SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, as a provider of workforce development training, launched a training program this spring to improve its own internal processes.
“Strategic organizations realize the value of continuous improvement and ongoing professional development,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “It’s not a weakness to seek out training – it’s a strength.”
An in-house training program for college employees focused on the Microsoft Office Suite as the college relies on this platform for most communication and business practices.
“Many in the working world – including myself – are self-taught on systems like Microsoft Office and using the web,” said Spalding. “We wanted to ensure that all of our employees were maximizing their use of technology in the workplace.”
“As part of the college’s customized training offerings, we train companies on everything from Six Sigma and Lean Management to Microsoft Office and Leadership Development,” continued Spalding. “This initiative gave us an opportunity to evaluate the educational services we provide to the community. We were thrilled to use our own Human Resource Development instructors for the actual training. I can say, without a doubt, that we were impressed with the results!”
The first round of training involved the college’s support staff.
“I’m so glad the college gave me the opportunity to complete the Microsoft Office training,” said Sheila Corriher, assistant in records and registration. “It’s made a huge difference in my daily work. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and now I know so much more.”
The training included pre-tests to determine an individual’s necessary level of training, followed by 40 hours of in-classroom training for each Microsoft Office application, homework, and a final post-test.
“We set out to improve our skills, but really achieved much more,” said Tina Haynes, chief human resources officer for the college. “The training helped connect our employees across our campuses, developed camaraderie and internal communication, and ultimately boosted morale.”
The college will provide additional training in Microsoft Office over the next few months for all faculty and staff.
“I am so proud that this group of 126 staff completed this training because I know that they are now better able to support our students,” said Carl M. Short, chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees. “With 95 percent of these individuals meeting or exceeding the benchmark for all classes after the training, it is truly an achievement that we can all be proud of!”
This program and numerous other customized trainings are available for businesses in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. Please contact David King, director of corporate training at 704-216-3935 or by email at david.king@rccc.edu for information regarding training resources for business and industry.
For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, please call 704-216-RCCC (7222) or visit www.rccc.edu.