Training Program Graduates Gain New Skills, Confidence and Employment

The most recent graduating class from Project Self-Sufficiency’s employment skills training program, Higher Opportunities for Women, have gained far more than just marketable office skills. Many members of the group have already obtained jobs in their area of interest. In addition, the group has gained confidence, a sense of professionalism and the support of a peer group as they continue on the road to self-sufficiency. The sixteen-week HOW program combines intensive computer skills training with classroom instruction and off-site internships to prepare women who have been out of the work force or underemployed to seek entry-level office administrative positions. Computer training and classroom instruction takes place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

“Project Self-Sufficiency’s HOW program is a pre-employment training program designed to help women who have been out of the workforce for a long period of time or those who may be entering the workforce for the first time,” explains Cora Chandler, Coordinator of the agency’s Higher Opportunities for Women program. “In addition to computer training, the curriculum gives women the professionalism and confidence to contribute to the workforce in a significant way. Out of the nine participants who started in the Spring Higher Opportunities for Women program, five succeeded in completing their goal of securing employment before the end of the sixteen week course. We are happy to celebrate with the five women who graduated from the spring program.”

The free program is offered three times a year, and involves extensive computer training, along with classes in life skills and workplace etiquette. Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, such as experience, education, income-level, family situation and other issues. The program culminates with an externship at a local workplace. Participants graduate with the skills they need to venture into the job market as an administrative assistant. Graduates from the agency’s most recent Higher Opportunities for Women program include Linda Tarvydas, Lois DeLuccio, Kimberly Julich, Christine Colon; several others participated in the program but obtained jobs prior to the program graduation. “This high rate of job placement is an example of a why the HOW program is so successful,” comments Chandler.

The next session of Project Self-Sufficiency’s employment skills training program, Summer Office Skills, launches on July 7th. To enroll, or to find out more information about the program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.