Are you looking to increase your retention rates for new hires? Do you wish all workers had some basic level of workplace skills? If you answered Yes to either of these questions, the Employee Enhancement Program is for you! This four module workshop is designed to help new employees with the soft skills necessary for success on the job. The next class runs November 3rd, 10th, 17th and December 1st, 2005.

Check out these results:
Reviews of the program found that, twelve local companies sent over 80 new employees to this program. Prior to their participation in this program these companies had an overall retention rate of 45% for their recently hired workers.

Below are some comments from Employee Enhancement Program attendees.

Program strengths were noted as:

• Work ethics and employee responsibility


• Keeping a positive attitude


• Customer satisfaction skills


• Importance of team building


• Anger management, communicating effectively with your supervisor and goal setting


• How to accept praise and criticism at work


• It was all excellent and very well communicated as well as inspirational

Call today to find out how Workforce New York can benefit your business!

Workshops include the following topics:

• Having it All-Managing Your Job & Life


• Employee Strategies for Creating On-the-Job Success


• Communication at Work; Pulling Together-Being Part of Your Work Team


• Business is a Service Thing- Excellent Customer Service for both Internal & External Customers

Please note that for new employees (not in seasonal positions) who have been hired after July 3rd grant funding is available to cover the cost for the entire four-module program. The employee must be earning less than $15.00/hr. and the employer must complete a post-evaluation of their employee’s skill gain. For other employees there is a $50.00 fee per module or $175.00 for the series plus a one time book fee of $10.00.

Take advantage of quick hitting convenient job skills development classes at Columbia Greene Community College.

Microsoft Business Applications Training: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Fee $87.00, Instructor The Learning House

• Excel 2000 Level 1, November 7th


• Excel 2000 Level 2, November 14th


• Power Point Level 1, November 28th


• Access 2000 Level 1, December 5th

Microsoft Windows XP   November 9th & 16th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fee $42.00  Instructor Susan Loguidice

Microsoft Word   November 28th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fee $27.00 Instructor Cheryl Walston

Call Columbia Greene Community College @ 828-4181 ext. 3342 during regular business hours for instant registration.

Lockout/Tagout (Control of Hazardous Energy): October 19th, 9:00am-12:00pm, Albany
Learn how to establish energy control procedures, employee training and inspection procedures to prevent workplace injuries.

OSHA’s Revised Recordkeeping Rule: November 17th 12:30-3:30pm or December 7th 9:00am-12:00pm, Albany
If you are required to keep OSHA records of occupational illnesses and injuries learn about the new rules and receive the new 300, 300A & 301 forms.

Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls: November 15th 9:00am-11:30am, Albany
Lower your Lost Work Day Rate by understanding the nature of slips, trips & falls and learn simple measures you can take to eliminate them.

Chemical Hazard Communication: November 9th 9am-11:30am, Albany
Learn the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, written program, MSDS, Chemical labeling and employee training.

Call Suzanne Waltz at 518-457-2810 if you are interested in any of the above training.

The purpose of the HR Manager's Roundtable is to provide a forum in which HR Managers can exchange information, answer HR questions and discuss best practices. Recent projects have included a health benefit and a retention survey, some discussion topics have included employee retention strategies and useful HR websites. Come and share your expertise with this group of HR professionals.

Next Meeting Discussion Topics:
Company Fitness, Wellness & Nutrition Programs
Company Event/Disaster Preparedness Plans

Wednesday, December 7th from 7:30-9:00 am
Columbia Greene Community College, Staff Cafe

Now is your chance to make a difference! Join the partnership between business and our local school districts and help our young people develop into successful employees! Share your experiences of your business and your career. Provide your perspective on employer expectations, skill requirements, job interviewing tips, and how to be successful in the world of work. Select school districts are now piloting this program. Business volunteers are needed, no time commitments are required we understand sometimes you may be available and other times volunteering may not be possible. Volunteers/businesses can participate as guest speakers, mentors, portfolio reviewers, and mock interviewers. Businesses can also provide field trip opportunities and job shadowing or internship placements. Please call and discuss how you can help with this important effort.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Workforce Investment Board, Greene and Columbia Chambers of Commerce, Columbia Hudson Partnership, Greene County Economic Development, Cairo Durham School District, Catskill School District, Hunter Tannersville School District, Questar III, and the Taconic Hills School District.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005, 12:00 - 1:30 pm.
The Vanderbilt Inn, Philmont
Reservation call 828-4417

October 27, 2005, 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
Reservations appreciated call 828-4417

December 1, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Please contact the Chamber for reservations by November 28, 2005 call 828-4417

Workforce New York may be able to help you with training costs of your new hires through the On The Job Training Program. Call us before you hire your next employee!

If you have comments or feel this newsletter is helpful to you please let me know!

Maureen Boutin
Business Services Representative
Columbia Greene Workforce New York
4400 Route 23
Hudson, New York 12534
518-828-4181 ext. 5510
www.columbiagreeneworks.org

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