Daily News

STCC ‘Fast Track’ Customer Service Certificate Classes start Feb. 16

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Feb. 16, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will again offer a 16-week (two 8-week sessions) “Fast Track” option of the new certificate program in Customer Service Essentials. Students will earn 24 college credits that can transfer into an associate degree in business administration.

Customer service representatives are in demand in a variety of fields including financial services, call centers, manufacturing services, retail organizations, inside sales, and small business services. Working in customer service requires a good foundation of skills in marketing, computer literacy, communication, and business etiquette to support the needs of both the customer and the employer. These front-line employees are problem solvers and often considered the “face” of the companies they represent.

“STCC’s Fast Track Customer Service Essentials Certificate option provides an educational career pathway to employment in advanced customer service representative roles that are in high demand by local employers,” said STCC Vice President of Foundation and Workforce Training Robert LePage. “Students will work together in a structured group to support learning and team work.”

The Fast Track Customer Service Essentials Certificate program, requested by area industry partners, will place emphasis on essential workforce readiness skills to support graduates as they transition to employment. The program will include industry-enhanced engagement with guest speakers, company tours and speed networking (interview) sessions. Job placement assistance will be provided.

“The concepts learned in the degree courses will add to the workforce readiness skills that students develop in the certificate courses and prepare them for larger roles in the companies they join,” said Dean of the School of Business and Information Technologies Leona Ittleman.

Students will complete the program in two sessions (eight weeks each) starting Nov. 2 and ending June 27. Classes run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Space is limited and financial aid is available to those who qualify. Information sessions will be held at FutureWorks on Jan. 8, Jan. 15, and Jan. 22. For more information, visit www.stcc.edu/csvc.