PEPA Academy at Triton College Leads to Program Returning this Fall
Pre-Employment and Pre-Apprenticeship Program Helps Students Become More Marketable
RIVER GROVE, Ill. – Triton College is thrilled to bring back its free Pre-Employment, Pre-Apprenticeship (PEPA) Academy Program, designed for students interested in careers in the manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare fields, beginning Monday, Sept. 29. This program aims to enhance students’ marketability and equip them with valuable skills before entering the workforce.
Launched this summer, the PEPA Academy has already helped numerous students achieve success, either by earning additional certifications or by securing employment.
“This program did exactly what it was meant to do,” said Laura Fisher, Director of Academic Outreach and Corporate Partnerships. “Students found employment or continued on with additional training programs.”
Fisher added, “The PEPA Academy helps students develop their professionalism by focusing on essential employability skills, resume building and interview preparation. Along the way, they will also earn industry-recognized credentials which can put them at an advantage during the hiring process.”
Following Triton’s vocational training model, the PEPA Academy places a strong emphasis on preparing participants to become competitive in today’s job market.
“Students will have a focused set of skills, making them more marketable to employers,” said Fisher.
The PEPA Academy can also serve as steppingstone for students interested in pursuing a credit program, a noncredit certificate program or a future associate or bachelor’s degree, noted Fisher.
The 60-hour program is divided into three tracks: manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare, with two student cohorts per track, according to Fisher.
Students in the healthcare track earn certifications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), food sanitation, First Aid and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 10), enforced by the Department of Labor. Those in hospitality will earn certifications in ServSafe®, Guest Services, OSHA 10 and CPR.
Students in the manufacturing will receive CPR and OSHA-10 certifications and gain hands-on experience in forklift operations. Students will have the opportunity to earn the Forklift Operator Certification, a new and unique offering at Triton.
“Many manufacturing companies and retail stores require their employees to operate a forklift,” said Fisher, adding that, “while businesses often provide in-house training, our students will have an advantage during the hiring process because they have already received the desired training, helping to significantly reduce the learning curve and increase productivity.”
The PEPA Academy is free for students, paid for by the Illinois Community College Board’s Noncredit Workforce Training Initiative grant.
“There are so many professional and academic opportunities for students within this program,” said Fisher, who encourages prospective students to apply early.
For more information, contact Laura Fisher at laurafisher@triton.edu or (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3768 or contact Continuing Education at askce@triton.edu or visit www.triton.edu/ce.
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Media Contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3691
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu/.