This content was published: January 19, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC awarded Verizon grant for high-tech training
Photos and story by James Hill
BEAVERTON, Ore. – The Grants Office at Portland Community College and the PCC Foundation have announced a $15,000 award from the Verizon Foundation.The grant will help provide entry-level high tech skills training for Washington County residents with limited English skills. The six-week program runs March 28 through May 6 and provides participants the skills necessary to qualify for electronic manufacturing jobs. Graduates, who will have hiring priority at Merix Corporation, Vanguard EMS, and Benchmark Electronics, will have a chance to complete an educational pathway to career advancement in the high tech industry.The classes, held at the Capital Career Center, 18624 N.W. Walker Rd., are taught in English as a second language format where job specific skills are taught at a level that limited-English speakers can readily understand."We’re thrilled to get this grant and continue the training that allows limited English speakers to move into the largest industry in the state and Washington County," said Julie Wyckoff-Byers, director of PCC’s workforce development programs. "The results from previous classes have been very successful."Wyckoff-Byers said that from previous trainings 83 percent entered into the electronics manufacturing field. Prospective students must attend only one orientation. Orientations are offered at the following sites:Capital Career Center (18624 N.W. Walker Rd.)1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 26; Feb, 2, 9, 16 and 23; March 2 and 9.Hillsboro Employment Department (265 S.E. Oak Street, Suite A)10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 28 and Feb. 11.Forest Grove Employment and Training Center (2801 Pacific Ave.)1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 31; Feb. 7, 14, 25 and 28; March 7.For more information, call 503-533-2747, or 503-533-2819.
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 »