This content was published: September 12, 2003. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC earns 'Enterprise Zone' customer service training grant
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College has announced a nine-month, $34,484 grant to pilot a new training program at the One Stop center at PCC’s Portland Metropolitan Workforce Training Center. The college will provide training and job placement to help participants secure living-wage jobs with benefits and the opportunity to advance. The grant is administered by the local Workforce Investment Board. The program, called Keys to Customer Service, will provide 60 north and northeast Portland residents with skill assessments; four weeks of classroom training in customer service; four weeks of work experience through internships; the opportunity to earn certification in customer service; and job placement services. "Local employers have identified a need for job applicants and employees with strong customer service skills," said Pamela Murray, director of Workforce Development for PCC. "The skills that will be learned in this training are essential to providing good service in all industries." The college will partner with five businesses in the Enterprise Zone: Legacy Health Systems, Target, Kroger, Swan Island Dairy and Safeway. "Each business has committed to interviewing and hiring qualified candidates from the training," said Murray. For more information, please contact Murray at 503-943-2266.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »