-native English speakers to employment opportunities in a clerical position through college credit, a Certificate of Completion and support classes for success.  

Each week, students spend three sessions in the computer lab to improve keyboarding and MS Office skills.  In the other two sessions, students learn office culture, communication, customer service, and office culture and job readiness. All students participate in an unpaid internship in an office to get hands-on work experience.  The training also integrates intensive job development sessions to assist participants in achieving their individual employment goals.

At the completion of the internship and classroom component there is a two-month job search class to support students in their job search. Students are expected to come at least 6 hours a week for an active guided job search. Additionally, there is job readiness training curriculum embedded into the assigned class time.

Students will gain proficiency with Microsoft Office (Windows, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) and the Internet. They will also focus on the necessary clerical and communications skills, office procedures and equipment necessary for working in a American office environment. Students will regularly practice improving business correspondence, keyboarding and 10-key skills.

All students will participate in internships in local office settings to get the necessary experience and practice to apply to their classroom learning. A regular portion of the class will focus on job and career planning techniques to prepare them for the competitive job market. Ultimately, students will be matched with employment based on their skill level, language level and career interests.

Outreach and Recruitment for the next class:

Computer Applications for Speakers of Other Languages

The next three-term class will run from Fall 2011 - Spring 2012

 

Portland Community College - SE Center: 2305 SE 82nd ave. Portland, OR 97216
Tuesday, July 19, 2011	3pm - 4pm	Mt Tabor Hall, Room 145
Tuesday, August 23, 2011	1pm - 2pm	Mt. Tabor Hall, Room 146
Portland Community College - Willow Creek: 241 SW Edgeway Drive. Beaverton, OR 97006
Thursday, August 11, 2011	1pm - 3pm	Room 208
Portland Community College - Sylvania Campus: 12000 SW 49th Ave. Portland, OR 97219
Tuesday, August 9, 2011	1:30pm - 2:30pm	CC Building, Spruce Room
Portland Community College - Rock Creek Campus: 17705 NW Springville Road, Portland, OR 97229
Monday August 8, 2011	11am - 12pm	Building 5, Room 136
Portland Metro Workforce Training Center: 5600 NE 42nd Ave. Portland, OR 97218
Wednesday, August 17, 2011	11am - 1pm	Room 132
Mt. Hood Community College - Maywood Park Campus: 10100 NE Prescott, Portland, OR 97220
Tuesday, July 26, 2011	11:30am - 1:30pm	Room 143

 

More questions? Please contact Sara Nelson Treadway at 971-722-6284, or by clicking the link and sending an email.

 

Conveniently located:

Portland Community College

Classes start soon:

Fall Term 2011 at PCC Sylvania.

Learn more:

Download a printable flyer, or additional information and schedule. Click here informative Power Point show.

Features

• ESL Vocational Office Skills is listed on the State of Oregon Eligible Training Provider list.
• This non-credit course is approved as a State of Oregon Occupational Preparatory course.
• The training includes classroom instruction, internships, job search and placement services.

Cost of Training: Computer App. for Speakers of Other Languages (CASOL) Cost Sheet

Student Profiles

• Irina AgarychevaAnna Doan
• Mila Russell
• Fidel Mini