Workforce and Economic Development (Non-Credit Instruction)

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Division of Workforce and Economic Development (Non-Credit Instruction)
In addition to the academic divisions offering college credit instruction, the Division of Workforce and Economic Development (formerly Continuing Education) facilitates lifelong learning by providing relevant, quality, non-credit learning opportunities for a diverse and evolving population. Programs and services are designed to foster community and economic development, to strengthen partnerships, and to satisfy a broad range of personal, professional, and workforce development needs of the local community and area business and industry. The division is organized into six departments:  Business and Industry Institute, OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC), Online Workforce Training, Health Sciences Continuing Education Center of Emphasis training, Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), and Work-Based Learning. Each department regularly offers a wide range of non-credit general interest courses and services as well as business and industry-specific workforce development courses.

Non-Credit Programs and Certificates
Non-credit continuing education programs draw upon expertise from College resources, corporate resources, community resources, and technological resources to provide quality adult learning opportunities to meet the needs and interests of a diverse population. Classes are selected professional enrichment rather than for college credit and are offered in a variety of modes (on campus, off-campus, and online) for the convenience and flexibility of the adult learner.

Special short courses, workshops or seminars may be developed and offered upon the request of a group of individuals or organization. All instruction, designed for the general public or customized for the specific needs of a particular group, is geared toward assisting adults in achieving their educational goals.

Upon successful completion of a non-credit course or workshop, the College awards the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and maintains a record (transcript) of each student’s accomplishments. The CEU is a nationally recognized, uniform unit of measurement awarded at the rate of one CEU for each ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.

A wide array of non-credit institutional certificate programs is offered.  These programs designed to meet the needs of the workforce.  Many are intended to prepare the individual to sit for a state, regional, or national exam.  Courses may be offered on ground, online, or at an off-campus location.  Successful program participants are awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Business and Industry Training Institute
The Business and Industry Institute at Volunteer State has served business, government, and industry for more than forty years.  The institute offers:

• A comprehensive selection of quality programs and services at affordable prices
• On ground and online instruction
• Trainers who are experienced business professionals
• Customized training at an employer’s site or ours designed to meet specific industry needs, business culture, number of employees, schedule, learning styles, and priorities.
• Certificate programs to increase knowledge and enhance skills, such as Certified Fiber Optics, Personal Trainer, and more!

Whether training is needed for a half-day, one-day, one-month, or one year, “top shelf” or customized training programs can be a positive impact on businesses in realizing their goals.

Within the Business and Industry Institute is a designated OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center serving Region IV.  The primary focus of the OTI Education Center is to present approved OTI Education Center courses through standard classroom instruction.  The College offers a broad selection of occupational safety and health classes aimed at ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by providing training on hazard recognition and avoidance to workers, employers, and other safety professionals.  Train the trainer courses are offered as well for individuals who wish to provide OSHA courses at their workplace.  Successful completion of prescribed courses leads to certificates in Specialist in Safety and Health (SSH), Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), and the Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Volunteer State Community College offers two services for small business owners - business consulting and low cost training workshops.  Business consulting is free and confidential.  The goal is to help businesses grow, sustain, or start up.  Consulting includes:  starting a business, business planning, financial forecasting, hiring and managing, marketing, and other topics customized for the client. 

Low cost training workshops for small business owners and their employees are provided in a wide range of topics in a variety of formats.  Through lecture, hands-on, and online training, a myriad of training is offered regularly and routinely to include:  starting a small business, social media, Quickbooks, business planning, and much more.

Health Sciences Continuing Education Center of Emphasis 
The Health Sciences Center of Emphasis provides quality training for healthcare professionals who wish to renew licensure or certification, and entry-level training in healthcare related fields.  Coursework includes:

• American Heart Association Certification, Recertification, and Instructor courses for BLS, ACLS and PALS
• CPR/AED Training and Bloodborne Pathogens
• EMT/Paramedic Refresher courses
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program
• Critical Care Paramedic

New courses are developed on a regular basis.  The Center also provides customized programs to meet the needs of the organization/company. 

Online Workforce Training
The Division has partnered with various agencies and providers to offer online business and industry training in a variety of fields including but not limited to:  accounting and finance, business, management, technology, computer applications, healthcare, and more.  These courses are offered on a flexible schedule, providing access to the business working professional.  Many offerings lead to nationally recognized certifications such as the American Management Certificates.

OSHA Training Institute
The OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC) at Vol Sate is one of 26 centers comprising a national network of non-profit organization authorized by OSHA to deliver occupational safety and health training to public and private sector workers, supervisors, and employers.  Volunteer State is the only federally designated lead center in the State of Tennessee.  Training is offered through an open enrollment format and on a contract basis for organizations within OSHA’s jurisdiction.

OTIEC Programs are an essential component in OSHA’s mission to prevent work-related injuries, injuries and fatalities.  Instructors uphold the highest quality standards and are supported by a committed staff and management team who work diligently to ensure that every individual and organization have the training and support  services needed to protect workers, reduce losses, and realize the profitability of a good safety and health program.

Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning generally represents credit-bearing “real world” experience that integrates classroom knowledge and theory with practical application.  Students explore and work toward skills development, industry awareness, and networking within their career focus.  Employers provide meaningful training opportunities to guide and develop a future workforce while obtaining valuable student service capacity. 

The benefit to students is three fold:  gaining valuable work experience in their career of choice; working collaboratively with faculty and employers to develop needed skills; and, creating future employment opportunities.   The benefit to employers is also three-fold:  providing a ready-made training and recruitment program; collaborating with faculty and influencing curriculum development; and, motivating existing employees toward continuing their education and professional development.