Learn Microsoft with TechKnowledge

The Charleston Area Alliance and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are teaming up to offer TechKnowledge, a set of four classes designed to teach employees how to get the most out of Microsoft programs.

A class focusing on Microsoft Word will begin the series and is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7. The classes cover Excel, Access and Powerpoint on Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19, respectively. All classes take place at the Alliance office, 1116 Smith St.

The Community and Technical College at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, through its Office of Workforce Development, is providing the instructors, equipment and reading material.

TechKnowledge is part of “Skills for the 21st Century,” a series of courses designed to help employees be better, more productive employees. A course called WorkAbility began the “Skills” program in June.

“Our goal is to offer area businesses more skilled employees,” said Matt Ballard, president and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance. “These classes will allow them to have a stronger grasp on the kinds of software that businesses depend on. We want citizens to have the skills to help their employers succeed."

Each “Skills” course includes four classes over a two-month period. Future course and class themes will include basic personal finance, meeting facilitation, networking and team training.

“There’s a big list of skill sets,” said Sid Valentine, CTCS coordinator for workforce and technical program development. “These are portable skills workers could take with them their entire careers.”

The course fee is $75 for Alliance members and $90 for non-members. The per-class fee is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

Visit www.charlestonareaalliance.org/events/detail.aspx?Eventid=518 to register.