New Online Non-Credit Classes Offered

Online career training is now easier than ever with self-paced, non-credit programs being offered through Pierpont Community & Technical College of Fairmont State University. Online career training courses fit the needs of those who need to update their skills to get a better job or to advance their career.

Pierpont C&TC has partnered with Gatlin Education Services to provide online career training courses in the fields of healthcare, business, construction/automotive technology, Internet design and networking certification, Microsoft certification training and video game design and development.

“We find that many potential students who are ‘under-employed’ want to gain the skills to get a better job. However, they can’t always attend our training programs due to work schedules and other responsibilities,” said Paul Schreffler, Director of Economic Development and Workforce Education for Pierpont C&TC.

“This online delivery option allows anyone with a web-enabled computer and the desire to better themselves an opportunity to gain specific career-related training. Many of these programs offer industry-specific and nationally-recognized certification as an outcome of the training.”

Accessible at http://www.pierpont.edu/ce/, these non-credit courses can help individuals at any stage of their career. Whether the student is interested in switching career paths, obtaining advanced training and certificates or is a first-time job seeker in need of specialized training, these programs provide the necessary resources for workforce, corporate, vocational rehabilitation or individual career training, all from the convenience of a person’s own home or office.

The online career training programs blend various types of instruction in a unique format that provides a logical, comprehensive and effective education. The typical course combines online instructional content, traditional textbook material and instructor-facilitated lessons. Though the courses are self-paced, personal instructors are available to guide every student. This blended learning differentiates these courses from ordinary online courses.

“Between juggling a job, a home, a family and a social life, there isn’t always a lot of time left to attend an on-campus class,” said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Gatlin Education Services. “Online training offers the convenience of working from your personal computer and at your own pace. It’s a viable tool right now as evidenced by the growing number of people utilizing it, and is the way of the future.”

Pierpont C&TC’s online career training courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. For program and course descriptions, or to register, go to http://www.pierpont.edu/ce/comptrain.asp. For additional information, contact Paul Schreffler at (304) 367-4920 or paul.schreffler@fairmontstate.edu.