With the help of funding from thrift store sales, Goodwill’s Work Opportunity (job training) Center in Tacoma – as well as Yakima and Longview – is now offering advanced skills training that can lead to eventual office management positions.

Sixty-two scholarships are available in Tacoma, Yakima and Longview for the Advanced Computer & Office Skills Program – featuring valued skills in basic website upkeep, cloud based file management, and computer hardware troubleshooting. There is no charge for the 10-week course or textbooks. The Washington State certified program also works to place graduates into internships, then initial jobs.

“This course features Word and Excel classes you would attend at the community college level,” said Aaron Tran, Computer & Office Skills Program Coordinator. “And in addition, if students are interested in the Information Technology field, this is a great first-look at the subject.”

Students learn advanced computer skills commonly used in the workplace and valued by employers. This includes continuing work with Microsoft Word and Excel, an introduction to HTML, WordPress website software, and learning the internal components of a computer and how to troubleshoot basic IT issues.

Students must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or a GED and read at an 8th grade level. Tacoma residents will learn at the Milgard work Opportunity Center (pictured) distance learning theater that also simulcasts the course to students in Yakima and Longview.

Approximately 23 seats (each) are available in Tacoma for the June 12 and July 17 programs. To qualify, you must register for – and attend – a mandatory orientation and skills assessment meeting to be held at each location:

In Tacoma: to register contact Aaron Tran, Program Manager, aaront@goodwillwa.org at 253-573-6564. Orientation and skills assessments are every first Friday of each month (9 to 11:30 a.m.) – at the Milgard Work Opportunity Center, 714 S. 27th St.

Learn more at goodwillwa.org.