Enrollment opens for Grossmont College’s Office Professional Training program

 

EL CAJON – Grossmont College’s Office Professional Training program – a free, one semester series of courses that has prepared nearly 3,000 students for careers as office managers, administrative assistants, account clerks, and more – is now accepting applications for a 20-week session beginning August 1.

          The Office Professional Technology program offers job skills in specializations such as accounting, insurance, medical office, and office support. Core subjects include business English and communications; effective job search; keyboarding; Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; office systems and procedures; and social media basics for job seekers.

          “Our program can help anyone land a good job or start a new career,” said Candy McLaughlin, who was introduced to the program after being laid off from a job some 15 years ago. McLauglin now works as a Grossmont College Business Office Technology lab technician.

         The program, which is offered twice a year, began some 35 years ago through the federal Job Training Partnership Act. Students completing the program earn not only a certificate of completion, but also up to 20 community college credits – or one-third the number of credits needed to earn an associate degree. Students receive academic and career counseling in addition to myriad job skills. Up to 90 percent of program graduates find careers in a related field within three months.

          “I love this program and would recommend it to anyone,” said student Christina McDonald, who completed the program last fall. “I was at the point in my life where I knew I didn’t want to continue to live paycheck to paycheck. I needed something. So I looked into school and found out about the OPT program on Facebook and the free part stood out to me. No one wants to be in debt with student loans, right?”

          Students must be California residents and be able to attend classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week. They also must have internet access, and be able to read, write, and speak English.

          To learn more, please visit the Office Professional Technology webpage at or email Grossmont.OPT@gcccd.edu.