Austin Community College hosts a graduation ceremony Friday, October 17, to celebrate a pathway to higher wages for a group of workers now armed with office administration skills provided by the ACE (Accelerating Connections to Employment) grant program.
The graduation ceremony and reception will be 1-3 p.m. in Room 301 of the Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road.
ACE is a grant program that provides the skills and credentials needed to compete in the high-demand career tracks of apartment maintenance technician and administrative assistant. Graduates of the recent administrative assistant program completed hands-on service-learning projects with the nonprofit organization Foundation Communities.
“It’s a real-life practice and work experience,” says Nathan Livni, ACC’s ACE grant coordinator. “These programs help low-income workers  get the basic training they need to start a new career as an administrative assistant. ”
Since its launch in fall 2013, 39 participants have completed the eight-week program. The majority found employment afterward earning an average wage of $10.54.
“Everything I learned in the ACE course will make me more valuable to employers,” says Tameko Scott, an ACE participant. “Everyone involved with the program, from the instructors to the other students, wants you to succeed. They’re here to help you reach your goals.”
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, administrative assistants held more than 13,600 jobs in Central Texas in 2010. Projected employment is expected to grow to more than 15,000 by 2020.
ACE is a collaboration among the college’s Continuing Education and Adult Education divisions, along with Workforce Solutions Capital Area.The U.S. Labor Department provided funding.
ACE is now offering a new Apartment Maintenance Certification pathway. For more information, visit the ACE webpage or contact Workforce Solutions at (512) 597.7135.
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