New employee skill training options open in Lakewood

LAKEWOOD - Business operators, looking for ways to help employees improve their skills, are likely to find valuable and economical opportunities in a unique program developed at Ocean County College in Toms River.

OCC's Continuing and Professional Education Department, the Lakewood Urban Enterprise Zone and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce are partnering to offer enhanced employee training at low, or no, cost.

A sample of avaiable courses includes Customer Service, Basic Writing, Basic Math, Computers, Project Management, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

Business owners can get a glimpse of special-rate courses and grant-funded, tuition-free training this Wednesday, September 21, during the Information Roadshow at Ocean Salons Systems, 160 Lehigh Avenue, 10 AM until 2 PM.

OCC Business Engagement Manager Michael Forcella says that there is a broad range of training opportunities, skill certifications, and educational degree options that represent an investment in a company's most valuable resource - its workers - for improved productivity through finely-honed skills.

Forcella conducts one-on-one dialogues with employers to learn their individual needs and aims, and develops customized lists of options, with schedules designed for minimal impact on work flow. He hopes to broaden the program's scope to include all 33 communities in Ocean County.

To learn more about it, or to register for the Wednesday event, e-mail Michael Forcella, or call him at 732-255-0400, extension 2157.