BPCC offers free vocational training for local companies | Business

“We invest our time, effort and money so the employer doesn't have to do that,” says Justin Tison, director of college transition programs at Bossier Parish Community College. “We can address exactly what they want to see and develop a training program that meets the specific needs of each employer.”

For companies struggling with rising costs and ongoing difficulties in finding employees, this may sound too good to be true. But Tison guarantees it's true – and it gets even better.

The programs cost companies nothing.

If the company wants, it can pay its employees a stipend for the training or contribute to the cost of an instructor, but that's voluntary, Tison says. Otherwise, services are free for businesses in the BPCC region of Caddo, Bossier, Webster, DeSoto, Bienville, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes.

Tison's department at BPCC focuses on working with people who don't have a high school diploma, don't speak English well, or don't have employable job skills, helping them obtain the certifications, language skills, or training they need to get a job.

Local companies are on the rise, he says.

“We've had more conversations with employers in the last year than ever before,” he said. “They're having trouble filling their positions, and we have an untapped market of people who, when they come to us, are underqualified.”

Using college transition programs such as HiSET/GED courses in English and Spanish, English language learning courses, college and career pathways, and others, Tison and his team create employer-focused plans.

They are currently working on training fiber optic technicians for AT&T and Verizon and will soon be working on warehouse logistics. “We are working on developing specific logistics programs for this employer so that the candidate we send them is ready for the respective company.”

Tison says the department has also partnered with Benteler Steel at the Port of Caddo-Bossier.

“When a student finishes, we want to be sure they can go out and get a job,” he said. “Plus, it helps us 'sell' the program to the students because they could be working, taking care of their family or doing something else, you know?

“Larger companies like Shell have a Shell training program. We try to build that up for the employer so they don't have to spend that money.”

The College Transitions Program will host a free information day for prospective students on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building F, 6220 East Texas St. Registration is required.