CanCode Communities, in partnership with SUNY Jamestown Community College, announced on Wednesday the launch of its first program in Western New York. Known as JamestownCanCode, the program offers free Virtual Digital Literacy classes for qualified individuals in the region looking to learn basic computer skills.
Registration is open for classes that are set to run 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 7-August 11. The virtual course is open to residents of Western New York and the larger Appalachia Region. Visit sunyjcc.edu/digitalliteracy to register.
CanCode is a nonprofit organization training non-traditional talent for software career opportunities. Its computer training and education courses equip individuals with essential computer skills, while also establishing a diverse, inclusive pipeline of tech talent to serve the needs of the business community.
“We’re thrilled to launch our initial JamestownCanCode program, and to begin to serve the needs of people, businesses and communities across Western New York and beyond,” said CanCode Communities Founder and CEO Annmarie Lanesey. “We’re proud to partner with Jamestown Community College to provide this training, which will empower individuals with tech skills that are essential for career advancement and success, and help develop a diverse and inclusive talent pool that addresses the workforce needs of employers.”
The Virtual Digital Literacy program teaches basic computer usage skills, including Google Docs and Microsoft Office; use and management of email and calendars; word processing and spreadsheet use; and using the web to conduct safe and productive internet job searches. It is designed to serve students with a wide range of experiences and competencies, from those who have used a computer frequently to those who have rarely used one and feel nervous about doing so.
“An increasing number of jobs in today’s workforce expect basic and advanced computer skills, and unfortunately there is a skills gap.” said the Director of SUNY JCC Workforce Development, Grant Umberger. “Programs like the Virtual Digital Literacy and Software Skills aid in filling that skills gap and create more opportunities for underemployed workers or prospective employees.”
For more information, call JCC Workforce Development at 716.338.1005 or email workforce@mail.sunyjcc.edu.