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WID Resource Handbook

Metropolitan Community College Community and Career Advancement Resource Handbook

Metropolitan Community College Introduction

Metropolitan Community College Workforce Innovative Division values our business partnerships that have supported our community and students. The Metropolitan Community College – Community & Career Advancement Resource Handbook has been created to keep our partners informed of the many programs and support services we have in place to serve our community. Our mission is to drive and direct workforce innovation by offering programs and training that can advance career growth and boost earning potential. We focus our educational training programs to be geared toward high wage, high skill, and high demand (H3) jobs. In addition, this handbook provides information about GED courses, English Language (ELL) courses, Career Placement Programs (CPP), career readiness assessments, and continuing education trade skills with government and state-funded opportunities for those who qualify. Metropolitan Community College Workforce Innovative Division has a proven track record in offering these community resources as it is our vision to become our community's first choice in providing innovative workforce training.

Workforce Innovative Division & Career Placement Team


To go directly to the information found on this page click the option below:

  • GAP Program
  • Approved Training Programs
  • What is the GAP Assistance Program?
  • To Be Eligible
  • GAP 2021 Guidelines
  • GAP Approved Program Descriptions
  • 3D and Virtual Reality Designer and Developer Program
  • Associate Project Manager
  • Associate Project Manager + Lean Six Sigma Green Belt CPP
  • Associate Project Manager + Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
  • Associate Project Manager + Workplace Communications
  • Automotive Express Lane Technician Certificate
  • Carpet Floor Installer
  • Certified Site Supervisor
  • Code School
  • Coed School + CPP
  • Commercial Custodian Certificate
  • Digital Marketing
  • Digital Marketing +CPP
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician Certificate + CPP
  • Fiber Optics Technicians
  • Hard Surface Floor Installer
  • Insurance Producer + CPP
  • Insurance Producer + CPP: Life and Health
  • IT Operations Specialist
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt + CPP
  • Manufacturing and Production + CPP
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Professional Floor Installation Technician
  • Project Manager Professional
  • Project Manager Professional + LSS Green Belt + CPP
  • Red Hat Certified System Administrator
  • Sheet Metal Program
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Class A CDL Driver Training + CPP
  • Class A CDL W/E Restrictions + CPP
  • Customer Service Representative
  • IT Desktop Support Technician
  • Medical Services Representative
  • Medical Services Representative + CPP
  • Office Administrative Professional Program
  • SNAP Employment and Training
  • Career Placement Program
  • Career Readiness to Eliminate Disparities (CRED Grant)
  • What is CRED?
  • Funding Available
  • Qualifications
  • For more information
  • To Apply
  • Funding Available for Credentials
  • WorkKeys Curriculum
  • What is WorkKeys Curriculum?
  • Developmental Courses
  • Purpose for WorkKeys Curriculum
  • NCRC
  • National Career Readiness Certificate
  • Fundamental Areas of Assessment
  • Complete Assessment: Virtually or In-Person
  • Preparation and Registration
  • Integrated Education and Training
  • What is the Integrated Education and Training Program?
  • Programs Offered
  • How to participate in the IET program
  • Steps to ESL or GED Enrollment
  • Assisting ESL and GED Students
  • AE Testing
  • New Student Schedule ESL and GED
  • Quick Facts: Adult Education
  • Business Partnership Outreach
  • Federal Work Study Experiment
  • Contact Information

GAP Programs

Approved Training Programs

Agriculture and Food Processing

Veterinary Assistant

Business Management and Administrative Services

  • Associate Project Manager Professional
  • Associate Project Manager + LSS Green Belt + CPP
  • Associate Project Manager + LSS Yellow Belt + CPP
  • Certified Site Supervisor
  • Digital Marketing Program CPP
  • Lean Six Sigma – Green Belt
  • Project Manager Professional
  • Project Manager Professional + LSS Green Belt + CPP

Construction

  • Carpet Floor Installer
  • Commercial Custodian Certificate
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician CPP
  • Hard Surface Floor Installer
  • Professional Floor Installation Technician
  • Sheet Metal Program

Financial Services

  • Insurance Producer Career Placement Program
  • Insurance Producer CPP – Life & Health

Health Services

  • Medical Services Representative + CPP
  • Pharmacy Technician

Precision Metals Manufacturing

  • Manufacturing and Production Career Placement Program

Software and Computer Services

  • 3D/Virtual Reality Designer & Developer Program
  • Cisco Certified Network Technician
  • Code School + CPP
  • IT Desktop Support Technician
  • IT Operations Specialist Program
  • Office Administrative Professional
  • Red Hat Certified System Administrator

Transportation, Warehousing & Distribution Logistics

  • Automotive Express Lane Technician Certificate
  • Class A with E Restrictions CDL Driver Training + CPP

What is the GAP assistance program?

The Community College Gap assistance program provides need-based tuition assistance for approved short-term credit and non-credit training programs that are in high-need fields. Gap assistance may be right for you if you are un- or under employed or are looking to up-skill to achieve career advancement. 

Since non-credit programs are not eligible for federal financial aid, Gap assistance is designed to bridge the funding gap for individuals that meet program and income guidelines. The Gap eligible credit programs are at or below 23.5 credit hours and are ineligible for federal financial aid. 

To Be Eligible

To be eligible for the Gap assistance program you must:  

  • Be a Nebraska resident for at least 6 months.
  • Be a US Citizen or legal resident.
  • Have a family income at or below 250% of the federal income poverty guidelines.
  • Have the ability to obtain and maintain full-time employment.
  • Have the ability to be accepted into and complete the desired program of study.

GAP 2021 Guidelines

(PUT IN THE TABLE HERE CHECK WHICH BOX APPLIES / HOUSEHOLD-FAMILY SIZE / APPROX. HOURLY WAGE / 250% MONTHLY / 250% ANNUALLY)

3D and Virtual Reality Designer and Developer Program (159 contact hours)

Industry Contact/Liaison/Manager: Robert Caldwell

Program Description:

This program is designed to give participants with background in computer programming the skills necessary to design and develop 3D and virtual reality (VR) applications and games. Participants will learn the basics of 2D, 3D, mobile and VR development and integration, then advance into intermediate topics of using the Unity engine to program and design professional applications. Participants can earn up to three Unity certifications including Unity Certified Programmer and Unity Certified 3D Artist. Upon completion, participants can obtain employment in entry-level computer programming positions with titles such as 3D Programmer, 3D Developer, 3D Engineer, Virtual Reality Developer, Game Artist and Gaming Software Engineer.

Certifications Earned:

  1. Certificate of Completion

Suggested Prerequisites:

  1. 1-2 years of experience or education in computer programming
  2. Proficiency in C# programming language
  3. Completion of INFO 1526 and/or INFO 1536 is sufficient
  4. No felonies on background
  5. High school diploma or equivalent

In-Demand Occupation: Software and Computer Services
Aligned Training Program: Design, Interactivity and Media Arts (DIMA)

SNAP Employment & Training

Metropolitan Community College has partnered with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 9DHHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) to empower families and individuals seeking better employment opportunities and better lives by offering the SNAP Next Step Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T). SNAP E&T provides SNAP recipients who are unemployed or under employed the opportunity to complete education and training programs that will lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career with an increased earning potential.

Each participant will be paired with a Career Coach to work one-on-one to identify employment and training goals programs of interest and assist with overcoming any challenges along the way. Services include individualized job search and resume assistance mock-interview opportunities, occupational and soft-skill training and credential opportunities.

You may be a good candidate if:

  • You currently receive SNAP benefits or believe your qualify for SNAP benefits and would like to apply
  • You are not receiving TANF/ADC benefits
  • Your household as at least one work eligible adult (US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)

For more information call us at 531-622-2110 or email us at snapet@mccneb.edu

Career Placement Program

1 month before: Identify industry and employer partner
2 weeks before: Coordinate with human service programs
1 week before: Take NCRC assessment
Customized Work Readiness (Certifications and activities)

  • Work ethics training
  • Customer service training
  • National Career Readiness Certification
  • PC skills training
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Mock interviews

1 week after: On-site hiring event. Tour and interview at businesses
Up to 6 months after: Follow-up and wrap-around services begin

Certifications & Activities

Work Ethic Certification Contact hours: 6 - 8 hours

Facilitated curriculum designed by The Center for Work Ethic Development that utilizes 7 learning modules addressing skills employers have identified are critical to workplace success (Attitude, Attendance, Appearance, Ambition, Accountability, Acceptance, and Appreciation). Facilitation and delivery of content can be customized to agency/employer.

Customer Service Certification Contact hours: 8 - 9 hours

Facilitated on-line modular learning addressing basic and intermediate skills required to provide quality customer service in various roles. Includes 6 modules with topics related to: Why Customer Service Matters, What Customer Want, Handling Complaints and Angry People, and Working in Teams.

National Career Readiness Certification Contact hours: 3 hours

A stackable, portable credential used to showcase an individuals work readiness skill levels to potential employers. Credential requires the following skills: Graphic Literacy, Applied Math, and Workplace Documents. Other skills available to be assessed: Workplace Observation and Applied Technology.

Basic Computer Skills Contact hours: 4-8 Hours

Hands-on learning customized for the industry. May include: basics of windows operating systems, file management, security, and cloud storage. Also, may include, training using various technology devices.

Resume, Cover Letters, Turn Around Letters Contact hours: 4-6 hours

Participants will create a resume specific to the industry for the job they are seeking, along with a cover letter. Turn around letters are created with reentering individuals.

Mock Interviews Contact Hours: 2-4 hours

Conduct Mock interviews with a Career Skills Coach or an industry representative to refine and refresh skills using the STAR method. Coaches assist participants with incorporating industry language and providing directed questions.

Contact Lyndsie Gibbs for more information
lmgibbs@mccneb.edu | 531-MCC-7222

Career Readiness to eliminate Disparities (CRED Grant)

What is CRED?

CRED, or Career Readiness to Eliminate Disparities, it is a grant through the city of Omaha that is meant to provide funding for short-term trainings, credentials, or courses that would help an individual obtain employment or further them in their current employment. These trainings and credentials are typically for H3 jobs, so high wage, high demand, and high skill.

Funding Available

Each individual can access up to $500 dollars of funding each year. The individual can access more depending on what the training/credential is and how much it costs.

Qualifications

The applicant must live in Nebraska service area which is Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties.

For more information

Contact Heartland Workforce Solutions by email at cred@hws-ne.org make this a link

To Apply

The individual can apply by going to: https://forms.gle/borxiRp3DMyCZYME7

Funding Available for Credentials

Heartland Workforce Solutions operates Career Readiness to Eliminate Disparities (CRED), a City of Omaha grant, serving people experiencing employment hurdles while residing in Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Funding for short-term trainings, courses or credentials, to enable or retain employment is available.

If you are a career seeker or employed worker that would benefit by paid short term trainings, courses or credentials listed (not limited to examples below) please apply online: https://forms.gle/borxiRp3DMyCZYME7 or email cred@hws-ne.org

Credentials such as:

  • Industry -recognized Certificate or certification(s)
  • Professional Licenses recognized by the Federal, State and/or Local governments
  • Re-certification/Re-licensing Costs
  • Comp TIA Certification
  • Phlebotomy Certification
  • Forklift Certification
  • Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification
  • OSHA Certification (up to $500)
  • Cisco certification
  • Post-secondary certifications
  • Secondary-school diploma or its equivalence earned in conjunction with:
  • Occupational skills training
  • On-the-job training
  • Incumbent worker training
  • Workplace training
  • Employment or measurable skills gained toward employment
  • Drug screening
  • Pre-employment physicals
  • Union dress

WorkKeys Curriculum

What is WorkKeys Curriculum?

  • WorkKeys is a curriculum built to align with the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate® assessments (the NCRC).
  • WorkKeys Curriculum helps individuals build the essential career-relevant skills needed for learning, personal development and effective job performance.
  • It is a proven tool for helping individuals acquire skills critical to workplace success.
  • Individuals who use WorkKeys Curriculum are improving their assessment scores and enhancing their skills required for success in the workplace.

Purpose for WorkKeys Curriculum

  • Individuals looking at taking the NCRC assessment
  • Refresh or improve workplace skills
  • Improve NCRC score in specific area or retake assessment

Developmental Courses

  • Applied Math – Builds on the ability to apply mathematic principles to problems encountered in the workplace
  • Graphic Literacy – Builds on the ability to find, analyze and apply information presented in workplace graphics
  • Workplace Documents – Builds on the ability to understand and apply written information presented in the workplace

System Requirements

ACT WorkKeys Curriculum is completely web-based. The curriculum is not downloaded to a computer. Access it from the web browsers via Windows or Mac:

  • Google Chrome (recommended)
  • Safari
  • Firefox

More information

contact the WorkKeys Testing Administrator at: 531-622-8862

NCRC

National Career Readiness Certificate

The ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC®) is an assessment-based credential issued at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The NCRC measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations. Well recognized by companies in the U.S. To learn which companies recognize the NCRC in the Nebraska area visit the Work Ready Community Website.

Fundamental Areas of Assessment

  • Math: everyday math that is done in the work field
  • Graphs: graphs such as drawings/pictures used in work environment
  • Reading: emails, memos, letters, and different correspondences that are used at work

Complete Assessment Virtually or In-Person

Requirements for virtual setting

  • Working computer with camera and microphone – NO iPad or phone
  • Access to either Google Chrome or Firefox – no other browser will work
  • IMPORTANT: No distractions, need a quiet area where there will be NO interruptions
  • Scratch paper and pen/pencil

Requirements for In-Person setting

  • Bring a valid form of ID
  • Face mask (self-provided)
  • Scratch paper and calculator will be provided
  • Contact appointed proctor if weather is questionable
  • Inform us of any accommodations needed as soon as possible

Preparation and Registration

PREPARATION: Plan 3 ½ hours to complete all three areas of the assessment. There are three parts to the assessment and you are given a maximum of 55 minutes for each section. You can prepare for the NCRC by going to the WorkKeys Curriculum (WKC) site and working on the three sections there.

REGISTRATION: Register for the assessment by clicking here

Upon registering a confirmation email will be sent within 48 hours. The email will contain information on how to access WKC, how to finish your registration for the NCRC, what is required for the actual assessment and how to get with the person to take the assessment.

For Registration Purpose Provide:

  • Legal Name (e.g. Robert Smith NOT Bob or Bobby Smith)
  • Valid email
  • Phone number with voice mail that is set up and that is not full

Integrated Education and Training

What is the Integrated Education and Training Program?

Metropolitan Community College provides an opportunity for students to go through the Integrated Education and Training Program (IET). This is an adult education and workforce development program model that provides simultaneous instruction in basic skills such as math, reading, or spoken English, workplace readiness activities, as well as occupational or industry-specific training.  The student would participate in career readiness activities and receive certification upon completion:

  • Work Ethics Certificate
  • Customer Service Certificate
  • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)

Programs Offered

The following programs are offered to students ready to gain work knowledge in:

  • Hard Hat in Hands – Construction
  • Facilities Maintenance
  • Sheet Metal Program
  • Fiber Optics Technician
  • Automotive Express Lane Certificate Program
  • CDL A with E Restrictions
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Medical Services Representative
  • Veterinary Assistant

How to participate in the IET program

There are two ways for students to participate in an IET program:

GED Acquisition Pathway – A student will work towards their GED while enrolled in the IET.  The goal is to assist the students with GED completion.  When the students are supported in their academic environment, the success rates are much higher.  IET students without a high school diploma will follow the same intake, testing and attendance protocols as students enrolled in regular Adult Education courses.  Once the student is a GED completer, they will transition into the technical skills training.

High School Diploma Holder with Basic Skills Deficient Pathway – IET candidates for this pathway are identified once CASAS pre-assessment is completed.  The assessment identifies the student skill levels in reading, language arts, and mathematical subject areas. The student with a score below a level six in any of the subject areas will continue through the IET program and pursue technical skills training while working on their basic literacy skills improvement. Students that meet a level six in all subject areas can participate in a technical skills training program without the need of IET instructor.  Students will be connected to a career skills coach while completing the technical skills training. The career skills coach will guide the student in preparation for employment and connecting with MCC business partners.

For more information contact: careerforward@mccneb.edu  – Coordinator of IET 531-622-2106.

Enrollment Steps for ESL or GED

  1. Call to register for an INFO SESSION.
  2. Attend INFO SESSION to enroll for a TLC (Zoom).
  3. Successfully attend and complete TLC (meets 2x per week for 3 weeks).
  4. Enroll in Adult Education class or career training.

After successful completion of the 3-week TLC (Transitional Learning Community) class, students enroll in the Adult Education or Career Training program that best fits their learning level and goals. All classes FREE!

Call Student Services at 531-622-4060 to register for an INFO SESSION!

Assisting ESL and GED Students

Basic Student Pathway:

  1. Register for an INFO Session (Call Student Services 531-622-4060)
  2. Attend INFO Session to enroll in a TLC (Zoom meeting)
  3. Complete TLC (three-week intake, orientation, and digital literacy class)
  4. Enroll in GED, ESL, or Career Training class based on skill levels and goals.

Help Students with MCC Email

This is the primary communication method used by MCC. We send class information, enrollment forms, and more through the student’s MCC email.

A student’s email should look like this: username@mail.mccneb.edu

Most usernames are a first or second initial, last name, and possibly numbers.

Students can read about setting up their MCC email inbox here: Student Email

Calling the IT Support Services is the best way to reset the password if needed: 531-622-2900. Staff will allow the student to use translation help from a teacher or case manager if the student gives verbal permission to the IT staff member.

Returning Students

If the student is new to our program, they should call Student Services to enroll as described above. If the student has previously attended our program, they should reach out to adultedu@mccneb.edu  if they’d like to re-engage. The steps for re-joining our program are dependent on several factors, so we handle this on a case-by-case basis.

AE Testing

CASAS Testing

CASAS is the standardized test we give all students in Adult Education to measure their progress. GED students take Reading and Math. ESL students take Reading and Listening. Students must take a placement test before starting class and are expected to take a post-test after every 40 hours of instructional time (tracked by our instructors in a database). If a student hits 60 hours of instructional time before post-testing, they will be suspended from online class and curriculum access until they complete the post-tests. If a student has earned at least 40 hours and has not post-tested, they will not be allowed to register for a new session of classes until they post-test.
For questions about CASAS testing, contact PJ Arellano: pjarellano@mccneb.edu

GED Official Testing

GED testing is handled by the GED Testing Service. There are GED official testing sites at the MCC South and Fort Omaha locations, but students must schedule through their own GED.com student accounts. Adult Education instructors will help students schedule their tests, but the student must know and manage their own account username and password. Students can create their own GED.com account at any time. For this account, they should use their personal email address.
Students can receive vouchers for free GED Ready (practice) and Official tests when they have earned 12 instructional hours and Level 6 in CASAS Math or Reading.
If a student is having trouble with their GED.com account, they should contact Support in the chat option at GED.com or call 1-877-EXAM-GED (877-392-6433).

Completion of the Adult Education Program

ESL students CASAS test until they reach a CASAS score of 236 in Reading. They can then choose to take GED classes or move into credit ESL or career training. GED students have four official tests (RLA, Social Studies, Science, and Math) and can then join career training or credit classes at MCC.

New Student Schedule ESL and GED

INFORMATION SESSIONS: (T) 3/8 at 6:00 PM or (W) 3/9 at 10:00 AM

Information sessions are offered monthly. Contact adultedu@mccneb.edu or call 531-622-4060

Quick Facts: Adult Education

WIOA – Title II Program, State of Nebraska

Free classes, online curriculum, GED official and practice tests for all qualifying students.

Qualifying students:

  • Nebraska residents (cannot serve Iowa residents)
  • Any student without a high school diploma
  • Any student with CASAS placement scores that demonstrate need

Classes available both online (Zoom) and on-campus:

  • Adult Basic Education (foundation skills in Math and Reading)
  • High School Equivalency Preparation (GED)
  • English Language (ESL/ELL) - non-credit; Reading, Writing, and Listening
  • Career Training – short-term, credit and non-credit, IET (Integrated Education and Training), certificates and employment pathways

Call Student Services (531)622-4060 to register for an INFO Session!

Business Partnership Outreach

Metropolitan Community College WID is growing and partnering with various businesses in an effort to meet the needs of our students, businesses and community. Our goal is to align our students and business partners for career advancements in High wage, High skill, High demand (H3) jobs.
Our Business Development department networks with growing and diversifying companies by identifying their needs and working together to develop a bridge that will fill the gap with customized training, hands on experience, and their earning recognized certifications that will help people in our community to become qualified future employees. Here are some examples of what is currently happening:

Business & Industry Leadership Training Advisory Boards

Career and Technical Education Advisory Boards
Industrial Technology and Career Advisory Boards
Prototype Design Degree Pathway Advisory Board

Career Placement Programs

Please see full section earlier in the handbook

Certification Focus Training

Blanchard Leadership
CDL
Code School
Customer and Leadership Experience
Digital Marketing
Fiber Optics
Insurance Producer
Medical Services Representative
Office Professional Administration
Pharmacy Technician
Production Technician
Project Management Academy
Veterinary Assistant

Competency Based Education

Prototype Design Degree Credit Program

Customized Training

1+2 Program at Tyson Foods
Hard Hat & Hand Program at Turner Construction
Any combination of credit and non-credit programming/training
Workforce Development and Upskilling programming

Audiences

We serve those needing to learn a skill, wanting to learn new skills, upscale, rescale, public, private, profit, non-profit. We serve everyone, no matter your employment status, our goal is to match your needs.
When you are ready for us to work with your business, please contact us at 531-355-4055 or email careerforward@mcc.neb.edu

Federal Work Study Experiment

In partnership with the Office of Financial Aid

The Federal Work Study Experiment Program is an educational program that seeks to engage students in off-campus work study experiences that are integrated with their program of study and introduce candidates and students to future potential employers. The Metropolitan Community College Federal Work Study Experiment Program is under the supervision of the Financial Aid Office, which establishes, monitors and reviews the program on a continual basis. The program’s mission is not solely based on being a source of additional income but on providing an avenue to earn money and work experience. The MCC student work experience should support and reflect, whenever possible, the career goals of the student.

Eligibility:

Student eligibility for federal work study is determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Eligibility is based on the following criteria. Students must:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  2. Show financial need
  3. Be enrolled in at least six credit hours
  4. Be in good standing for Satisfactory Academic Progress standards

Benefits:

  1. Increases the diversity of employment opportunities
  2. Increases the number of hours
  3. Increases the amount of wages paid to each student
  4. Aligns the federal work study job opportunities
  5. Enables low-income and disadvantaged students to have more opportunities
  6. Enables students to better understand what will be expected of them in the workplace

Program facts:

  1. Each student can work up to 20 hours per week
  2. Employer pays up to 50 percent of their wages
  3. Student will be paid by MCC
  4. Employer will be billed by MCC
  5. No work will be scheduled during regular class time hours
  6. All work schedules will be coordinated around the student’s class time
  7. Students my qualify for paid internships, practicums and capstone courses.

Students my qualify for paid internships, practicums and capstone courses.

Contact Information

Gap & SNAP Program
Alex Lovrien, Workforce Training Coordinator
Email: allovrien@mccneb.edu
Phone: 531-622- 2110

Career Placement Program
Lyndsie Gibbs, Manager of Career Placement
Email: lmgibbs@mccneb.edu
Phone: 531-622-7222

Integrated Education & Training
Russa Smith-Patterson – Coordinator of Integrated Education & Training
Email: Integrated Education & Training

Gap & SNAP Program
Garcia – Manager of Adult Education
Email: slgarcia@mccneb.edu
Phone: 531-622-4048

Business Partnership Outreach
Gloria Harwell, Mgr. Business Development, Training & Outreach-Career Advancement
Email: careerforward@mccneb.edu
Phone: 531-622-4055

Federal Work Study Experiment
Kristen Ingram or David Johnson
Email: careerforward@mccneb.edu
Phone: 531-622-8551/531-622-2603