APPLY FOR TOP

Today's Office Program (TOP) is a thirteen-week program designed to prepare graduates to work in today's technology-based office environment.  Our desire is to assist anyone transitioning to self-sufficiency, including single parents, domestic violence survivors, minorities, displaced workers, people with disabilities, older workers, people on government assistance of any kind, the poor and those who have fallen through the cracks of our society’s safety nets.  The program accepts a maximum of 12 students per class, providing extra opportunity for the one-on-one attention students need to be successful. 

The entire program is wrapped around employment, setting the students focus on the ultimate outcome from the first day of class.  Students are assisted with career planning and development to give them a "hope and a vision for their future".  Computer skills, which are an absolute necessity today, comprise a large portion of the program.  The students have extensive practice with Microsoft Word and Excel and receive an overview of Microsoft Windows, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer and Outlook.  Graduates are prepared to pass the Proficient level test for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in both Microsoft Word and Excel.  This Microsoft certification will help to prove to potential employers that the graduate has the necessary computer skills to be an asset to the team. 

The class goes on to explore the attributes of a good employee…honesty, integrity, dedication, responsibility and punctuality.  Communication skills and goal setting are other areas that are addressed, interacting with fellow employees and management, as well as dealing with the public.  The program further prepares the students for writing a resume, interviewing for the job, getting the job and keeping the job.

Completion the program takes great commitment and dedication on the part of the students, as they are required to dress in appropriate office attire to attend class and clock in each day as though they were going to work.  If the students do not have appropriate attire, it will be provided for them free of charge.  Strict attendance is required and all assignments must be completed and turned in on time, just like projects at the office.  Upon graduation a career counselor works closely with each graduate until they secure employment and follow-up with them for at least one year.  The Computer Training Partnership makes a lifetime commitment to the graduates of the program, encouraging them to come back if additional assistance is needed.  CTP is hopeful that the graduates will continue to be a part of the solution by volunteering in the program after graduation.