MiraCosta College in Oceanside. Photo via miracosta.edu
There are still a few things that are free like taking a free short-term class or two at MiraCosta College this fall.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a property manager, a teacher’s aide, an office clerk, or want to learn more about using Google apps, MiraCosta College is offering free short-term classes to help train students for the job market.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a property manager, a teacher’s aide, an office clerk, or want to learn more about using Google apps, MiraCosta College is offering free short-term classes in fall 2022 to help train students for the job market.
Students can earn a certificate in just a few weeks or no more than a semester. Classes begin Aug. 22, and all are being offered online.
The Affordable Housing Management certificate provides students with the tools and skills to be successful in the property management industry with an emphasis on affordable housing. Through a partnership with the San Diego Housing Federation, students will work directly with mentors from the housing industry.
Classes are being offered in Introduction to Affordable Housing Management and Emerging Leaders in Affordable Housing Management. A certificate can be earned in eight weeks.
The Teacher’s Aide certificate was created after MiraCosta College faculty member Regina Darling, who is also a K-12 instructor, noted a shortage of teacher’s aides in area school districts. The certificate can be earned after completing two of the three offered courses—The Basics, Educational Technologies, and Special Education.
Erica Duran, chair of the noncredit and short-term vocational programs at MiraCosta College, said the certificate program is designed for students interested in becoming a teacher’s aide as well as currently employed aides who want to brush up on their skills.
“For those wanting to enter the field, it gives them a step up for applying if they don’t have any experience,” Duran said.
The Office Clerk certificate was developed after area business leaders said they needed more qualified applicants for the available jobs. A certificate can be earned in one semester after completing five courses—Beginning Microsoft Word, Beginning Microsoft Excel, Applied Computer Skills, Word Processing, and Office Skills and Procedures.
A Google Apps certificate was created to assist students in working with Google apps, such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Gmail, or Google Calendar. The apps are becoming increasingly common, especially for elementary and high school students, Duran said.
“Many of our students are parents, and this was developed out of a recognition that our students were struggling to help their kids,” she said. A certificate can be earned in eight weeks.