Today’s economy continues to leave many competent, qualified people out of work. Going back to school is always an option, but time and money are often major concerns for those who have been out of work for an extended period of time.  For this reason, Piedmont Technical College is offering a new series of courses called Quick Jobs designed to equip students with the skills needed to get back to work fast.

This series provides students with course offerings in areas that are still growing despite the tough times. One of the many courses in the series, Certified Nursing Assistant, prepares students for a job that is in high demand, says Gwen Brocklehurst, CNA instructor.

“The home health area is one that is just exploding,” said Brocklehurst. “I am seeing many of my students getting jobs in that field.”

Burder Nixon, a current CNA student, is hoping to be one of those students soon. Nixon has been a displaced worker since August 2004 after working at Milliken Company for many years.

“I really needed to get back to work,” she said, “and the CNA program at Piedmont Tech seemed like a quick way to do that.” She says she is enjoying the course and is “surprised at everything she has learned and been able to do.”

Nixon is one of many PTC students who are taking advantage of Workforce Investment Act scholarship money to take courses.

CNA and many other Quick Jobs offerings are WIA-approved and focus on getting students prepared for a job quickly and with little investment. All courses in the Quick Jobs series are brief and geared toward getting the unemployed ahead of the heavy competition in the marketplace when searching for a job. In addition to providing necessary skills quickly, the Quick Jobs CNA course can be used to enter the practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs at PTC if further education is desired.

Quick Jobs courses are being offered in many areas that are still full of opportunities for employment. Certified Nursing Assistant is just one of many options students are able to choose from at PTC. Other Quick Jobs courses are offered in health care, computers, business, manufacturing, construction and more. For more information about the CNA course or to register for a class, contact Continuing Education at (864) 941-8400.