UCF has received generous donations from JPMorgan Chase and Microsoft Corporation for a new online job training program designed to help workers displaced by a pandemic in central Florida.
UCF ChargeUP! The program is aimed at residents who have lost their full-time jobs in the hospitality or leisure industries. The program offers professional development training from Microsoft Learn and LinkedIn Learning, as well as one-on-one support from career coaches on resume and cover letter writing, professional profile creation, and job interviews. The program will conclude with employment relationships with a range of Central Florida and National companies.
The program is fully self-paced, with lessons offered virtually and on demand. The first session will start on July 26 and will focus on customer service and sales. Additional program deliveries will be offered in the coming months. There is no charge to participate.
JPMorgan Chase and Microsoft have donated $ 550,000 to support the skills training program, which will be delivered through UCF’s continuing education division in partnership with gener8tor, a startup acceleration company.
As the affected workforce seeks to re-enter the recovering local economy, which as of May 2021 had an unemployment rate of 5.4%, they can expand their skills and prepare to be competitive candidates for the future. jobs in demand. Workers in the hospitality and leisure industries have been hit hardest by the pandemic, according to the Brookings Institute.
“As we recover from the challenges of the past year, it is critical that our workforce receive the resources and opportunities they need to take on key positions and keep our economy strong,” said Sean Armstrong. , Executive Director of UCF Continuing Education. “This is a welcome boost, and we are grateful to our partners for helping job seekers in our community. “
“Central Florida has been hit hard by job losses in the hospitality and tourism industries. We are delighted to partner with UCF to provide free online training and support to displaced workers who wish to re-enter the workforce or transition to new careers, ”said Lori Beer, Chief Information Officer world for JPMorgan Chase.
“Today more than ever, digital skills are essential for job seekers; they are the new bargaining chip for opportunities in today’s increasingly digital economy, ”says Naria Santa Lucia, general manager of Microsoft for digital inclusion and community engagement in the United States . “This is why we are supporting the work of UCF and gener8tor to make training more accessible to those who wish to acquire new skills. “
Residents of Central Florida interested in participating can contact UCF Continuing Education at 407-882-0260 or [email protected].
