Career and Skill Enhancement Program Components

Career Training Programs

• Computer Skills Employment Training
  The Computer Skills Employment Training (C-SET) is a comprehensive program designed for individuals entering or re-entering the work world who are looking for the necessary Information Technology and office skills to become marketable and remain that way. Upon completion of training, participants will have the skills, competencies, and motivation needed to be competitive in the current and future job market.
  
• Information Technology Training Courses for Adults
  CPDC's Technology Training Courses for Adults are designed for working adults who want to improve their technology skills. Our class offerings accommodate both the beginner as well as the advanced student and include Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office, and Web Page Development. Students enrolled in Microsoft Office classes are eligible to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam free charge (a $120 value) at CPDC's Community Learning Center, an authorized MS Office testing site.
  
• Home Health Care Technology Training
  CPDC's Home Health Care Technology Training Program, in partnership with Catholic University, provides career training to prepare individuals to fulfill emerging positions as Bio-medical/Healthcare Technicians.

Academic Training Programs

• CPDC-WAVE Academy for Out of School Youth (The Academy)
  CPDC-WAVE Academy for Out-of School youth (The Academy) is an innovative youth development program for youth between 16-21 in need of a high school diploma. The Academy provides a comprehensive array of services including job readiness training, employability services, GED preparation, SAT preparation, college level studies, and leadership skills development. In addition, participants also have the opportunity to engage in music technology, videography, and other electives through CPDC's Youth Development Program.
  
• CPDC's Adult Life-Long Learning Academy (Adult Academy)
  CPDC's Life-Long Learning Academy for Adults offers literacy programs developed to increase the academic skills of individuals without a high school diploma, preparing them for a high school equivalency degree as well as postsecondary education and employment; these classes are also developed to assist individuals who, despite having a high school diploma, are seeking to master academic competencies needed for successful employment or career advancement.

Services and Support

• Service Management
  A CPDC service manager is trained to administer comprehensive psychosocial assessments to individuals to determine if there are emotional and/or social barriers to success. If barriers are discovered through the assessment process, the service manager, in partnership with the individual, develops an individual support plan that helps break down these barriers. Service managers set up regular meetings with individuals to ensure follow through of the plan.
  
• Career Assessment
  CPDC offers an array of services designed to assist individuals and referral sources with making decisions about long-term career options, identifying individual support needs (especially for individuals with disabilities or individuals placed at risk), immediate employment potential, financing a college education and making the transition from school to work or a second career after retirement.
  
• Job Placement and Retention Support
  CPDC's unique job retention support initiative extends service management beyond the actual training program and supports and guides CSE graduates as they make the transition into the world of work. Taking place in CPDC's Career Resource Center, the Job Club and related activities serve as a forum for networking, peer support, job leads and encouragement during the job search. Once placed, students will receive ongoing follow-up designed to improve retention in the early phases of embarking on the graduate's career ladder. The placement specialist will maintain ongoing communication and contact with the graduate as well as the employer to ensure that all parties are satisfied.

For more information about the CPDC's Community Empowerment CS E programs, how you can help or get involved, please contact CPDC.