Mission Critical Systems has won an award for “Strategic Training that Achieves Results” from the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), for its 2009 computer skills training courses for job seekers offered in conjunction with the Broomfield Workforce Center (BWC).

“For many of the job seekers, computers were a very intimidating tool. Many came from the manufacturing fields and had never even used a mouse or computer,” notes Jenny Douras, Mission Critical Director of Knowledge Management & Training. “There were many stories of students that had never even touched a computer prior to the classes and by the end of the four half-day sessions were becoming motivated job seekers.”

Douras adds, “Classes in themselves constituted ‘on the job’ training, as students developed their own resumes, learned how to set up and use an email account, learned how to use spread sheets as a contact and tracking tool, researched job possibilities, and complete and submitted online job applications.”

BWC helps the unemployed and job seekers find suitable employment as quickly as possible, in part by helping customers develop job skills. The organization also assists in job search and provides coaching.

Due to the recession, BWC has seen its traditional customer base of about 500 monthly more than double over the last few months.

Douras worked with BWC Administrator Chris Dewhurst to create a customized curriculum that addressed an introduction to computers and the Windows operating environment, Excel basics emphasizing design of a job search tracking database, typing basics, creating a resume, email function, and performing an online job search.

Mission Critical created a mobile computer lab on-site at BWC for training, along with custom training manuals that students could use to reinforce their learning. BWC provided on-site job search computers for post-class skill development and job seeking.

Due to the program’s success, it has been renewed for 2010. Douras notes, “This training has enabled BWC customers to conduct self-directed job search. In turn, this has opened up BWC staff resources to focus on other job-seeking activities—which has enhanced the Center’s ability to help customers achieve success. It’s a win-win.”

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