Durham Tech launches Back-to-Work Initiative to meet community employment needs

Durham Technical Community College has officially launched the Back-to-Work Initiative, which provides short-term courses to help residents in the community gain immediate employment in growing industries.

The program was launched in response to unprecedented unemployment across the Triangle in the wake of COVID-19.

“Durham Tech’s Back-to-Work Initiative is an opportunity to provide individuals with skills that prepare them to enhance current or explore new and exciting careers,” said Dr. Micara Lewis-Sessoms, a leader of the initiative. “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.”

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.

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

Additional tiers of courses will be offered later this year, including BioWorks, Nurse Aide, Core Construction, and Human Resources Development.

“The program creates quick access for those who are unemployed - or under-employed - to jobs that are hiring right now,” said Durham Tech Interim President Tom Jaynes. “These courses also map to higher level credentials and living wages through guided career pathways. 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^®/HiSET^® 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. For questions or information about future courses, complete the Information Request form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Nathan Hardin: Durham Tech Marketing and Communications Director 919-536-7246, ext. 5206; hardinn@durhamtech.edu