Regional initiative brings low-cost computer training to Poplar Bluff 8/17/2009 Janet Witter, Manager back to headlines Aug. 17, 2009 Poplar Bluff, Mo. – As unemployment rates reach the double digits in some Southeast Missouri counties, having a competitive skill set may make all the difference in surviving the current economy. The University of Missouri Extension Telecenter is partnering with the Southeast Missouri WIRED Initiative, housed under the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri, to offer low-cost computer classes at the Poplar Bluff site starting in September. The grant was awarded as part of WIRED’s Digital Workplace Literacy initiative, to ensure all individuals in Southeast Missouri have basic computer knowledge to compete in the 21st century workplace, where technology exists virtually everywhere. “More and more job descriptions include basic computer literacy and it’s essential that everyone in our regional workforce has the opportunity to gain these skills,” said Janet Witter, WIRED Initiative manager. Classes on Introduction to Personal Computers, Microsoft Office 2007, Dreamweaver, and QuickBooks will be offered to individuals from Butler, Stoddard and Dunklin counties. Each course runs four hours, twice a week, for a total of eight hours. Each of the courses is only $26 per person. Comparable classes through other outlets can cost between $75 and $150. To register for the classes, contact Christy Craft at the University of Missouri Extension Telecenter at (573) 840-8450. The following is the class schedule (All classes run 8 a.m. to noon): Sept. 1 and Sept. 3 – Introduction to Personal Computers Sept. 28 and Sept. 30 – Introduction to Personal Computers Oct. 6 and Oct. 8 – Microsoft Office Word 2007 Oct. 20 and Oct. 22 – Microsoft Office Word 2007 Oct. 26 and Oct. 28 – Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Nov. 3 and Nov. 5 – Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Nov. 23 and Nov. 25 – Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 December Break Jan. 5 and Jan. 7 -- Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 Jan. 25 and Jan. 27 - Dreamweaver Feb. 2 and Feb. 4 - Dreamweaver Feb. 22 and Feb 24 - QuickBooks Feb. 23 and Feb. 25 - QuickBooks Mar. 2 and Mar. 4 - Introduction to Personal Computers Mar. 22 and Mar. 24 - Introduction to Personal Computers Apr. 6 and Apr. 8 - Microsoft Office Word 2007 Apr. 26 – Apr. 28 - Microsoft Office Word 2007 May 4 and May 6 - Microsoft Office Excel 2007 May 24 and May 26 - Microsoft Office Excel 2007 June 1 and June 3 - Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 June 28 and June 30 - Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) Initiative is designed to improve regional economic development by addressing workforce needs and issues. Southeast Missouri is one of only 39 WIRED regions across the nation to receive such funding. The Southeast Missouri WIRED Initiative is tasked with developing the region’s talent in the industries of healthcare, entrepreneurship, tourism, logistics, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. The initiative is directed from the US Department of Labor and funneled through the Missouri Division of Workforce Development to the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri. For more information, visit our Web site at www.semowired.org or contact Janet Witter, WIRED Initiative Manager, at 573-334-0990 or janet@job4you.org. This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. # # #