The Workers in Transition Technology Program SM
A Program of Low Cost Technology Training,
Networking and
Related Services for Displaced Workers
Workers either displaced or underemployed as a result of this recent economic downturn may join this group to gain access to very low cost technology training from Microsoft Certified Trainers, as well as to develop network contacts and explore other such opportunities offered by participation in the group.
Certain workers who are underemployed or whose circumstances otherwise meet my criteria for participation in the classes may contact me directly for a determination. Companies that wish to sponsor this program for workers being laid off, may also contact me for details.
Low Cost Technology Training in Microsoft Office 2007 Products
Program participants may register and receive training in the Microsoft Office 2007 line of products, at costs substantially below current commercial rates. Training sessions encompass both basic and more advanced features, functions and applications. Sessions currently being scheduled include the following products:
- Microsoft Office Word 2007
- Microsoft Office Excel 2007
- Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
- Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
- Microsoft Office Access 2007
- Microsoft Office Project 2007
- Microsoft Office Publisher 2007
- Microsoft Office Expression Web 2006
- Microsoft Office Visio 2007
- more ....
See the Training page for details in this site for cost information and endorsements from program participants.
Networking Opportunities
Networking groups for displaced workers have expanded considerably during the last two periods of recession. Social networking entities such as LinkedIn, Windows Live Spaces, Facebook and others strengthen both business and personal connections and arguably increase opportunities to find employment.
The Workers in Transition Technology Program SM also offers such opportunities through:
- Participation in technology training sessions
- Participation in projects related to the advancement of the Workers in Transition Technology Program and the building of Personal Electronic Portfolios (PEP).
A LinkedIn group has been established for program participants. Simply register on LinkedIn (free) and look for the Workers in Transition Technology Program Group at LinkedIn. Request to join the group.
OR
Anyone wanting to join the weekly email distribution on current class schedules will automatically receive an invitation to join the LinkedIn group. Click here to request addition to this weekly email.
Other Opportunities
The opportunities page of this site outlines things that you can do, while you are "in between things", to bolster your experience, and add to your credibility as a user of technology tools and as a collaborator with others in team processes.
The rationale for participating in "opportunities" in this program are as follows:
My assertion is that you need to evidence practical applications of the training you receive in this program because:
- "if you don't use it, you lose it".
- the collaboration with others in these opportunities builds relationships and increases your networking
- it also adds to your "verifiable history" of accomplishments (even when between things)
Take a look at the proposed list of opportunities to see where your interests fit. Contact me if you want to participate or have ideas for "opportunities".
Current Needs
Graphics Designer/Marketing Professional
Redesign of the Workers in Transition Technology Program
Logos and other graphics to be used on the website, in marketing
collateral and other purposes.
Web Developer/Content Manager
Refinement of both website design and content delivery. The
emphasis is on Microsoft tools. The content manager role can
be fulfilled by a separate individual with experience in writing for
the web.
Program Outreach Manager
Make inroads in the broadcasting of information about the program to
appropriate individuals and organizations.
Utilization/harmonization of "social media" is key, along with the
traditional contact methods of phone and email.
Database Developer/Manager
Plan and execute program database management. Remember, we are
Microsoft - centric in our use of tools.
Microsoft Certified Instructors
Apply your technology skills to the teaching arena. If you
carry a Microsoft Office Specialist, Master Instructor or Microsoft
Certified Trainer certification and desire to teach please contact
the program director.
These are all unpaid positions, unless circumstances warrant otherwise and on a case by case basis.
Endorsements
The following endorsements have been contributed by program participants and are publically available (including participant's details) through LinkedIn for the delivering instructor.
If you have taken classes, but have not yet provided an endorsement and wish to do so, please contact me.
“Robert is an excellent teacher for MS
Access. I attended his class in July '09 and was pleased at the pace
of hands on learning. His tech program for Workers in Transition is
an amazing value for the miniscule fee and moreover for the concrete
demonstration of how to manipulate Access fields, lists, tables, and
reports.
These classes are immediately available vs. waiting months to get
into the state's career center programs.
Robert answered all questions and got through each design element to
end the morning class on schedule. The design steps are laid out
logically so that it is easy to imagine and apply the tool even for
documenting job search activity. Robert addressed both DB design and
end user questions for a well rounded picture of the product
capabilities.
I recommend Robert's class and expect to take follow up MS product
classes that he offers."
SH August 3, 2009
“Although I consider myself very well versed
in Excel and PowerPoint, Robert’s training session provided me with
numerous shortcuts and approaches that will save me tons of time! It
was time (and money) very well spent and I would recommend his
sessions to both experienced and inexperienced users alike."
M.S. March 25, 2009
“Robert took very complex concepts such as
database planning and design and made them very easy to understand
for a complete novice like me. After several weeks of trying to
learn Access 2007 from a book unsuccessfully, I decided to take a
half day instruction from Robert. If I had found him earlier, I
would have saved a lot of time and confusion. His explanations were
extremely logical and clear. I do plan to take lessons from Robert
again and again. Highly recommended.”
T.B. April 17, 2009
“Robert's knowledge of Microsoft Office is
absolutely masterful. The setting is comfortable, the value is
incredible and he is personable, yet a complete professional.
Anyone, no matter what level, would walk away with knowledge gained.
His style of teaching is structured and adapts to his students and
their goals. I am looking forward to attending more of Robert's
sessions in the near future!!”
A.Z. April 16, 2009
“Robert is highly skilled in Microsoft ACCESS
2007 and an excellent teacher - which makes him the best trainer I
have experienced in a LONG time. I would highly recommend him to
anyone who wants to learn general AND specific ways to understand
and utilize MS Office. The value for his training FAR OUTWEIGHED the
cost of the session. I am very pleased and better off for having
been trained by him and hope to come back for more.”
R.S. March 19, 2009
"Took Basic Word and Excel 2007 from Robert
and got more than I expected. I'm a power user since Word and Excel
97 and I learned how to use features like "Styles" and more. I'm
signing for his advanced courses.”
B.C. July 2, 2009
“Robert's effort to provide Microsoft
training to folks in career transition/displacement is excellent.
The cost is reasonable and the results are great. Great facilities
and resources to learn Microsoft office. I highly recommend him and
his program.”
B.M. July 9, 2009
more ...