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Customized Courses Available for FALL 2010 REGISTRATION: July 26 – 30 Severstal employees August 2 – 5, 2010 Severstal and Arcelor-Mittal employees (based on available space )
FALL 2010
Computer Courses Using Your Computer* Tuesdays Microsoft Office Basics * Tuesdays Digital Photo Editing: Basic Techniques * Thursdays Microsoft Excel Basics * Mondays/Wednesdays No Sweat: Build a Free Personal or Business Website* Mondays Creating a DVD Video* Thursdays Advanced DVD Video Editing* Tuesdays/Thursdays Website Design I * Wednesdays Creating a Personalized Photo Calendar* Mondays
Computer Mini Courses/Workshops Keyboarding (Typing Refresher) Monday thru Thursday Prepare a Professional Resume Wednesdays Forklift Training Tuesday/Wednesday Government Career Workshop Wednesday/Thursday Small Business Planning Wednesdays Retirement Has Changed-What’s your Next Move? Tuesday Getting Back On Track Monday
Courses Basic Math Skills I Mondays Writing and Reading Improvement I Tuesdays Basic Math Skills II Mondays Writing and Reading Improvement II Tuesdays Home Improvement & Repair/Interior Tuesdays Home Renovations Wednesdays Beyond Basic’s Small Engine Repair Thursdays Underground Apprentice Mining Program Mon-Fri/Thurs (2 weeks) CDL Program Mondays/Wednesdays Intro to Gaming Fridays
Telecasting Courses (Stream courses to your home computer) MTE I MTM Introduction
Classes marked with an * are available for college credit Classes marked with ** are personal enhancement courses subject to the Health and Wellness/Fine Arts course rules For more information on any of these classes or to register, please call Nicole or Lynn at The George Becker Learning Center (740) 283 - 4800.
COORDINATOR’S CORNER
ICD Customized Course options are expanding! Since joining the USW, the union employees of Arcelor-Mittal’s Weirton plant now have ICD in their contract language. What does that mean to you? We are going to cooperate on class offerings to give employees more options for classes! In our Fall registration, the week of July 26 – 30 will be registration for the Severstal Wheeling employees to take classes offered through the George Becker Learning Center. At that time, Severstal employees have the only opportunity to enroll in the classes listed in this newsletter. Then, the next week and until decisions are made on classes (usually up until two weeks before the class starts if the minimum number of students is enrolled but spaces remain available) Arcelor-Mittal employees can also sign up for our classes. Their company will pay all of their costs to participate. In January 2011, the Arcelor-Mittal employees are anticipating offering classes to their members and allowing our union members to come to their classes with The George Becker Learning Center covering the cost of your participation! It is a great opportunity to have access to more variety of classes, but it is important that you sign up early to assure your space!
With the continued layoffs and uncertainty that surround our mills, it bears repeating to get involved in ICD! After you have exhausted any eligible government retraining benefits, you have the ability to continue your education via ICD. Plenty of employees have been utilizing their ICD benefit every year and are well on their way to second career options – many that can make them a more valuable steelworker, provide a part-time income, or provide an entirely different career avenue if need be or the opportunity presents itself. Other members have used ICD in the past and are “back in the fold” and renewing their educational goals through ICD.
For those of you that have never utilized your ICD benefit, now may be the time to reconsider . . . what have you always found interesting? Would you be a much better student now, than you would have been when you were 18? Is the idea of college less appealing than the idea of a root canal? ICD isn’t just about college. You can utilize your ICD benefit for individual courses related to vocations or to get yourself ready for college.
If you are working, you can take classes here at the ICD Center that are “shift-friendly.” That means that at minimum we have a morning session and an afternoon session of our Customized Courses. So, if you are working daylight this week, you would come to the afternoon session. If next week you are scheduled afternoon turn, you would come to the morning session. The lesson stays the same! How easy is that?
If you are laid off, you can use ICD to ease yourself into coursework. The listing of Customized Courses is extensive. Many of our steelworkers enjoy this learning option (to a maximum value of $2,000 per employee for Customized Courses) because they are with other steelworkers in a comfortable learning scenario.
However that is not the only portion of your ICD benefit. Tuition Assistance is also available. This is the program that pays up to $1,800 per year for members to take courses at other educational facilities. A list of colleges and providers that already participate in our program is included in this catalog – but other schools can be added if a member wants to attend a program at another school. The best part of this benefit is that it is not a reimbursement program – it is a voucher program. As long as you submit your paperwork for an approved school at least two weeks before classes begin and provide ICD with your proof of completion, you don’t have to worry about paying your tuition up front and waiting for reimbursement. We have voucher systems in place with the schools where they will bill us for your tuition. You aren’t using out-of-pocket money to pay for your tuition or required textbooks. It is required that you apply for all available governmental programs that are available for laid off employees. Then you maintain eligibility for ICD programs for two years from your last day worked.
Under certain circumstances, established ICD students can even combine their funding pots and have $3,800 of money available for Tuition Assistance or Customized Courses. Under the national “Issuance 14” guideline, a worker can apply for an Educational Development Plan (EDP) that, if approved, would allow students to combine their funds to complete one program with reduced time frames and out of pocket costs.
One new change that took effect January 1, 2010 is that when you register to take a course, if you do not attend the course and do not provide us with any advance notice of your intention to not take the class, the cost of your participation in the class will be deducted from your annual allotment of $2,000 for Customized Classes and you will receive an “unexcused incomplete” for the course. If you call us to drop the course up to 14 days prior to the class start, you will also be responsible for your share of the course cost from your annual $2,000 Customized Course budget; however, you will not be given an “unexcused incomplete.” So. . . feel free to take as many classes as you can afford that interest you; but, enroll in classes with an understanding of your fiscal responsibilities.
Our web site, sicd.org is a comprehensive site for the explanation of our programs and the related policies. Please access the web site for information on the services available, frequently asked questions, or directions on accessing your benefits. Further information is also available by calling (740) 283-4800.
Now that you understand the main programs of your benefit, isn’t it time to get on the road to learning? Ask us for the directions, you will be glad you did.
TEXT BLOCK: ICD is available for family members In an effort to help more employees help their family members, this policy has been updated to allow dependents to enroll in classes with fewer restrictions. Now, for each course in which the employee is currently enrolled or has completed, the dependent is eligible for an enrollment. For more information about the particular details of the policy, please call the ICD Center.
TEXT BLOCK - Personal Enhancement Course Rules Please note that the mandated national ICD policy surrounding Personal Enhancement courses went into effect January 2001. The policy states that a student may only take two fine arts/health and wellness courses in any one calendar year. Additionally, the student may not take any fine arts/ health and wellness courses in the following year unless he or she has completed an “intervening, more substantive course” before returning to any fine arts/health and wellness course. Please note that there will not be any exceptions to this policy and students should pay special attention to their course selections and individual eligibility.
Fall 2010 Customized Courses, Mini Courses and Workshop Descriptions - The Fall 2010 courses are held at convenient locations for the Upper and Lower Ohio Valley ICD programs, with the majority being held at the George Becker Learning Center at 1010 North Sixth Street in Steubenville. All classes are “shift-friendly” which means that they are offered more than once per day to accommodate shift work. Computer courses at the George Becker Learning Center that are available for credit are marked as such and are available for transferrable credit through West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC).
Computer Courses Descriptions
Using Your Computer – Five Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this 5 week 1 credit class, personal computer operation for the new user will be covered. Also introduction to opening, closing and using software, security issues and using the computer on a daily basis will also be covered.
Tuesdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm August 31 – September 28, 2010
Microsoft Office Basics – Six Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This 1 credit introductory class will cover different programs in Microsoft Office. Students will create and edit documents in MS Word, enter data and write formulas in MS Excel, and get an overview of MS Access. Tuesdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm October 12 – November 16, 2010
Digital Photo Editing: Basic Techniques - Five Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this WVNCC 1 credit course students will learn basic techniques for improving and editing photos. Adjusting exposure, enhancing contrast and improving an image by cropping will be covered. You will learn to add text and graphics to a photo and how to repair the “horrible photo”. Thursdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm September 9 – October 7, 2010
Microsoft Excel Basics - Five Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this 1 credit introduction to Excel, students will learn to enter and edit data and how to create charts and graphs. Also taught will be writing formulas and building budgets. Mondays & Wednesdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm December 1-December 15, 2010
No Sweat: Build a Free Personal or Business Website No Sweat: Five Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this WVNCC 1 credit class will teach students to build a free website with no previous experience. Learn how to chose a template and add a domain, what to include in your website, and how to set up e-mail. Mondays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm September 13 – October 11, 2010
Creating a DVD Video - Five Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This 5 week 1 credit class, you will use your photos to make a professional video of your memories. Students will create special effects (photo pan and zoom), add sound tracks of favorite songs and add opening and closing credits. Thursdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm October 21 – November 18, 2010
Advanced DVD Video Editing - Six Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this 1 credit advanced video editing class, students will create a DVD using Adobe Photoshop files. Learn to create photo collage effects and work with layers and masks. Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm November 30 – December 16, 2010
Website Design I - Six Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This 1 credit class will help students design a website using Microsoft Expression Web 3. This is the first of a series of planned classes to create a website, modify and add and replace content on web pages. Wednesdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm October 13 – November 17, 2010
Creating a Personalized Photo Calendar - Five Weeks at the George Becker Learning Center:In this 1 credit WVNCC course, students will create a personalized calendar with birthdays and special occasions noted. Print one spiral bound calendar and save the file to print later for gifts. Mondays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm October 25 - November 29, 2010 (no class November 22)
Computer Mini Course and Workshop Descriptions
Keyboarding (Typing Refresher) – Four days at the George Becker Learning Center: In this four day class, students will have the opportunity to improve their speed and accuracy of basic keyboard skills and techniques. Monday thru Thursday 12:00pm-1:30pm and 3:30pm-5:00pm August 23 – 26, 2010
Preparing a Resume /Completing Job Applications - Four weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this course, students will create a polished resume which summarizes your experiences, qualifications, and your education and training. Tips and techniques for completing job applications will also be covered. Wednesdays: 9:00am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm September 8 – September 29, 2010
Forklift Training – Two days at the Jefferson County Vocational School: Receive hands-on basic training, including OSHA standards for forklift operation in this six hour workshop. Students with or without experience are welcome. Those who complete training and pass a test earn a certificate. 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm-6:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday – August 17-18, 2010
Government Career Workshops - Two days at the George Becker Learning Center: Information will be provided on federal, state, county, and city job opportunities; interviewing and dress codes. Get your work history electronic resume completed and loaded into the Federal USAJOBS database during this class. You can apply for federal jobs that are open now, or, if you want to wait and apply at some other time in the future, all you have to do is activate your resume. Your resume will be saved in the system, and will be automatically matched up with the job you want to apply for in the Federal Government. Learn how this NEW easy method is accomplished at the Government Employment Workshop/USAJOBS. This is the method currently in use for federal government opportunities. Eligible retirees, spouses and dependents welcome. ATTENTION VETERANS learn how to get credit for your service time. Veteran preference will also be discussed. 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm-6:30pm Wednesday & Thursday –September 1-2, 2010
Small Business Planning - Seven part course at the George Becker Learning Center: If you are interested in a second career as a small business owner, consider this 7 week course. Week 1 – Interested in a New Career? Week 5 – Marketing Basics Week 2 – Home-Bases Business Week 6 – Advertising Strategies Week 3 – Writing Your Business Plan Week 7 – E-Commerce Today Week 4 – Financing Your Business Wednesdays: 9:30am-12:00pm and 3:30pm-6:00pm October 20 – December 8, 2010 (no class November 24)
Retirement Has Changed-What’s your Next Move? - One day at the George Becker Learning Center: In this one day workshop individuals will experience a “Retirement Reality Check”. Have I saved enough? How soon can I retire? What do I need to think about? Also discussed will be five key steps to prepare for retirement. Tuesday: 9:00am-11:00am and 3:30pm-5:30pm October 12, 2010
Getting Back On Track - One day at the George Becker Learning Center: This workshop is structured to help you assess your current financial situation and determine if you are still on track. Reviewing insurance coverage, savings and spending, your goals and your comfort level for investment risk will be discussed for your current situation. Monday: 9:00am-11:00am and 3:30pm-5:30pm October 25, 2010
Courses
Basic Math Skills I - Eight weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This course is designed for students who need to gain competencies in Basic Math. The course covers all the essential topics needed to be successful in future math course. Topics include: fractions, order of operation, decimals, word problems, topics from Geometry, and more. Tuesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm September 7 – October 26, 2010
Writing and Reading Improvement I - Eight weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: Provides an integrated approach to developing students' writing and reading processes. This course prepares students to complete assignments successfully by providing them with reading and writing strategies. Wednesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm September 8 – October 27, 2010
Basic Math Skills II - Eight weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This course is designed to further expand the student’s knowledge of mathematical practices learned in Basic Math Skills I. The course covers all the essential topics needed to prepare for the next level mathematics such as Algebra I. Topics include: exponents, word problems, order of operations and more. Tuesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm November 2 – December 21, 2010
Writing and Reading Improvement II - Eight weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This continuation of Writing and Reading Improvement I, emphasizes strategies within the writing and critical reading processes to help students with specific writing and reading assignments. This course also encourages an appreciation for clear writing and practical reading applications. Wednesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm November 3 – December 22, 2010
Home Improvement and Repair/Interior - Ten weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this hands-on class, the students will start by learning how to stud a room. The class will then move on to installing wiring and electrical components. Next, you will hang drywall and mudd joint with compound and sand to a smooth finish. You will also learn to repair and maintain drywall. Students will then install windows and doors. This is a great class to learn many different skills and give you the knowledge you need to take on home projects. This class is all hands-on! Tuesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm August 24 – October 26, 2010
Home Renovations - Ten weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: This 10 week course will combine both instructional and hands-on training and is designed to acquaint the student with tools and techniques to deal with major home renovation projects. This course covers foundations, building footings & forms for concrete, construct block walls, installing doors and skylights, framing roofing, gutters and shingles. Hands-on activities will include building a shed. Wednesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm August 25 – October 27, 2010
Beyond Basic’s Small Engine Repair - Eight weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: Learn how to service and maintain 2 & 4 cycle engines, focusing on the operational methods and repair procedures. This intensive course will give students thorough hands-on training, the understanding of operations of the engines as well as overview of the equipment to ensure proper servicing. Thursdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm September 9 – October 28, 2010
Underground Apprentice Mining Program- Two weeks at the George Becker Learning Center: In this 72 Hour Underground Mining Apprentice Program students will be prepared for underground mining positions. This course meets pre-employment requirement for earning both federal certification and WV Underground Apprentice Certificate. Students will study underground mine safety issues such as: personal safety equipment, ventilation, roof control, mine emergency plans, haulage and first aid. Monday-Friday/Thursday: 8:00am-4:00pm September 20 – September 30, 2010
CDL Program -Three weeks at the George Becker Learning Center (Lecture Time)/ Twelve weeks Washington Pa. Location (Vehicle and Test Time): This program will prepare the student for class A licensing with air brake endorsements. Classroom, Vehicle and Test time is included in the program. Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:30pm – 6:30pm August 16 – September 1, 2010 (Classroom) September 13 – December 1, 2010 (Driving)
Intro to Gaming – Thirteen weeks at Mountaineer Casino in Chester WV: This course covers the general responsibilities of the casino gaming dealer. Emphasis is placed on correct chip handling, identifying the value of each color chip, learning to read the total value of a bet and pit procedures. This course is a prerequisite for other dealer training courses. Fridays: 8:30am-11:30am and 3:30pm-6:30pm September 10 – December 10, 2010 (no class November 26)
Telecasting Courses (Stream all of these classes to your home computer)
MTE I – Are you interested in entering the electric field or preparing for the Ramsey test evaluation? This introductory course was designed to provide a thorough understanding of electrical theory, safety, pull and junction box sizing. You do not need to have taken the Ramsay exam to qualify for this course. September 7- December 7, 2010
MTM Introduction – This course will briefly touch on such procedures as welding, hydraulics, pumps and piping, print reading, machinery, tools and more. This introductory course is for anyone who wants to get an understanding of the MTM principles or for someone who wants to improve their Ramsay score. You do not need to have taken the Ramsay exam to qualify for this course. August 20 – December 3, 2010 (no class September 3 and November 26)
ARTICLE ON DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN TEXT BOX OR HIGHLIGHTED The national office of the Institute for Career Development (ICD) has negotiated three unique programs with cost advantages available to all career development participants across the nation. Additionally, both of these course programs are eligible for 100% reimbursement at the completion of the course.
ICD Skill Mill (use the www.icdlearning.org link for more details) is a comprehensive program of vocational, academic, and technical skills courses in an extensive listing of programs. The range of classes is so complete as to include coursework such as automobile repair, paralegal, software programs, business management, and technical courses such as CISCO Networking, Windows Server 2003, MCSE courses and many more. The negotiated rate for these courses has been reduced from the standard price of up to $1189 per course to $500 per course in the Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI). Another program available through the same vendor is the TelSim course library of over 1,700 on-line courses that are available for a monthly enrollment of $10.50 which is payable by ICD and applied to an employee’s annual Tuition Assistance funding.
The National Labor College has also negotiated a discounted program primarily aimed at steelworkers seeking degree completion programs. The degree would be a Bachelor of Technical/Professional Studies (BTPS). Tuition rates have been discounted to $150 per credit hour for employees and in a great benefit, the tuition will be discounted to $200 per hour (non ICD financed) for family members. For more information, go to www.nlc.edu and click the links for Educational Programs then select Online and Distance Education Programs.
For more information, view the web sites or call the George Becker Learning Center for further details. Ask your ICD coordinator for enrollment details and visit http://icd.classroomdoor.com for more information.
Come Again! Effective January 1, 2003, employees will now be permitted to apply to re-enroll in a course he or she was previously enrolled. If a student wants to re-enroll in a course, he must enroll during the normal registration period and let the Program Director know that he is applying for a repeat of a course. The student must be able to identify the reason that he is making the request to repeat a course.
Training slots will be made available to employees for re-enrollment if space permits. Permitted space will be defined as a training slot that is available because a course already has the required minimum number of employees; but, has not yet reached the maximum allowed enrollment. In no circumstances will a re-enrolling employee displace an active union member who has not yet completed the course. Extra training slots will first be made available for re-enrolling employees, then eligible dependents and any additional training slots will be made available to retirees. A student may not re-enroll in a course more than one time in a two-year period. Other terms of the re-enrollment process include: · Space availability may be limited to a particular section of a course. · Students who are re-enrolling in a course may be responsible for any material charges associated with the course. (Similar to the charges for dependents/retirees) · If an employee restarts a course that will be considered the second enrollment and an unexcused incomplete will prevent that student from an additional opportunity to retake that particular course. · Training slots will be awarded on a first come basis. Employees may begin signing up on the first day of registration.
Back to School Do you have an outside educational interest that you would like to pursue? There are many local colleges that offer courses on a wide range of topics. In this valley, we are fortunate enough to have access to a wide variety of accredited schools from which to choose. Most of these schools participate in the voucher program with ICD that allows them to bill ICD directly for your tuition and required texts. This means you don’t have to wait for the semester to end to be reimbursed for your expenses. As an eligible union employee, you qualify for up to $1,800 of Tuition Assistance for qualified course work each year. The funding is available for use for a variety of educational goals. The following lists of schools already participate in the voucher program. Additional schools are added based on student interest in enrollment. If you would like to attend a school not on the voucher system, contact Nicole for assistance. Each active union member of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. is eligible for funding to help finance college degrees, improve job skills, or take a course for personal educational enhancement. This negotiated benefit is for your use. Take advantage of this great offer. For more information about the programs and participating schools, contact your Program Coordinator!
Schools with voucher agreements with our ICD programs include: (SET UP AS LIST) Eastern Gateway Community College (formally Jefferson Community College) Belmont Technical College West Virginia Northern Community College West Liberty University Franciscan University of Steubenville Wheeling Jesuit University Ohio University Ohio State University West Virginia University Penn State University Kent State University Mountain State University Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Empire State College Point Park College Duquesne University Hondorus College John D Rockefeller Vocational School H and R Block TDDS Professional Truck Driving School Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy Pittsburgh Bartender School New Horizons Computer Training Center ExecuTrain Computer Training Center RiverHead Computer Training Center
Stop in and Claim Your Award Don’t forget that once you have completed two or more full courses (Customized or Tuition Assistance), you are eligible for a completion award of a coffee mug. Once five classes have been completed, an embroidered hat is awarded. For ten class completions, you are eligible for an ICD t-shirt. Students who have completed twenty courses are eligible for an embroidered golf shirt. Stop by and claim your award today!
ENROLLMENT NOTICE: Arcelor-Mittal With the cooperation of the local Severstal and Arcelor-Mittal ICD Programs, it is important to register for classes while space is available. The week of July 26-30 is exclusive registration time of Severstal employees. Late registrations will be available for Arcelor-Mittal and Severstal employees starting August 2. We will continue to take enrollments as space permits.
FINANCIAL NOTICE: Fiscal Responsibility Policy Update Effective January 1, 2010 We do not restrict the number of Customized Courses that you may take in one term as long as the cost of your annual (January 1 – December 31) participation does not exceed the $2,000. In determining your cost of participating in a Customized Course, it would be either your actual cost as paid to an outside vendor on a per student basis or your share of the cost (based on the number of students) for a flat fee course. Your financial responsibility will exist if you sign up for a class and do not drop the class prior to 14 days before the class starts. If you call to drop the class within that 14 day window, you will be considered a “drop” with fiscal responsibility but without any adverse impact on your ability to take that course at a later date. If you are a “no show” for a class in which you register, you will have the fiscal responsibility for your share of the cost from your available funding. You will be recorded as an “unexcused incomplete” for that course which impacts your ability to take that course at a later date. If you have two unexcused incompletes in a year, it impacts your ability to participate in ICD programs. If you have any questions about your available resources, please contact the ICD office.
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