Contact: Katryn Conlin, Communications Director
651-388-7383, [email protected] 

For Immediate Release

Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical, Hiawatha Valley Adult Basic Education partner to offer Career Access Program, Retail Customer Service Certification

Red Wing, MN (February 26, 2014) — The deadline to register for a course designed to help area residents develop the skills they need to improve their career prospects is coming up on March 3, 2014. A 12-hour Career Access Program begins March 4, followed by a 48-hour Retail Customer Service Certification Class beginning on April 2.

The Career Access Program is a prerequisite to the Retail Customer Service class, designed to help students with assessing literacy skills, exploring career options, setting goals and learning study skills. It is offered at NO COST, and English literacy assistance is included.

• Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2014
• 5:00 to 8:00 pm
• Southeast Technical College, Room 104
• Cost: Free
• To register, contact Britt Gulstrand 651-385-4656 or [email protected].

The Retail Customer Service Certification Class focuses on communication and teamwork; retail readiness; role playing and group activities; secret shopper assignments; local employer presentations; and preparing for the national Retail Customer Service certification exam.

• Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays April 2-30, 2014 (No class 4/18)
• Time: 9 am to 1 pm
• Southeast Technical College, Room 104
• Cost $275 includes materials
• Optional National Retail Federation Certification exam on Friday, May 2.
• To register, contact Britt Gulstrand 651-385-4656 or [email protected].

"Short training programs such as these help adult learners begin an entry level career. It's a step in the right direction toward bettering their skills," according to Theresa Luther-Dolan, Director of Adult Basic Education, Hiawatha Valley ABE. "The students benefit from the opportunity to learn in a college environment and they’re proud to have the name of Southeast Technical on the certificate of completion."

"We set up a roundtable discussion with area store managers to help us develop the curriculum. We will continue to work with them during the class and expect some to come in as guest speakers," says Katie Hardyman, Southeast Technical Director of Business Relations.

Later in spring 2014, Southeast Technical and Adult Basic Education will partner again to offer Class B – Commercial Driver's License and Certified Nursing Assistant training programs. The programs are made possible by a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Adult Workforce Development grant, which was secured by Hiawatha Valley Adult Basic Education to foster career pathway training initiatives in Wabasha and Goodhue counties.

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About Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical

With a clear mission of "Education for Employment," Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical provides students a strong foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need for a lifetime of learning. Its Winona and Red Wing campuses merged in 1992, becoming Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical in 1999. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.