Case Western Reserve University has contracted with Kelly Services to provide employees free opportunities to increase existing skills and develop new ones to meet the demands of the 21st-century workplace.
Kelly, the international staffing and consulting corporation headquartered in Troy, Mich., is the university’s chief partner in providing temporary employees to offices with short- and longer-term needs. At the request of John D. Wheeler, senior vice president for administration, the agency created a five-course program where staff can learn subjects ranging from computer proficiency and customer service skills to standard business practices and leadership competencies. Program participants can take classes on campus or at their convenience through an online portal.
“The people who work at Case Western Reserve share a powerful sense of community and mission,” Wheeler said. “As an academic institution, we feel a strong commitment to ensuring everyone on our campus has opportunities to learn and grow.”
Carolyn Gregory, vice president for human resources, lauded Kelly’s rapid response and emphasis on practical, cost-effective measures. She said the agency took great care in collaborating with her office to develop programs that responded to relevant staff interests and needs. Many of the university’s employees have worked on campus for decades; this program allows participants to upgrade skills that may enable them to contribute to Case Western Reserve in new ways.
“We all recognize the rapid rate of technological advances and the impact those improvements have on our daily professional lives,” Gregory said. “This initiative represents an effort to assist our employees stay apace with some of the changes and enhance their own opportunities.”
The Kelly Learning Center’s inaugural class launched last week. Those staff who complete all five courses will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
For more information on the program, contact Shirley Mosley at 368.8502 or smm48@case.edu.