Free computer training offered

Converges, Island Employability partner to tap into workforce

Everyone wins with a new partnership between the Converges call centre and Island Employability.

The partnership will see a free computer course offered to anyone who wants to work at a call centre but doesn’t have the necessary computer skills.

In return, the call centre will get access to some untapped employment potential.

“This is going to give them the opportunity to come down, go through the computer test,” said Michelle Sharpe of Convergys.

“We are just going to see where they stand because, of course, some people might need a full training course, some may need a touch up and then some may need to practise their typing speed.”

Unfortunately, Sharpe said their main training program doesn’t allow them to first teach basic computer skills. It only addresses the necessary information needed to service various lines of business.

This new program will fill that gap.

The pre-training course will be showcased during an open house on May 24 at the Glace Bay call centre.

The first pre-training will start on May 29 and tentatively run for three days for about three hours per day.

“After they finish the course we are then going to put them through the computer test we do in the interview process,” said Sharpe.

“If everything goes well and the interview goes well, they could potentially be offered a position.”

This is the first time Convergys has offered such a course and they are excited at the potential to find new talent in the community.

“I know we are missing out on some really good talent out there,” said Sharpe. “They could have maybe 10 years customer service experience but they may not have the computer skills.”

Island Employability will facilitate the pre-training. More details will be available during the May 24 open house.

Besides Convergys and Island Employability representatives, other community partners and government dignitaries will be on hand for the open house.

For more information, contact Sharpe through email at Michelle.Sharpe@convergys.com or by phone at 902-8423800, ext. 8352013.