In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented unemployment rates across the Triangle, Durham Technical Community College has officially launched its “Back-to-Work Initiative.”

This initiative provides short-term courses to help residents in the community gain immediate employment in growing industries.

Dr. Micara Lewis-Sessoms, a leader of the initiative, said the Back-to-Work initiative is an opportunity for community members to explore new and exciting careers or enhance their current profession.

“The evolving workforce in our new normal makes it even more essential for the College to respond to our communities’ needs by providing short-term training leading to life-long skills,”  Lewis-Sessoms said. 

According to Durham Tech., the courses will focus on high-demand occupations including health, biotechnology, skilled trades, and information technology. Current course offerings include Community Health Worker, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, and CompTIA Network+ Certification Prep.

All available courses are fully online and will start in late July and August.

Additional courses to be offered later this year will include BioWorks, Nurse Aide, Core Construction, and Human Resource Development.

Durham Tech Interim President Tom Jaynes said these programs will create “quick access” for those who are unemployed to find job opportunities. 

“These courses also map to higher level credentials and living wages through guided career pathways,” Jaynes said. “Durham Tech understands the importance of aligning short-term and common courses to reduce the potential credit loss when students continue their education. Back-to-Work puts what we’ve learned into action.”

A high school diploma or GED may be required for some courses, in addition to having access to a computer or Internet access. Funding options are also available for residents of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

To learn more about current courses and registration, visit the Back-to-Work Initiative webpage. 

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