OLYMPIA — The Employment Security Department has expanded a popular service that allows Washington residents to learn computer software programs for free.
For the past two years, the department provided free access to online Microsoft courses. Now, under a contract with Skillsoft, the course selection has been broadened to include software by Adobe, Apple, IBM, Intuit, SAP and others.
In addition, users no longer are limited to taking courses only for software they own. As a result, the entire collection of Web-based courses is available to every registered learner.
“This represents an exponential increase in the size and value of the service we’re offering,” said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause. “Good computer skills are essential in most jobs these days, and these courses will help thousands of workers improve their chances of getting good jobs and advancing their careers.” read more »
Keri Trimble, 33, an employee at a utility call center, was shopping for an online college so she could take classes at night and on weekends.
Trimble rejected Apollo Group’s University of Phoenix, the dominant player in the market for selling Internet degrees to working adults. Instead, she chose Arizona State University’s program, which typically charges almost 30 percent less.
“The cost was outrageous,” said Trimble, of Sacramento, Calif. She added, “I didn’t think that graduating from the University of Phoenix would give me the respect that comes with a degree from a traditional four-year college.” read more »
In “the good old days,” schools emphasized “reading, writing and arithmetic” taught to the tune of the hickory stick.
But today, we seem to have created a two-tiered education philosophy. College-bound students are encouraged to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). But STEM skills are not emphasized for students going directly into the job market, the military or to a trade school.
That’s a mistake.
Part of the problem started with our parents’ generation. For example, my father was a World War II veteran who used the GI bill to become a journeyman electrician. He was good at math and science, and over his 50-year career, he became a master electrician certified to work on everything from toasters to utility substations. read more »
The nationally accredited Olympic College Culinary Arts Program is interviewing students interested in a career in culinary arts and hospitality management for the upcoming winter quarter. A short video explaining the program is available on the program website at this link.
Financial aid and worker retraining assistance is available to qualified applicants and scholarships are available through the Olympic College Financial Aid Office. There is ongoing advising and information by appointment (360-475-7571 or slammers [at] olympic [dot] edu) in the Bremer Student Center of the Bremerton campus next to the bookstore. The session lasts about 1.5 hours. read more »
West Sound Technology Association is sponsoring a town hall and panel discussion on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education on Nov. 15 in Poulsbo.
Research indicates students make the decision to pursue STEM careers by the time they are in middle school. To have an educational system that provides for workforce needs, it should be built on a foundation of STEM literacy for all students, especially in the early grades. The current and future economy will be increasingly based on STEM as these transform all sectors. Workers skilled in STEM fields will be increasingly in demand.
The public is invited to attend and participate as a K-20 STEM panel discusses connecting efforts from critical elementary grades to higher education and employers, and creating tomorrow’s leaders. read more »
School is back in session. If you have school-age children, you’re probably busy getting them acclimated to another year of hitting the books. But the school years go by quickly, so it won’t be long before your kids are ready to head off to college. Will you be financially prepared to help them? read more »
Olympic College will host its annual Science, Engineering and Mathematics Information Night on Oct. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. This free informational open house is aimed at high school students, parents of students, and all those considering careers involving science, engineering or mathematics.
The event will be held in the Science and Technology Building lobby on OC’s Bremerton Campus, located at 1600 Chester Ave., and is sponsored by the college’s Mathematics, Engineering, Sciences, and Health (MESH) Division.
“Employment opportunities in science, engineering and math are continuing to grow nationally, and OC provides a fantastic opportunity for students interested in SEM,” said Dr. Mark Harrison. read more »
BREMERTON — The Nursing Assistant program at Olympic College, which was discontinued, is scheduled to begin again with the start of fall quarter on September 24, and is currently accepting new enrollees.
Nursing Assistant students can complete a five-module certification course that prepares them to take the Washington State Nursing Assistant examination. read more »
Business Examiner
A new report on the state of science, technology, engineering and math education shows that Washington and many states around the country provide insufficient opportunities for STEM education, even though most of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills.
The Vital Signs report from Change the Equation (CTEq) was designed to provide business, education and policy leaders with information and recommendations to promote high-quality STEM learning for all students.
The results for Washington confirmed the deep systemic shortage of STEM education opportunities that prompted business, education and community leaders to form Washington STEM more than a year ago. read more »
