Training Opportunities
Once refugees and immigrants feel stable in their lives as new Americans, many want to further their education and advance their careers. IMAA partners with various community agencies and educational institutions to offer training opportunities to help each client achieve the American Dream.
Current Training Opportunities
NEW! Community Health Worker Training
Community Health Worker training
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.
A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knolwedge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. (American Public Health Association definition from CHW Section)
CHWs in Minnesota must complete a certificate program at the post-secondary level. The certificate program will be offered at Rochester Community & Technical College (RCTC) from March 19, 2012 to September 29, 2012.
The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma/GED, test into college level English as measured by a placement test, be effective at developing trusting relationships within the community, and have a passion for helping community members improve their health and access to care.
For more information, click on the links below to open Word documents describing the content or contact Courtney Lawson at (507) 289-5960, ext. 121 or courtney.lawson@imaa.net.
CHW Certificate Program Rochester Spring 2012
CLASS SCHEDULE 3-19-12 to 9-29-12 FINAL
CHW Info Session presentation 2-15 and 2-21
Online applications and all paperwork are due to RCTC on Monday, March 5, 2012.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Ivana Bartulovic at (507) 289-5960, ext. 123.
Medical Terminology
IMAA provides a full educational and certification program for its interpreters. IMAA interpreters are trained professionals who are required to complete 3 hours of code of ethics training and 12 hours of Medical Terminology training annually.
- Training is designed to train bilingual and cultural interpreters to develop awareness, knowledge and skills necessary for effective interpretation in healthcare settings.
- Medical Terminology training consists of 4 three-hour courses offered sequentially in consecutive quarters. A certificate is earned for each course attended. Courses focus on bodily systems, pathology medical terms and general medical terms.
- Training sets are repeated annually.
SOLDERING TRAINING
Soldering is similar to welding in that workers use molten metal to join two pieces of metal. However, soldering does not melt the pieces being joined and is subsequently used to make electrical and electronic circuit boards, such as computer chips. Soldering workers typically work with small pieces that must be positioned precisely.
The United Way of Olmsted County periodically offers short term, intensive soldering training for employment. Classes are held at Hawthorne Education Center and RCTC Heintz Center and are open to all interested adult residents of Olmsted County currently at or below 280 percent of poverty level. Students must have ESL proficiency of Level 5 or above. All tuition and fees for approved candidates are paid by United Way of Olmsted County.
Equipment: Soldering equipment is provided to students for use during classes.
Curriculum: The training consists of math, language, computer and finance coursework at Hawthorne Education Center followed by soldering skills instruction at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC).
Outcomes: Graduates earn IPC-A-610 certification in preparation for entry-level employment in the industry.
Attendance: Classes are held throughout regular business hours, Monday-Friday, and full attendance at all class sessions is required. Screening appointments are prior to enrollment and all candidates need to be available for an interview at that time.
Employment: Graduates have the opportunity to interview with area employers immediately after graduation. Starting wages in soldering typically range from $10-$12 per hour.
For more information, please contact Bao Xiong at (507) 289-5960, ext. 102 or bao.xiong@imaa.net.
WELDING TRAINING
Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts using heat and is used in thousands of manufacturing activities across industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a good job outlook for welders over the next decade, meaning the number of job seekers should roughly match the number of job openings.
The United Way of Olmsted County periodically sponsors short-term, intensive welding training for employment. Classes are held at Hawthorne Education Center and RCTC Heintz Center. The training is open to all interested adult (18+) residents of Olmsted County currently at or below 280 percent of poverty level. Students must have ESL proficiency of Level 5 or above. Tuition and fees for approved candidates will be paid by United Way of Olmsted County.
Equipment: Students need to provide and wear steel toe boots. Basic safety equipment (hood, goggles, mask, sleeves and gloves) are provided to students for use during the training. Students have the opportunity to purchase this equipment at the completion of classes.
Curriculum: The training consists of two weeks of intensive math and technical language coursework, an eight hour financial literacy seminar, and 30 hours of lab instruction designed to provide a foundation enabling students to gain entry-level employment in the industry. Instruction focuses on MIG welding.
Attendance: Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. Those unable to make this commitment should not apply.
Employment: Graduates have the opportunity to interview with area employers immediately after graduation for entry level positions. Starting wages in welding typically range from $10-$15 per hour.
For more information contact Bao Xiong at (507) 289-5960, ext. 102 or bao.xiong@imaa.net.
