Education, Employment, Business and Entrepreneurship Help Centers and the Power of Four

When the news is full of words like bailout, bankruptcy and stimulus everyday, it’s easy to feel “uneasy” about the state of the economy across the country and in our local markets. The same truths about being in the business world is as pertinent today as ever, but truly being diligent to follow those guidelines is more important than ever before. The good news is that organizations who promote education, employment and entrepreneurship are hard at work to assist you in any way they can.  Here in Brevard County, we are fortunate to have such entities as Brevard Community College (BCC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Women’s Business Center (WBC) and the Counselors to America’s Small Business (SCORE) to help guide you through these days of uncertainty. Each organization has its own strengths, but working together they are a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, resources and education opportunities to set you on a solid path to your future. 

Brevard Community College and the Institute for Business Training and Continuing Education - The Institute for Business Training and Continuing Education, known as IBTCE, has been a fundamental part of the Brevard Community College for over two decades. How it serves the community, according to Kieta Osteen-Cochrane, Executive Director, is multi-faceted. It includes:

.continuing education courses required for keeping licenses current in a number of occupations (Continuing Workforce),

.training programs to train or retain a company’s employees or upgrade the employee skills (The Center for Contract Training),

. a program specifically designed for those who speak other languages and need to learn English in order to enter US colleges or universities or to help them in their business relationships (Intensive English Program), and

. business-related courses and workshops that provide valuable information and even hands-on practice of skills useful for start-up and existing businesses (SBDC).  “We are dedicated to lifelong learning,” Kieta states as she describes the extensive offerings from IBTCE. With over 5,000 in yearly enrollment, the staff and instructors are enthusiastic about encouraging students to seek out what will serve them best. “Know what your options are,” she adds to make the most out of what’s available.  The IBTCE is providing training for many of Brevard’s public agencies and non-profits, as well as private enterprises, both large and small, with its hundreds of courses offered, both at the 5 facilities throughout the county and in online courses. Specifically, you can take courses which meet the requirements for continuing education, for instance for nurses, paramedics and other health services, as well as for other industries. Also offered are professional and career education classes, like those in management, construction-related industries and technical services and skills. And additional courses are made available just for fun in subjects like art, dance, golf and even flats fishing!  Kieta suggests that if you’re looking to move forward in your career or begin one, take advantage of the resources that your community offers you, in any and every way that you can. “Update your resume. Re-evaluate your career sets. Actually make a job out of looking for a job.” You can find out more about BCC’s comprehensive list of course offerings by going online to their website at www.bcctraining.com or by calling Kieta Osteen-Cochrane at 321-433-7515.