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In the coming weeks, a new computer center will be up and running to help
University employees in low-grade-level jobs boost their knowledge, skills and
potential for promotion.
The center, which planners hope to open in December, will boast several
computers and a printer, plus self-tutorial software. It will be designed for
the use of employees in job grades 50-54.
Housekeepers make up most of the employees in grades 50-54 who will be
able to take advantage of the NCTP, but other University positions fall within
that range as well. They are: Mail Clerk I, Stock Clerk I, Sales Clerk II,
Office Assistant II, Processing Assistant II, Library Clerk II, Research Aide,
Laboratory Helper, Medical Lab Assistant I, Human Resources Aide, Laborer,
General Utility Worker, Floor Maintenance Assistant, Vehicle Operator I,
Bindery Worker II and some parking lot attendants.
The center emerged from the New Careers Training Program (NCTP), which
grew out of a settlement three years ago between the University and the
Housekeeping Association.
"At that time, the University assured funds for improved working
conditions and opportunities for learning and self-improvement," said Willis
Brooks, a faculty representative on the New Careers Training Board, which
oversees the program. "Our hope is that it will lead to promotions within the
University and open up horizons for these employees."
A renovated space on the first floor of the Kennon Cheek-Rebecca Clark
Building on Cameron Avenue will house the new computer center. Part of the
reason for selecting this site, on the fringes of campus, was to make people
who want to use the center feel comfortable.
"Even people with the best of intentions may feel intimidated on campus,"
said Ken Perry, building custodian and New Careers Training Board chair. "We
looked carefully at their needs and determined that this separate location
would best serve everyone."
According to Claire Miller, director of training in Human Resources, the
board also approved the purchase of PLATO, a self-paced program which will
provide interactive, individualized instruction in a broad range of subjects.
Employees will be able to increase their knowledge in subjects such as
math, reading, writing, life skills and applied skills for the workplace.
"We can also customize the curriculum so that people can learn skills for
a particular kind of job," Miller said.
For this, she noted that the board will look to Durham Technical Community
College. which will help develop curricula for various jobs that appeal to
people looking for promotions.
"We will also use Reading Horizons, a phonetically-driven software
program," Miller said. "These programs are all very individualized. They are
not like campus learning labs or classroom settings . It is very much
computer-based training, where the computer becomes the teacher."
Some of the programs use video to simulate actual situations. These are
useful for learning what Miller calls "soft skills" such as how to talk to
co-workers, resolve conflicts or communicate with supervisors.
Overall, the consensus of the board is that the NCTP will open more doors,
identify different career paths, provide opportunities to practice skills at
one's own pace and eventually quicken advancement.
"I'm extremely pleased that we've been able to put our ideas to work and
can now help further the education of those who most need it," Perry said.
"Although our tenure as a board is over at the end of this year, we are
planning to remain active in some form to monitor use of the computer center
and to determine what more can be done."
Training and Development, Facilities Training and housekeeping management
are working out operational details for the center, and the New Careers
Training Board will develop a communication plan to kick off the opening of the
lab. Look for more details in future issues of the Gazette.
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