This content was published: January 9, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Training paves pathway for non-native speakers to high-tech jobs
Photos and story by James Hill
In a tough employment environment, there is hope for local workers. Portland Community College is offering a free, seven-week training for non-native English speakers as a pathway to getting employed in the high-tech sector.
At the end of the Entry Level High Tech Skills Training program, 90 percent of the students find a job with the program’s consortium of high-tech employers. They include Vanguard-EMS, Precision Wire Components, Axiom Electronics and Merix Corp. This program is financed in whole or in part with funds provided through Worksystems Inc. from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The training program gives students the opportunity to tour local high tech companies, gain math skills for manufacturing work, learn communication and teamwork skills, explore quality systems like lean manufacturing, hear instruction on basic hand tools such as calipers and micrometers, work in component identification, and gain 20-hours of soldering.
The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, March 16 to May 1 at the Capital Career Center (18624 N.W. Walker Road). Prerequisites include needing English communication skills (PCC level 3 or higher). An English language skills and math evaluation will be given. Program eligibility required. Work Authorization documents will be verified. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
To be considered, applicants must come to one of the following orientations in Room 1524 at the Capital Career Center from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays Jan. 27, Feb 3, 10, 17 and 24.
For more information, call Trinh at (503) 681-0235, Madhu at (503) 533-2713 or Rachel at (503) 533-2747 (Se habla español). Or visit www.workforceallianceonline.org/capcenter
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 »