The MicroTrain Blog

More than ever before, employers today are requiring candidates to have specific professional certifications to be considered for the position.  In a recent article, CIO magazine went so far as to say " The time is coming when the word certified will be a synonym for employable ."   And in many industries, that time is already here.

The problem for many is that attaining most certifications requires time, and more importantly, money that often a person who is out of work cannot afford.  Which sets up an unfortunate cycle that becomes difficult to break -- can't get a job without a certification, but can't afford a certification without a job. 

This is where MicroTrain is going to help. Because we have seen many people in this situation, MicroTrain is proud to announce the Van Nice - Muller Scholarship program, which will help out of work individuals get the valuable training and certifications that they need to get their next job.

"This is a rough job market," said Stan Van Nice, MicroTrain CEO and co-founder.  "Since we began MicroTrain back in 1999, we've helped over 10,000 people get training and improve their careers.  But this is the worst job market we've seen, and really wanted to do something to try to make a difference."

MicroTrain will award one full scholarship per quarter to qualified individuals seeking to obtain training and certifications in Project Management, Cisco, CompTIA, IT Management, Microsoft IT, or Office Administration.   Prospective students can inquire for more information by either calling MicroTrain at 888-737-8512 or submitting our online form at  www.microtrain.net/scholarship. 

"Certifications and training are so valuable in your job search," said Dennis Muller, MicroTrain President and co-founder.  "MicroTrain wanted to make a difference and give something back, and I truly hope this scholarship will make the difference in turning someone's life around by helping them land a new job."

More information about the Van Nice - Muller Scholarship can be found at http://www.microtrain.net/scholarship. 

MicroTrain is pleased to announce that Kassandra McGhee has been promoted to the position of Director of Career Services. In this new role, Kassandra will lead and manage the Career Services team, while promoting the department to students, case managers, and the corporate community.

Kassandra was promoted from the position of Director of Workforce Development, which she held since July, 2009. In that role Kassandra developed and led career workshops, worked with area companies to utilize corporate placement services, and provided vocational, educational, and job search counseling and services for clients.  Prior to joining MicroTrain, Kassandra worked as a Student Services/Placement Coordinator for  New Horizons Computer Training Centers where she coordinated all student enrollment, retention and placement services. Before that she was a Program Coordinator and UAW-Ford/Bright Horizons, and a Program Coordinator at Rock Valley College.

Kassandra attained her Master's of Science degree in Sociology from Iowa State University, along with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, also from Iowa State.  In addition, Kassandra is a Certified Career Specialist, which she obtained from the University of Illinois at Springfield, as well as a Certified Workforce Development Professional, obtained from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.

"We are very excited about what Kassandra has accomplished over the past 8 months, and happy to be able to promote her to this important position," said Stan Van Nice, MicroTrain CEO and co-founder. "MicroTrain's mission is to help people get back to work, and the Director of Career Services is an essential part of this process, and I think Kassandra is perfectly suited to lead this effort in the future."