UpSkill Tulare County promotes training and advancement practices to help businesses and workers stay competitive. The UpSkill training initiative helps businesses increase the skills of entry level workers while promoting advancement in the workplace.

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How does it work:

  • UpSkill provides funds to cover the cost of the training courses, instructors, and materials.

  • UpSkill works with businesses to identify desired skill sets that will make employees more competitive.

  • UpSkill partners with local trainers to provide technical and soft skills training courses.

  • Businesses can send current employees through any of the 9 approved training courses.

11

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Business served

229

Incumbent Workers Trained

13

Cohorts Completed

Why Participate in UpSkill?

“The reasons vary, but frequently employers tell us they are looking to equip their workers with the emerging skills they need in the workplace so both the workers and the business can succeed.”  (Jaime Fall, Upskill America)

John from Tulare says "It was tough to have to deal with a situation like this but I appreciated the help in finding resources towards a successfull rehire".

Electric Motor Shop and Supply sent 7 employees to the Essential Workplace Skills training and 3 additional employees to the Front-Line Supervisor training. “This training provides an opportunity for growth for my current and upcoming Supervisors, met a need of the company for internal improvement, and satisfies my desire to promote from within.” (Rodney Wilson) 
JoAnn West Coast Distribution Center was having a difficult time finding training due to budgetary constraints. “We know we have team members who have potential, but they need training to polish their skills. We are not able to provide that training internally. We are always looking for ways to engage our employees. This is a good way to build team strength and increase morale.” (Bruce Nicotero, General Manager)

Upcoming Training Dates

2020 Dates TBD

2020 Dates TBD

Approved Trainings

Essential Workplace Skills

Hours Per Trainee: 24

This course is designed for entry level employees or with staff who lack basic essential skills in areas such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, attitude/manners, social responsibility, and organization. 

Front Line Supervisor

Hours Per Trainee: 36

The Front Line Supervisory Academy is designed to help new or seasoned super-visors in the manufacturing field develop themselves with current and proven leadership strategies. The Supervisory Academy will enhance your abilities and provide proven tools and strategies to move beyond the definition of “boss.”

Introduction to Lean Systems

Hours Per Trainee: 8

This class is designed to provide participants with the knowledge of Lean principles, as well as typical Lean tools and methods, so they can begin their Lean exploration. Lean is a management philosophy. The fundamental idea of Lean is to maximize customer value while minimizing wast. Eliminating or minimizing inefficiencies along entire value streams, instead of at isolated points, creates processes that are easier, better, faster and less expensive and with much fewer defects, compared with traditional systems. 

Emergency Medical Technician

(EMT Refresher Course Health Care)

Hours Per Trainee: 8

The goal of this refresher course is to help students maintain skills in recognition of symptoms of illness and/or injury and proper procedures for emergency care. Course covers preparatory practice, airway, OB, infant, children, medical behavior,and trauma. Can include emergency driving, HAZMAT, ambulance operations, and incident command system.

Preventive Controls for Human Foods Training

Hours Per Trainee: 20

This Preventive Controls for Human Foods Regulation training is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/process, placking and holding of food products for human consumption in the United States. This course is developed by the FSPCA and is the "standard curriculum" recognized by FDA and fulfills the FSMA requirement for a PCQ / (Reventive Controls Qualified Individual).

Business Writing

Hours Per Trainee: 6

In this training, you will learn how to be a professional writer, tackling everything from grammar to spelling. Learn how to write in a business-like manner, writing up quality emails and memos that are succinct and polite, conveying the tone and message you intend. This Business Writing class is organized into two training modules of 3 hours each or can be completed in a single 6-hour module.

 

  1. Most Common Spelling Errors

  2. Commas and Apostrophes

  3. Email Etiquette and Examples

  4. Taking Minutes

  5. Grammar

  6. How to Proofread

  7. Clarity: Transitions, Fluidity of Ideas, conveying Tone

  8. E-mail Review

Microsoft Word

Hours Per Trainee: 6

:In this training, you will learn not only the basics of Microsoft Word, but the numerous features of Microsoft Word such as creating tables, labels and merge. Discover how to make this program work for you and make your documents clear and efficient. Each Microsoft Word Level (Basic/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advance) is offered in two modules of 3 hours each for a total of 6 hours per level.

Basic/Intermediate:

 

  1. Navigating a Document

  2. Using Numbered Bulleted Lists

  3. Introducing Mail Merge

  4. Introducing Tables

  5. Sorting Data in Table

  6. Using Templates

  7. Creating a Business Report

  8. Inserting Headers/Footers and comments

 

Intermediate/Advanced:

 

  1. Inserting Section Break and Setting up Columns

  2. Formatting Text with Styles

  3. Using Special Characters

  4. Watermarks

  5. Tracking Changes and Reviewing a Document

  6. Saving and Sending Files

  7. Embedding and Linking Excel Objects

  8. Using Excel as a Mail Merge Data Source

Basic Math for Manufacturing

Hours Per Trainee: 24

This course will help students understand the fundamentals of math in a way that is engaging, interesting, and relevant. The content of the course will enable students to learn and apply mathematics concepts to everyday practical applications tradesman encounter on daily basis. Course covers basic calculation, measurement, decimals, basic geometry and trigonometry for the workplace.

Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA) 

Hours Per Trainee: 8

This class is designed for to provide CNA's comprehensive training in the rehabilitation process. These training's are available in a two day class.  ​

  1. Anatomy and Aging

  2. Cognition

  3. Communication and Hearing

  4. Dysphagia & Eating

  5. Joint Mobility

  6. Orthopedic Case Study

  7. ADL Training

  8. Funcational Mobility

  9. Neurological Case Study

Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA) 

Hours Per Trainee: 8

This class is designed for to provide CNA's comprehensive training in the rehabilitation process. These training's are available in a two day class.  ​

  1. Anatomy and Aging

  2. Cognition

  3. Communication and Hearing

  4. Dysphagia & Eating

  5. Joint Mobility

  6. Orthopedic Case Study

  7. ADL Training

  8. Funcational Mobility

  9. Neurological Case Study

Leadership Academy

Hours Per Trainee: 42

This class is designed to provide training in seven modules. 

  1. Employee Engagement

  2. Leadership Essentials

  3. Integrity & Ethics

  4. Generational Diversity

  5. Emotional intelligence

  6. Authentic Leadership

  7. Managing Personalities

Microsoft Excel

Hours Per Trainee: 6

In this training, you will learn how to use one of the most popular and useful Microsoft programs to build formulas and work with large amounts of data. Learn how to do calculations and use formulas in Excel to make your life easier and more efficient. Each Excel level (basic, intermediate and advanced) is offered in two modules of 3 hours each for a total of 6 hours per level.

Basic:

 

  1. Overview of Excel

  2. Entering and Editing Data

  3. Formatting Cells

  4. Autofill

  5. Worksheet Calculations

  6. Inserting Rows/Columns & hiding

  7. Functions and Formulas

  8. Charts

  9. Importing & Exporting

  10. Sort & Filter

Microsoft PowerPoint

Hours Per Trainee: 6

In this training, you will learn how to utilize all of the features in Microsoft PowerPoint to create a vibrant, engaging presentation. Discover all of the features of the presentation software, such as slide design, embedding video and music, animations and more. The MS Power Point training is a 6-hour class that can be separated into two 3-hour modules if needed.

 

  1. Using Document Themes

  2. Formatting Your Presentation

  3. Working with Graphics

  4. Using Slide Animation

  5. Working with Multimedia

  6. Inserting Charts

  7. Creating SmartArt Diagrams

  8. Using Hyperlinks in Presentations

Microsoft Outlook

Hours Per Trainee: 6

In this training, you will learn how to take advantage of all of the facets of Microsoft Outlook. You will not only discover the dynamic features of your inbox and email, but go over how to use Outlook Tasks, People management and Calendar. The MS Outlook training is a 6-hour class that can be delivered in two three hour modules if needed.

 

  1. Introduction to Outlook 2016

  2. Getting Started with Outlook Email

  3. Organizing Messages

  4. Working with Contacts and Contact Groups

  5. Exploring the Calendar

  6. Working with Notes

  7. Working with Tasks

  8. Integrating with Word and Mobile Devices

Frequently Asked Questions

How are training providers chosen?

All Upskill Tulare County training providers are selected though a formal request for proposal process. When a training is identified the Workforce Investment Board sends out a request for proposal to all know local training providers. Providers then submit proposals which are reviewed and rated by local Industry Partners. Based on the recommendations of the Industry Partners, the Workforce Investment Board adds the training provider to a list of approved providers.



  1. Who decides which trainings will be offered?

The WIB Business Services Team collects information from local employer partners to determine which skills trainings are currently needed. This information is then shared with advisory boards and collaborative organizations to find out if the training is relevant.



  1. What is the cost of the training to the employer?

Employers who meet the qualifications of the Upskill program incur no cost for the trainings provided through Upskill Tulare County. Employers are required to pay an In-Kind cost which can be paying for the wages of an employee while the employee is participating in training.



  1. Are trainees required to complete out of class assignments?

Most Upskill Tulare County trainings require no out of class assignments. There are a few trainings that have an online element to the trainings. The online portion of the training is completed by the employee on their own time. Online training elements are denoted in the training hours and description of each Upskill training.



  1. What information is required from the employee to participate in an Upskill training?

In order to fund the training classes employers must provide the Workforce Investment Board with employee full name, social security number, and wages. This information is collected for State reporting purposes to verify that the trainings are being provided to eligible workers.



  1. Can the training schedule be customized?

Yes. Each of the trainings approved for Upskill Tulare County can be customized. Trainings can be 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 8 hours, and can be held consecutive days, M/W or T/TH or event on weekends. If you are interested in customizing a training please contact Nicola Wissler, Upskill Tulare County Coordinator.



  1. Where are the trainings held?

Trainings can be held at employer sites, or partner sites like Fresno Pacific University, College of the Sequoias (Visalia or Tulare campus) or Fresno State University Visalia Campus.



  1. What is the minimum size of a training cohort?

The minimum number of participants in a cohort is 17.



  1. Does a single company have to fill the entire cohort?

No. Cohorts may be filled by a single employer with 17+ participants or it may be filled by multiple employers each sending a number of employees.



How can I find out if my company qualifies for UpSkill Tulare County

Any business that would like more information about the UpSkill Tulare County program and its qualification requirements should contact Nicola Wissler at 559-713-5208. There are 3 basic requirements to qualifiy. 1. Length of time the employee has been working for the employer. 2. There is a wage requirement that 51% of the participating employees must meet. 3. Employers must agree to pay full employee wages during training hours.



Which employees are ideal candidates for UpSkill training?

While any employee may participate in an UpSkill Tulare County training cohort, ideal candidates are working in entry level or low wage jobs ($21.00 or less an hour), show potential for growth within the company, and have been employed for 6+ months with their current employer.

We encourage businesses to look at the entire company talent pool when selecting individuals to participate in UpSkill Tulare County.

Example job titles that fit the “Ideal” UpSkill Tulare County participants include:

Health Care:

  • Pharmacy Aids
  • Physical Therapist Aids
  • Psychiatric Aids
  • Orderlies
  • Recreational Therapists
  • Phlebotomists
  • Massage Therapists
  • Emergency Medical Technicians
  • Home Health Aides
  • Pharmacy Technicians
  • Nursing Assistants
  • Medical Assistants
  • Clinic Representatives
  • Patient Access Specialists
  • Medical Business Office Specialists
  • Laundry Staff
  • Food Staff
  • Secretary
  • Patient Accounts Clerk
  • Financial Counselor
  • Accounting Technician

Industrial:

  • Labor & Freight Movers
  • Stock and Material Movers
  • Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Drivers
  • Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
  • Packaging & Filling Machines Operators
  • Food Batchmakers
  • Light Truck Drivers
  • Delivery Services Drivers
  • Assemblers
  • Inspectors, Testers, Sorters
  • Welders
  • Electrical Assemblers
  • Machine Feeders and Offbearers
  • Machinists
  • Machine Setters
  • Material Collectors
  • Machine Operators
  • Food Processing Workers
  • Conveyor Operators