Contributed photo James Roscoe (seated) of Hamlet found he could take the WorkKeys Applied Technology assessment on the Richmond Community College campus in the FIPSE Office at his convenience. FIPSE Curriculum and Compliance Specialist Barbara Chavis and FIPSE Retention Specialist John Kester are available to help dislocated workers.

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Staff report

If you want to make your resume stand out, micro-credentials amy help, according to officials with the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education at Richmond Community College.

Barbara Chavis, Curriculum and Compliance Specialist for the FIPSE Program at RCC said bundling certificates showcases your skill sets and can get you back into the workplace more quickly.

“RCC has expanded your educational options by adding new certificate programs. They are selected courses from associate degree and diploma programs and focus on specific skill sets within those fields. They take one or two semesters to complete and provide documentation that you are knowledgeable in those areas,” said Chavis.

Of the 22 certificates now offered, two come from the new Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration degree program. The degree program takes two years to complete, but can be broken down into a one-year diploma program or a one-semester program in Air Conditioning or in Heating. Other new certificates are: Bookkeeper, Corrections, Healthcare Management, Law Enforcement, Social Gerontology, and At-Risk Youth Technician. The new diploma program is Early Childhood Education – Special Education.

“A lot of women lost production jobs and may want to try working in an office. If they already have good computer skills, they may want the accounting, business software, and math courses to earn the new Bookkeeper certificate. Another option is working in a correctional facility. The Corrections certificate could help someone land a job. The need for people with degrees and diplomas isn’t going away, we’re just adding options for people and their employers,” said Chavis.

Employers are looking for the best qualified employees and many are requiring applicants have a NC Career Readiness Certificate. Chavis gives her clients the WorkKeys assessment online and encourages faculty to incorporate the skills being assessed into their programs.

“People also need to be aware of the certifications available through RCC’s Workforce and Economic Development Department. Notary Public, CPR, Excel, and other courses award graduates continuing education units. The Small Business Center provides a wide variety of good seminars throughout the year. All of these credentials can be included in your resume to create a picture of a person who would make a good employee,” said Chavis.

Dislocated workers and unemployed adults interested in attending RCC can contact Chavis at 410-1934 or barbarac@richmondcc.edu. She and FIPSE Retention Specialist John Kester are available to provide assistance with class scheduling, applying for certificates and diplomas, counseling, and workshops on applying and interviewing for jobs.