Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Offers Industry-Targeted Academies through Arapahoe Community College

(December 18, 2007 - Littleton, Colo.) Arapahoe/Douglas Works! and the Corporate Learning Division of Arapahoe Community College (CLD) recently announced the creation of six industry-specific academies to begin in January 2008.The academies will help job seekers in Arapahoe and Douglas counties get the education and training they need for employment.

"We have joined with Arapahoe/Douglas Works! to provide citizens an opportunity to obtain basic skills and career education in specifically targeted industries that will lead to employment in high-demand occupations," explains CLD Director Cindy Nowak. "Together we collaborated with local businesses and industries to design industry-specific academies that enable future employees to gain the technical and soft skills training they'll need to succeed with area employers."

The industry-specific academies include:

Automotive Technician Academy
Electronic Technician Academy
Crime and Criminal Justice Academy
Business and Operational Support Academy
Financial Support Services Academy
Computer and Network Security Academy

Each academy consists of 40 hours of training in highly-valued workplace competencies. Competencies include communications, teamwork, problem-solving, business etiquette, time management and writing skills. Further, additional credit hours are taken in one of the industry-specific areas. Those who successfully graduate from an academy earn a certificate of completion that they can cite in their resume or include in their portfolio. The credit hours received will apply toward an academic certificate or associate degree that students may also pursue to even further increase their employability.

"Academy graduates will be better prepared and have higher skill levels than other entry-level workers competing for the same job," remarks Nowak. "As a result, through the academy training and educational experiences, students will have the opportunity to further their education and career options."

Classes will be delivered at Arapahoe Community College campuses in Littleton and Parker. The classes will be offered in traditional, accelerated, hybrid or online formats with the goal of providing flexible schedules to accommodate working adults. Included in the academies will be opportunities for internships, industry tours and career exploration.

"The Targeted Industry Academies represent a commitment from the Public-Workforce Development, Education and Business communities to define, develop and deploy talent into high-skill/high-wage occupations within the Metro-Denver Region," remarked Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Director Joseph Barela.

For information contact Arapahoe/Douglas Works! at 303.636.1275 or Arapahoe Community College, Corporate Learning Division at 303.734.3701. Employers interested in participating in the academies, industry orientation sessions and/or internship opportunities, contact the Corporate Learning Division at 303.734.3701.

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