
Learn Skills for In-Demand Jobs
NDSCS and TrainND Southeast, in partnership with Microsoft, is hosting virtual technical skill training programs for job seekers. Participants will build their skills and confidence for in-demand jobs and earn certificates of completion needed in today's digital economy.

UpskillingND includes:
- Self-paced virtual curriculum from Microsoft and LinkedIn to learn skills for Customer Service Specialist or Sales Representative roles in order to earn certifications and badges.
- One-on-one support from TrainND partners on the training content, plus coaching on interview skills and resumé writing.
- Virtual connection to a network of peers for support and community.
- Assistance with searching and applying for open positions.
- Connections to local companies with positions open for the certification skills.
Participants can work at their own pace through the curriculum. In addition to the virtual training sessions, there will be group meetings, one-on-one meetings with NDSCS TrainND staff and customized opt-in workshops with industry experts and volunteer mentors.
Apply to Participate
Class sizes are limited to 30 students per session. Interested individuals must complete the online application to be considered for the program.
Questions?
Contact NDSCS TrainND staff with questions about the UpskillingND program.
Phone: 701-367-7199 (Sharon Miller, Consultant)
Email: NDSCS.UpskillingND@ndscs.edu
UpskillingND Details
UpskillingND Cost
This program is offered at no cost through March 31, 2021.
Important Dates
Start dates and application deadlines are subject to change.
Session 1 Start Date: October 26, 2020 | Application Deadline: October 19, 2020
Session 2 Start Date: November 30, 2020 | Application Deadline: November 20, 2020
Session 3 Start Date: January 11, 2021 | Application Deadline: January 4, 2021
Session 4 Start Date: February 8, 2021 | Application Deadline: February 1, 2021
UpskillingND sessions will be focused on the training tracks for Customer Service Specialist and Sales Representative. For information on other career tracks, go to opportunity.linkedin.com.
Customer Service Specialist
Discover how to provide great customer service and make your customers feel heard. Develop and sustain great relationships, even when customers get abusive or unruly. Learn skills to listen to customer needs, build rapport with those you're helping, and turn challenging customers into true allies.
Top in-demand skills: Customer satisfaction & experience, data entry, CRM, admin analysis
Training consists of 8 courses which includes a total of 5 hours and 27 minutes of content.
Sales Representative
Learn core concepts and skills necessary in today's selling environment—from negotiation and closing strategies to selling with authenticity. Recognize that selling is a partnership. Develop your sales skills, people skills, and ability to create emotional engagement and earn the trust of others.
Top in-demand skills: Negotiation, CRM, new business development, B2B, storytelling, social media
Training consists of 8 courses which includes a total of 7 hours and 34 minutes of content.
NDSCS is seeking volunteers to serve as a career coach for UpskillingND participants. Volunteers will offer professional development guidance to individuals seeking digital skills training to elevate their employment prospects. The coach helps participants in this program identify and realize career goals through personal consultation.
Career Coach Responsibilities
UpskillingND Career Coaches will assist participants in identifying personal goals, developing core professional soft skills and assisting with preparations for effective job searching including feedback on resumes and strategizing for a successful job interview.
The expectation is to schedule weekly 1:1 virtual sessions with participants as they are pursuing the online training classes to motivate and inspire results. Other duties may include encouraging attendance at Lunch & Learns or other training options, as well as helping participants identify and connect with new employment opportunities.
Volunteer to become a Career Coach
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer UpskillingND Career Coach, email NDSCS.UpskillingND@ndscs.edu.