Edison State College has new job training program

Edison State College has introduced "Rapid Recovery," a new education initiative designed to help people adversely affected by the economy quickly retrain for in-demand jobs.

"As the economic conditions began to decline thousands in the community turned to Edison State to enhance their education and to retrain for jobs," said Dr. Noreen Thomas, Executive Vice President of Edison State. "We knew we had to do more than add faculty and classes to serve these students. We wanted to be a part of the solution to create new opportunities for Southwest Floridians."

In the past two years Edison State's student population increased 25 percent. Many of these students are mid-career workers hoping to retool their skills and have an immediate need to get the education necessary to become employable.

Many Southwest Floridians find themselves in a similar situation as Nancy Cullen. She worked for Washington Mutual Insurance in Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Naples. In December of 2008, the 55-year-old was laid off when the branches closed.

To compound the situation, Ms. Cullen found out the owner of the home she was renting wasn't paying the mortgage and is facing foreclosure.

"As things are right now, despite my experience, I can't find a job," she said. "To make matters worse, I don't have the money to move if the bank takes the home we rent and no one else will rent to me without a job."

Edison State believes Ms. Cullen is an ideal candidate for the Rapid Recovery job training program.

"Rapid Recovery serves dislocated

workers, the underemployed and veterans," Dr. Thomas said. "Our mission is to respond to area workforce needs. Based on input from area businesses we put together courses to best position students to find a job."

Programs range from health care, information technology, finance, early childhood development, Internet Services and much more. Many courses can be completed in 90 days or less and carry national certification.

Courses will be available

on the Lee, Collier and Charlotte

campuses and at the Hendry/Glades center and online. They can be added and customized based on specific student and employer needs. Classes will begin May 6 and will continue on an ongoing basis.

Rapid Recovery counselors are available to assist interested students. For an appointment, call (866) 385-9898. For more information visit www.edison. edu/rapidrecovery.