All posts by Sondra Seiter

SPC Employer Showcase

Events

We have a few employer partners that are eager to meet with SPC students. This is a great opportunity for you to:

  • engage with employers to learn about the organization and the opportunities that are available
  • develop their interviewing skills by having conversations with company representatives

Below is a list of events that are scheduled.

  • Raymond James: Wednesday, October 19th at 11am (Seminole Campus/ Virtual)
  • Bank of America: Tuesday, November 8th at 6pm (Downtown Campus/Virtual)

Please be sure to RSVP if you have an interest in attending: SPC Employer Showcase (spcollege.edu)

SPC, BOA Partnership Supports Student Job Placement Initiative

Career Exploration, Career News, WebApproved, Workforce, Community, and Corporate Partnerships

St. Petersburg College is part of a job placement initiative, funded by Bank of America, that will develop a collaborative effort among regional academic institutions and employers focused on assisting student of color and those struggling financially to obtain employment.

This initiative also provides employers and industry partners access to a talent pipeline. It will target high-wage, high-demand industries: information technology, business, and financial and professional services.

The program, currently in the works, launches in 2022 with outreach from SPC’s recruiting team to current SPC students nearing graduation. The pilot will later be expanded to three sister institutions – Hillsborough Community College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and the University of South Florida.

Organizers say the program will have benefits for both students and employer partners. Students who take part can conduct career exploration, will receive resume and interview assistance, and can take part in networking opportunities. At the same time, participating employers will have access to highly qualified and prepared career candidates, the opportunity to work with SPC to develop a skilled workforce, and can take part in career fairs where they’ll be able to network with prospective job applicants.

The partnership between SPC and BOA was announced in January 2022. BOA awarded the college a $1 million grant to increase economic mobility in the Tampa Bay region and address the needs of employers in key industries by targeting student job placement.

Tech Skills Just Got More Crucial

Young man using a laptop
Career Exploration, Career News, Employment Preparation, Events, Hot Jobs, Industry News, Workforce, Community, and Corporate Partnerships

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that self-isolating at home may be the new reality. More and more people and businesses are relying on websites to deliver and receive products or services. We know creating and maintaining a website can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help!

If you are an individual or small business owner looking to develop new skills, the Workforce Institute has classes designed to help you navigate new trends and technologies.

Are you new to the field? You can start with one of the following  FREE COURSES to get your feet wet!

Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring

When it comes to marketing for small businesses, money isn’t everything! In this course, you’ll learn how to use the same marketing tricks the big companies employ—without making a big dent in your wallet.  

Some of the marketing strategies you’ll learn will fit into any budget—and some are even free! With the help of videos, spreadsheets, and hands-on activities, you’ll build your skills in each lesson.

Create Web Pages

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use HTML to create your very own website on the internet. You will learn about the capabilities of the World Wide Web and the fundamentals of web design. Then, you will plan the content, structure and layout of your website, create pages full of neatly formatted text, build links between the pages and to the outside world, and add color, backgrounds, graphics, and tables.

Creating WordPress Websites

WordPress is the most commonly used content management system, powering more than 34 percent of all websites. You can easily learn how to create a user-friendly WordPress site — without any coding.

This course will give you hands-on experience with a powerful website building tool. Throughout the course, you will build a WordPress site, while learning how to design pages, add engaging content, and customize your site’s look and feel. By course completion, you will be able to maintain a secure site that achieves high search engine rankings.

Are you more experienced but interested in mastering or staying on top as a Web Developer?

SPC Workforce Institute’s has front-end developer classes that are taught by experienced instructors with real world experience. In addition, we offer a discounted Web Developer Package that is designed to meet today’s need for skills within the web development career path. 

What is a front-end developer and why is it important?

A front- end web developer use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the pages that are visible when you visit a website.  Have you visited a company’s website that was hard to navigate, poorly designed, or littered with useless pages? It’s the quickest way to lose customers.   A well-put-together website just gives a company more credibility.  

Learning front-end developer language is also an effective and flexible way to break into technology, since they do everything from work for established companies to freelancing on their own and building up their skills while working for individual clients. Why wait? Get these fundamental skills under your belt, and you’ll not only be able to create entire websites from scratch, but you’ll also have what you need to take the next step in any direction in web development.

Interested in learning more? Visit workforce.spcollege.edu or call 727-341- 4445. 

Workforce Institute Advancing the Arts

Person holds a paint brush over cups of paint , with logos for the SPC Workforce Institute, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and The Arts Business Academy
Career Exploration, Career News, General, Industry News, WebApproved, Workforce, Community, and Corporate Partnerships

As Andy Warhol stated “Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.” SPC Workforce Institute is excited to announce that it is adding courses to help creative individuals develop their skills so that they can breakdown the “starving artist” stereotype.

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA) has collaborated with St. Petersburg College to offer a professional development Arts Business Academy for emerging artists, musicians and writers. This certificate course will provide creative-minded individuals with the skill-sets and confidence to achieve a thriving career.

Local arts professionals and business leaders will provide the training on the following topics:

  1. Defining Your Goal – Developing Your Arts Business Brand
  2. Before You Market, Protect Your Creative Expression
  3. Pricing & Budgeting for Your Artwork and Business
  4. Award Opportunities (and Grants) for Individual Artists
  5. Social Media, Email Marketing and Media Releases
  6. Approaching, Marketing, Developing and Maintaining Customer Relationships

In addition to the sessions, participants will have access to supplemental, non-credit workforce training courses. These non-credit courses will help participants develop their professional skill-sets and provide a great introduction to other academic options, including: 

  • Essentials of Marketing
  • Improving Writing Skills in the Workplace
  • Learn to Effectively Communicate

Interested in learning more, visit: Arts Business Academy

The Future of Drones

Do you fly drones for recreational purposes or are you an aspiring video artist, filmmaker, or graphic artist? Why not turn that passion into a drone business opportunity?Over the next 10 years, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, are expected to create more than 100,000 jobs in the United States and an economic impact of $82 billion. Florida stands to benefit more than any other state as new regulations will bring 4,500 new jobs and $440 million in economic impact to the state by 2024. (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International). In response to recent FAA rules regarding non-hobbyist small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, the Workforce Institute at St. Petersburg College offers several on-campus courses in this growing industry.

Workforce Institute offers courses that teach you FAA regulations as well as courses that teach you how to edit drone footage. The UAS Video Editing and Production 6-week course provides video professionals, at the introductory level, with the comprehensive skills they need to import, edit, and encode video projects using Final Cut Pro X. The course will also cover pre-production areas such as determining client needs, shot lists and storyboarding, and obtaining licenses, permits, and waivers prior to filming. Through instructor led demonstrations and exercises you will learn how to edit video, add video effects and titles and export your finished video. 

Interested in learning more, visit: Drone classes

New Digital Video Non-Credit Program

In addition to the UAS Video Editing and Production course, Workforce Institute has added the non-credit Video Production certificate program that is geared toward digital arts professionals, GFX designers, creative content producers, websitedevelopers or anyone who wants to learn video production to further enhance their résumé and increase their skill level. This certificate is designed to prepare students to produce complex digital video tape presentations for ‘on’ or ‘off’ air.  As part of this program individuals complete the following courses:

Basic Video Camera
This is a video production course designed to introduce the concepts of basic videography. Students are exposed to different types of video cameras, composition styles, lighting techniques and safety concerns. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to operate digital video cameras. 

Basic Video Editing
This course introduces the student to the basic working concepts of the art of editing through the use of a non-linear video editing system. Topics to be covered include: capturing digital and video, organizing projects, storing video clips, explaining the browser, viewer, canvas, and timeline. Students will log and capture, edit with straight cuts and simple effects, and output the final product to tape.

Students will also be exposed to some of the more advanced features of an editing program including special effects, composing, text and titling.

Advanced Videography
This is a video production course designed to introduce the concepts of advanced videography. Students will be exposed to different types of pro-sumer video cameras, composition styles, lighting techniques and safety concerns.

Professional video editing skills will be taught with special emphasis given to creating complicated video projects with fixed deadlines. Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to organize, video tape, and edit complicated video productions for presentations.

Interested in learning more, visit: Digital Video

To learn more about the courses that Workforce Institute offers, visit workforce.spcollege.edu or be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. https://linkedin.com/showcase/st.-petersburg-college-workforce-institute

Earn an in-demand and recognized PMP® or CAPM® Credential

Career Exploration, Career News, Employment Preparation, Internships, WebApproved, Workforce, Community, and Corporate Partnerships, ,

What does a project manager do?

A project manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the completion of projects while ensuring these projects are completed on time, on budget and within scope. A successful project manager should have the following skills: 

  1. Be an effective communicator
  2. Be a great negotiator
  3. Be a strong leader
  4. Be able to get things done


Here are 3 reasons why you need a project management certification and how you can get one:

By 2027, employers will need 87.7 million individuals working in a project management oriented role (source: PMI (2017). Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017–2027).  The use of project management strategies is becoming more popular and is expanding across the following industries:

  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing and Construction
  • Information Services and Publishing
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Management and Professional Services
  • Utilities
  • Oil and Gas

1. It opens the door to more job opportunities in project management

Project Management is a booming industry. By 2020, there’s anticipated to be 6.2 million jobs for certified project managers, which is about a 12% increase from today’s market (source: www.pmi.org).

2. You’re able to increase your salary by more than 20%

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project managers with a Project Management Certification (PMP) earn approximately 22% more annually than project managers without a PMP certification. This percentage increases with experience.

3. You can distinguish yourself as a specialist

Project Management is an extremely diverse field. Spreading across several industries, project managers can be utilized on nearly any part of a business’s team. Given the variety of job and career opportunities in project management, there is a variety of certifications available to demonstrate your specialized project management knowledge.

How do I earn a certification?

In order to sit for one of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) certification exams, you must meet certain minimum criteria. A key criteria requirement is to meet a minimum amount of hours of project management education. One of the best ways to receive this education is by attending a certification exam prep class in your area.

St. Petersburg College’s Workforce Institute offers online and face-to-face courses that are designed to fit your learning style. In addition, the courses satisfy the Project Management Institute’s® educational hour requirement to sit for either the CAPM® or the PMP® Certification Exam(s).

Course Objectives
• Help students to gain a better understanding of the world of project management
• Prepare students to pass The Project Management Institute’s® PMP® or CAPM® Certification Exam(s)
• Cover all aspects of the Project Management Institute’s The PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition that needs to be mastered to pass both exams.

Who Should Attend
• New and current project managers who wish to be introduced to the methodology and effective practice of project management
• Experienced project managers looking to obtain their PMP® Certification
• Individuals seeking to begin a career in project management by earning their CAPM® Certifications
• Military veterans looking to transition into the workforce

For the dates of our upcoming PMP Certification Exam Prep Class and CAPM Certification Exam Prep Class, please click here.

Interested in learning more, please contact us at workforce@spcollege.edu or (727) 341-4445.

Is CCMA a Career for You?

CCMA students
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Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a growing career field. CCMAs are the most in-demand position now in the healthcare field next to nursing. This is because there are 10,000 baby boomers retiring each day until 2026. With short-term training, employment is close at hand. For the first time, SPC’s Spring Commencement Ceremony included SPC’s Workforce Institute’s non-degree students. These students successfully completed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program (CCMA).

CCMA students at Spring 2019 Commencement
Graduates of the CCMA training at SPC.

The 64 CCMA graduates range from 18-60 years, and include students who have earned high school diplomas, associate, and bachelor degrees. Some graduates are entering the workforce for the first time. Others are returning to school for retraining. Still others are preparing for a career as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. After landing a position, usually with their externship site, many go on and branch out into other specialties in healthcare or enter programs for nursing or other healthcare related degrees.

In May 2018, the median annual wages for medical assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Outpatient care centers $35,600
Hospitals; state, local, and private $34,980
Offices of physicians $33,650
Offices of chiropractors $29,960

Most medical assistants work full time. Some work evenings, weekends, or holidays to cover shifts in medical facilities that are always open.

What does a CCMA do?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health care professional that specializes in procedures commonly performed in the ambulatory health care setting. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties. They assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They typically work in medical offices, clinics, and urgent care centers. CCMAs may work in general medicine or specialty practices.

Common duties of a medical assistant include:

  • Checking patients in and out upon arrival and departure
  • Answering phone calls and questions
  • Assisting providers with exams and procedures
  • Administering injections or medications
  • Working in the electronic health record (EHR)
  • Performing EKG, phlebotomy, and laboratory procedures
  • Taking patient vital signs

Benefits to obtaining a Clinical Medical Assistant Certification may include: 

  • More job opportunities
  • An increased pay scale
  • Job security
  • Increased subject matter expertise

CCMAs are a vital part of clinical patient care, and are in great demand in the workforce. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Interested in SPC’s Workforce Institute’s Certificate Program?

The next CCMA course is scheduled to begin on August 6. For specific information, learn more from the CCMA class information page.

This class consists of:

  • Hands on training: This blended program includes online, live lab and clinical experience.
  • 300 Total Hours: 140 hours online, 80 classroom and 80 hour externship.

Once this training is successfully completed, you are ready to sit for the National HealthCareer Association Medical Assistant Certification. Many employers are requiring this certification for employment. 

For more information about the CCMA program, please contact Shaeleigh Reesher. For more information on all SPC Workforce programs, please contact Belinthia Berry. 

Thank you to Karen Rupp, SPC’s Workforce Institute, for your contribution of this article.

Follow us on Instagram or Twitter at #careerspc,  #spcintern,#workforcespc.

Soft Skills and Multigenerational Workforce

Two people exchanging business cards; soft skills
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As Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher, once said “change is the only constant in life”. Technology changes, the way we work changes and who we work with changes. For the first time in history, we have four generations working side-by-side in the workplace. While each generation is unique, there is one thing that that is important to individual and organization success — soft skills. It is the bedrock upon which professional success is built and they are the skills that every generation values.

WHAT ARE SOFT SKILLS?

The Collins English Dictionary defines the term “soft skills” as “desirable qualities for certain forms of employment that do not depend on acquired knowledge: they include common sense, the ability to deal with people, and a positive flexible attitude.” It includes diversity and collaboration, inter-personal communication, adaptive thinking, professionalism, and leadership. All attributes that help make a work environment or interaction with another person easier to manage.

Why Are Soft Skills Important? 

Research from a  Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)/ Mercer Survey found that employers commonly look for more “soft skills” than they do technical skills like mathematics (computation). A few examples of top “soft skills” needed for workplace success include but are not limited to the following:

Resilience and Adaptability

Staying positive and having a winning mindset are all ways to promote success! Companies need employees that are willing to grow, change and learn. Self- awareness is key.

Communication

Good communications skills help you get hired but it also helps you succeed- personally and professionally.  In the digital age, individuals must develop their inter-personal skills by communicating verbally, in writing and even using various social media platforms.

Collaboration and Diversity

Collaboration in the workplace is an effective way to bring individuals together so that they can share their expertise, perspective, and ideas to help companies maximize its potential.

Professionalism

Professionalism is often defined by the industry that you work in. However, there are universal professional qualities that not only help you get hired but can help you keep your job.

  • Being dependable
  • Having a strong work ethic
  • Showing attention to detail

Leadership

A great leader has many of the soft skills that are described in this blog. However, it is important that they continuously take inventory of their skill sets. Knowing your personal brand, boundaries and demonstrating that you care make it easier to work with others and for others to work with you.

Can “Soft Skills” be Taught?

The good news is that these soft skills can be taught!  St. Petersburg College 5G™  Power Skills Certification is a dynamic program designed to address the unprecedented complexity of today’s 5-Generational workforce (e.g. age, talent/skills, culture, attitude, behavior, etc.) while incorporating soft skills training which is vital to workforce success.

The workshops addresses the top 25 interpersonal skills needed to foster collaboration and productivity to build a dynamic multigenerational workforce. 5G Gives you the competitive advantage with certification in the sought after power skills required for a lifetime of achievement.

Check out all 25 competencies here.

For additional information, please contact Sondra Seiter at seiter.sondra@spcollege.edu or 727-791-5978.

To  register, please visit: http://stpe.co/5blog

SPC Workforce Institute Instructor Job Fair: Join Our Team

Workforce Institute Instructor Job Fair
Events,

Mark your calendar for the St. Petersburg College Workforce Institute Instructor Job Fair in September.

Instructor Job Fair details

Workforce Institute Instructor Job Fair flierDo you have experience and passion for your profession? Do you want to inspire and motivate students? If you answered yes, then please join us on:

The Workforce Institute provides short-term professional development and certification training to address the skills gap in today’s changing environment.

As we grow, we are always looking for talented professionals with the right credentials to join our #WorkforceSPC team.

Interested in teaching?

Applications for adjunct instructors are accepted on continuous basis for the following non-credit industry training areas:

  • Business and Finance
  • Healthcare
  • IT Certifications
  • Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Innovative Technologies
  • Languages

For additional information, please fill out a quick info request or contact Belinthia Berry at 727-341-4279.

Workforce Institute at SPC

For goal-oriented individuals and businesses committed to accelerated professional growth, the Workforce Institute offers training, continuing education, industry certifications, licensures and career pathways. Our industry experts teach you the skills that local employers are looking for so you can get it done and get ahead.

Learn more about short-term certification classes offered by the Workforce Institute at #SPCollege.