The following classes are available through the Continuing Education Department at BCCC. To register, call 252-940-6375 or email continuingeducation@beaufortccc.edu.

 

Secrets of Great Customer Service

These days, businesses cannot survive for long without great customer service. People have access to more, and they expect more. If they do not feel that they are being treated well, they go somewhere else, according to Emily Ballance, MEd, LPC, and certified speaking professional. She has owned, operated and marketed two small businesses for more than 25 years.

“Today’s business owners and their employees have to constantly be on their toes,” Ballance said. “They must always be thinking about how to attract new customers, keep them happy and keep them coming back. Customer service and customer loyalty are more important than ever in this economy because customers know they can go somewhere else or online for products and services if they want to.”

“Keeping in close touch with customers is essential. So is getting their feedback and quickly making necessary changes in response to it,” Ballance said. “In the seminar, we’ll discuss some of the typical reasons why customers leave and what you can do. The class will look at customer service from different perspectives and share stories — the good, the bad and the ugly. Participants will leave with skills to improve customer relationships, build customer loyalty and increase sales.”

Ballance speaks on business related topics at small business centers throughout the N.C. Community College System. She also presents keynotes and workshops on generations, stress management, positive humor, networking, communication, customer service and wellness at conferences, events and meetings across the country.

Ballance has been awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest-earned designation awarded by the National Speakers Association.

Women in NSA who have earned this designation make up less than 8 percent of the association’s total membership.

The seminar will take place on Thursday, from 2-5 p.m. and is free.

 

Introduction to Human Services and Income Maintenance Caseworker

BCCC is excited to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services to offer this two-phase program.

Phase one, “Introduction to Human Services,” will provide individuals a look inside the world of DSS. Students will learn DSS terminology and the basic intake process for completing an NCFAST application. Individuals will also gain assistance in completing job applications, resume writing and job-interviewing skills. Individuals will also work toward and be required to earn a National Career Readiness Certification.

Students must pass this phase to be eligible to enroll in phase two.

During phase two, “Income Maintenance Caseworker,” NCFAST will provide individuals an in-depth, hands-on look at the NCFAST system. Through an interactive system, individuals will process applications, and make changes and updates to simulated participant accounts. Individuals will also learn how to “interview” clients they see to gain the information needed for completing the NCFAST intake process.

Students who successfully complete both phases will be eligible to apply for income maintenance caseworker positions throughout the statewide DSS system.

Phase one will take place on from Sept. 1 through Oct. 19 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. The course costs $155, but this fee can be waived for individuals who meet the fee waiver criteria. Phase two will take place from Oct. 26 through Dec. 15 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. The fee for phase two is $125, and there are no waivers for this fee.

 

Quilting

This class is being put on thanks to generous support from the Pamlico River Quilters’ Guild. The guild wants to see more happy quilters in our area, and Debby Hodges will lead the way. Students will learn the basics of cutting, piecing, sewing seams and quilting. Hodges will address fabric choices and color combinations as students produce a wonderful sampler quilt. The class will also visit a local quilting shop. A book and supply list are available upon registration. The program costs $40 and runs on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. from Sept. 13 through Oct. 18.

 

WASHINGTON COUNTY CAMPUS

The following classes are available at the Washington County Center in Roper through the Continuing Education Department at BCCC. To register, call 252-940-6375 or email continuingeducation@beaufortccc.edu.

 

Musical Keyboarding

This class is a great introduction to piano and other keyboard instruments. Scott Bradshaw will help students develop the ability to play simple tunes on a keyboard.

They will build an understanding of musical notation and the ability to read and play music. They will also enjoy playing music for entertainment. The class will have the keyboards for students to learn on. This class starts on Sept. 13 and runs through Oct. 11. It will take place on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. and costs $55.

 

Critical Incident Preparation and Response

Tony Keech, BCCC police officer, will share his expertise and perspective on this very serious subject. Students should attend to learn how to make their workplace safer.

Keech will explain what to do if a critical incident, like an active shooter, occurs on or near the premises. Learn to prepare for critical incidents and how to correctly summon help. This class will help students protect their employees, clients and themselves should something happen. They will receive guidance on precautions to take and procedures to implement in these troubling times. This class takes place on Sept. 19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and costs only $15.