Our next Customer Service Class begins in September. This 10-week class prepares students for the workforce by providing essential training in technical and soft skills and awarding several industry-recognized credentials. This course is targeted towards students who are looking to enter or return to the workforce, find a stable career with room for personal and professional growth, and those who are prepared to gain marketable skills and certifiable credentials. It is one of several non-degree credentialing classes we offer that bridge the skills gap by equipping adults with the certifications employers actively seek—without requiring traditional degree programs.
In this class, students will be taught critical skills in Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. They will also learn to set SMART goals. SMART is a strategic framework that will enable students to organize and pursue their goals in a timely, realistic manner. Participants will develop invaluable soft skills in professional communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and more. These skills will help students remain employed and advance in their career paths.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn IBM SkillsBuild digital badges demonstrating proficiency in various professional skills, as well as a DDI (Developmental Dimensions International) certification in Communicating for Success. Additionally, the class is now a verified credential through Literacy Pittsburgh’s partnership with MyCareerForward, which offers MySmartResume—a platform that helps students display their certifications, network across industries, and connect directly with potential employers and companies. Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to create their own resumes on MySmartResume to showcase new skills and expand career opportunities.
The Customer Service Class has helped students develop practical, real-world skills. One student shared: “I got hired in an administrative position at a hospital after the Customer Service class. I used the communication techniques I learned during the interview!”
Another student thanked their teacher, saying, “Thank you for all your help during classes at the Customer Service classes. I was offered a job starting early next month. I loved using the tools and skills taught in that class. Forever grateful.”
Registration for the next course offering is open until August 31. Interested individuals may email Vince at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org to register and ask additional questions
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
