Hilo College to Offer Accelerated, Online Business Training

Need some business training, but don’t have time for a four- or even two-year degree?

Hawaii Community College this fall will offer a new set of accelerated online, for-credit classes leading to credential certificates.

The 8-week programs have a variety of topics including Business Foundations, Retail Foundations, Business Essentials, Entrepreneurship, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The new offerings will begin in the fall semester. Students will receive support services that include tutoring, academic counseling, internships and job development.

The certificates can be applied to an associate degree if students decide to attain a two-year degree.

Hawaii Community College is one of four University of Hawaii campuses receiving a grant to develop the classes.

College officials said the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant is designed to align academic programs with industry needs.

They said it will assist Big Island businesses seeking work-ready individuals that have acquired critical skills to make operations run more efficiently.

In addition, the grant has also accelerated Hawai‘i CC’s Prior Leaning Assessment program, and adults can now earn credit for work experience. If awarded credit, students will shorten their time in school as they get on the fast-track to degree completion.

The application deadline is Aug. 1, 2014. Participants are encouraged to apply soon, as classes may fill quickly.

For more information, contact William Tehero Jr., business program coordinator, at myfuture@hawaii.edu.