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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: Adult Education (formerly known as GED), Business and Industry Training, Health Sciences Continuing Education Center of Emphasis, OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC), Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), and Work-Based Learning. Each department regularly offers a wide range of general interest courses and/or services as well as business and industry-specific workforce development courses and workshops.
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 offered in a variety of modes (in-person, online/virtually, and at off-site locations) for the convenience and flexibility of the adult learner.
At the request of a group of individuals, a company or an organization, special short courses, workshops or seminars may be developed. 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 select non-credit course or workshop, the College awards the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and/or a Certificate of Completion 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 industry-recognized Certificate courses are available, designed to meet the specific needs of the workforce. Each Certificate course focuses on the requisite knowledge and skills for career entry, career sustainment, or career advancement. Successful completion of preparatory courses enables the individual to sit for a state, regional, or national exam.
Adult Education
The Adult Education Program at Volunteer State offers free classes to prepare individuals for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), formerly known as the GED test. Instruction focuses on the necessary knowledge and skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies to pass the HiSET exam. Also available through the Program are English as a Second Language classes designed to assist individuals with improving their English language skills.
Business and Industry Training Institute
The Business and Industry Training Institute has served business, government, and industry for more than forty years. The program offers:
- A comprehensive selection of quality programs and services at affordable prices
- In-person and online instruction at our site, the company site, or a neutral location
- Trainers who are experienced business professionals
- Customized training designed to meet specific industry needs, business culture, and number of employees, schedule, learning styles, and priorities.
- Certificate programs to increase knowledge and enhance skills, such as Certified Fiber Optics, Personal Trainer, Electrical Certificate, CompTIA, 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.
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
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Critical Care Paramedic Training
- And More!
New courses are developed on a regular basis. The Center also provides customized programs to meet the specific needs of an agency or company.
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, serving Region IV. Training is offered through an open enrollment format, in-person and virtually, 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. 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, etc.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Volunteer State offers two services for small business owners - one-on-one free and confidential business counseling, and low cost or no cost training. The goal is to help businesses grow, sustain, or start up.
No cost or 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, business planning, marketing, social media, government contracting, e-commerce, and much more.
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.
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