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Oswego County residents who want free access to online learning courses will soon have the opportunity through "Skill Up Oswego County," an initiative sponsored by Oswego County Workforce New York (OCWNY), the Oswego County Workforce Development Board, the Oswego County Poverty Reduction Task Force and NY Wired for Education.
Beginning today, Wednesday, March 1, any Oswego County resident can join the Metrix E- Learning System which provides courses that teach skills employers are looking for. These include Microsoft programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) preparation courses and customer service classes.
"The 'Skill Up Oswego County' initiative is a great way for people to expand their knowledge and abilities in areas that appeal to employers in the current job market," said Legislator Roy Reehil, District 5, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature's Economic Development and Planning Committee and the Oswego County Anti-Poverty Task Force. "Whether they are unemployed or underemployed, people who use this learning system can earn certificates to verify their skill set to their present or potential employers."
The initiative provides a free license to users of the SkillSoft program for six-months or 180 days. This program has a catalog of over 4,000 courses that includes IT and software lessons, as well as those for project management, human resources, banking, retail, hospitality, and communication skills.
"The Metrix online learning system can be used to help people learn new skills and earn certificates or prepare for their certifications," said Christine Weaver, director of the OCWNY American Job Center. "It is accessible around the clock to anyone with high speed internet access. People can work at their own pace through a variety of courses that teach both technical and soft skills."
She added, "This offer is only available for a limited time, so county residents looking to upgrade their current skills or learn new ones to improve their employment opportunities are encouraged to sign up today. They can go to oswego.skillupamerica.org to request a login."
Through this online system, residents can learn about the skills required for in-demand careers and receive a personalized training plan from a catalog of over 4,000 courses.
“Metrix is a cost-effective opportunity for people to develop certificate-based job skills and upgrade their existing skill levels without additional expenses for travel, childcare and program fees,” said Joseph Rotella, executive director of the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County.
Participants receive digital badges or certificates as they complete each training session and can link directly to www.indeed.com to search current local job openings.
“We are excited to work with Oswego County Workforce New York and their partners in this nationally innovative workforce solution,” said Brian Lee, CEO of NY Wired for Education.
"This will assist both employers and job-seekers, and will potentially address issues of poverty in Oswego County."
For more information about the "Skill Up Oswego County" initiative or the Metrix E-Learning System, call (315) 591-9000 or e-mail msmith@oswegocounty.com. Informational sessions are also being held at the Oswego County Workforce New York office at 200 N. Second Street, Fulton. Interested residents can stop in at the office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
