May 8, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – People staying home because of the coronavirus crisis can add to their skills with free online courses from Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Training -- including a webinar on safely setting up workplaces for a post-pandemic world.
GRCC will play an essential role in West Michigan’s recovery from the crisis, helping residents gain new skills in rapidly changing or emerging fields. The college also can help employers adapt to changes in the market or even in their workplaces as employees return and the local economy reopens.
“The world will be a different place in many ways, and GRCC is ready to respond to the needs of our students and our employer partners,” said Julie Parks, executive director of GRCC’s Workforce Training. “We also realize the financial challenges so many people in our community are facing. These free courses are one way we can serve our community and help students and employers prepare for what comes next.”
While GRCC’s campuses have been closed since March, Workforce Training career coaches and job developers have continued working with students virtually to help them gain the skills needed by West Michigan employers.
A free online webinar -- “Going Beyond PPE/Workplace Norms Post Pandemic” -- will be offered 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 20.
Lisa Corfixsen and Kathy Glynn of the Caledonia-based Workforce Performance Solutions will provide tools and strategies to help employers prepare a safe and effective workplace as the economy reopens.
Registration is available online here.
Ten online courses are completely free through June 30 and allow learners to work at their own pace.
- Creating Web Pages
- Creating WordPress Websites
- Fundamentals of Supervision and Management
- Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search
- Keys to Effective Communication
- Managing Customer Service
- Marketing Your Business on the Internet
- Personal Finance
- Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring
- Individual Excellence
Workforce Training information sessions are available online as well, with information on GRCC’s Automotive Technology, Computer Support Technology, Construction, Machine Tooling/CNC, Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant and Welding programs.
The next session, at 1-2 p.m. May 11, also includes details of the new Blackjack and Public Works academies and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training program. Registration for the May 11 and June 1 information sessions can be completed online here.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.