Free Skills Training for NJ Employees
Workforce Development at CCM offers no-cost training for New Jersey non-governmental employees, funded by the NJ Department of Labor. Courses cover business, technology, and manufacturing-related skills.
Most workshops are offered virtually at various times during the week for your convenience and are led by certified experts committed to your success.
What You’ll Gain:
- Stronger technical and interpersonal skills
- Better leadership and teamwork abilities
- Career readiness and advancement opportunities
Take one class or many—there’s no limit, and the training is relevant across industries. Whether you’re looking to get a job, improve in your current role, or move up, there’s something here for you!
July Free Skills Training
Using AI in the Workplace – July 28 & 30
Prerequisite: A work or student email account for Microsoft Copilot 365. Personal Gmail accounts will not include all the features that a work or student account offers. Google NotebookLM and ChatGPT DALLE only require a Gmail account.
Day 1 will focus on using Microsoft Copilot in the workplace. Topics will include how to use Copilot in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and Microsoft Edge. You will learn how to access and personalize Copilot, manage chats, attach files, analyze spreadsheets, summarize emails, and export results to Word. The class will also cover Copilot’s Designer feature for creating images, videos, and infographics, building a custom agent, and deleting your chat history.
Day 2 will focus on other AI applications. You will learn the following apps:
- Canva AI – To create images
- ChatGPT DALLE for image generation
- Google NotebookLM as a research assistant to design reports, quizzes, flashcards, infographics, slide decks, and audio and video presentations.
Instructor: Alyse Cutler
Tues and Thurs, July 28 & 30 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Microsoft Teams – July 28 & 30
Microsoft Teams is the pivotal communications app included in Office 365. It maximizes and heightens both group and one-on-one work collaboration. Navigate the interface and features as well as its seamless integration with other Microsoft apps. Learn to create and manage teams, send instant messages, initiate and manage audio and video conferencing, share, edit, and present files in an online meeting, set up scheduled meetings, create impromptu gatherings, share your screen, record meetings using Microsoft Stream, as well as add other program apps and web resources to any of your teams.
Instructor: Rita Williams-Bogar
Tues and Thurs, July 28 & 30 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Intermediate – July 29 & 30
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel for Beginners or equivalent.
This course will continue with Microsoft Excel topics including: Table Functionality, Flash Fill, Popular Functions, Evaluating Formulas, Named Ranges, Formatting with Conditional Formatting, Viewing Options, an Introduction to Data Validation, Vlookup, and Pivot Tables, and more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Wed and Thurs, July 29 & 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Remote-live
Register for July Classes
Click on this month’s registration button to sign up. On the list of classes, check off all of the classes you want to sign up for. You will need your employer’s EIN/Tax ID number to complete your registration. Put all of the class dates/times on your calendar – if you don’t show up, we will not get funding for this program. Thank you!
August Free Skills Training
Excel for Beginners – Aug 3-12
PREREQUISITE: Solid comfort level using a computer.
An introduction to Microsoft Excel basics including: creating spreadsheets, formulas, functions, text, formatting, printing and quick charts. At the completion of the course, you will be able to perform basic Excel skills such as modifying an existing worksheet, building worksheets, copying and moving cells and much more.
Instructor: Elissa DeRose
Mon and Wed, Aug 3, 5, 10, 12 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Microsoft SharePoint: Exploring and Understanding How to Use the Platform – Aug 4 & 6
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of Windows 10 and internet browsers.
Microsoft SharePoint is an online collaboration tool that is prominent for businesses and organizations. At the end of this course, users will be able to navigate, update and search SharePoint documents, lists and libraries. Students will learn how to update their SharePoint profile, use SharePoint with Microsoft Office, and access SharePoint from mobile devices. This workshop is highly interactive and provides numerous hands-on opportunities for participants to practice skills learned as well as learn many SharePoint best practices.
Instructor: Trish Callahan
Tues and Thurs, Aug 4 & 6 from 4-7 p.m.
Remote-live
Bullying in the Workplace: Recognize, Prevent, and Resolve Conflicts – Aug 4
Bullying is called the silent epidemic. Although almost half of workers have experienced or witnessed bullying, policies and laws dealing with it are far less prevalent. This is, in part, because bullying can be hard to identify and address. People wonder, what does bullying look like? How can we discourage it in our workplace? What can I do to protect my staff and co-workers? These questions and more will be answered in this introductory class on Bullying in the Workplace.
Instructor: Rita Williams-Bogar
Tues, Aug 4 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel for Beginners – Aug 5 & 7
PREREQUISITE: Solid comfort level using a computer.
An introduction to Microsoft Excel basics including: creating spreadsheets, formulas, functions, text, formatting, printing and quick charts. At the completion of the course, you will be able to perform basic Excel skills such as modifying an existing worksheet, building worksheets, copying and moving cells and much more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Wed and Fri, Aug 5 & 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Remote-live
Powerful, Purposeful Public Speaking – Aug 10 & 12
Did you know that public speaking is one of the most common phobias? Even those who aren’t necessarily afraid to speak publicly likely have aspects of their presentation skills that they would like to improve. In this class, learn to use public speaking as a valuable communication channel, tips for calming those inevitable jitters, and the essential ingredients for preparing and delivering a memorable, compelling speech to achieve desired audience impact. Participants will learn about speaking effectively in job interviews, how to develop and ‘elevator pitch’ and other scenarios. All will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a welcoming, encouraging environment.
Instructor: Christy Bouziotis
Mon and Wed, Aug 10 & 12 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Microsoft Word for Beginners – Aug 11-20
Microsoft Word is so much more than just typing into documents. In this eight-hour introductory course, we will teach you how to create and manage professional-quality Word documents with ease while improving your overall efficiency using the application. You will learn about different document types, how to use templates, create lists, tables, add borders, formatting, spell check, readability and much more.
Instructor: Trish Callahan
Tues and Thurs, Aug 11, 13, 18, 20 from 4-6 p.m.
Remote-live
Simplify Routine Operations with Power Automate – Aug 11 & 13
Prerequisite – Intermediate Microsoft Excel knowledge or a basic understanding of SharePoint
Requirements: A work or school email account.
Before registering, please see if your work or school account logs into Power Automate: https://make.powerautomate.com/
This Workforce Development Power Automate class is designed for business professionals who want to automate workflows and business processes across Microsoft applications. In this class, we will use Microsoft Power Automate, Excel, SharePoint, Microsoft Forms, and Outlook to increase productivity and reduce the time spent on repetitive office tasks. We will build workflows from Power Automate templates and from scratch. You will learn how to create flows that include automated approvals, notifications, conditional logic, and Microsoft Forms integration. For example, we will build a workflow that instantly approves expenses under $250 and escalates higher amounts to a manager by email for their approval. We will also build a PTO request form that gets sent to a manager by email so they can approve or deny the request.
Instructor: Alyse Cutler
Tues and Thurs, Aug 11 & 13 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Intermediate – Aug 12 & 14
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel for Beginners or equivalent.
This course will continue with Microsoft Excel topics including: Table Functionality, Flash Fill, Popular Functions, Evaluating Formulas, Named Ranges, Formatting with Conditional Formatting, Viewing Options, an Introduction to Data Validation, Vlookup, and Pivot Tables, and more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Wed and Fri, Aug 12 & 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Remote-live
Clarifying Your Goals – Aug 18 & 20
Too often, goals are communicated quickly but interpreted differently. In this two-session workshop, you’ll learn how to set goals that create alignment, clarify expectations, and guide execution from start to finish. You’ll leave with a reusable Goal Clarity Template to use with your team, including milestones, role assignments, and a structured plan for tracking progress. Ideal for people leaders, aspiring managers, and cross-functional leaders.
Instructor: Deirdre Rock
Tues and Thurs, Aug 18 & 20 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Remote-live
Managing with Confidence: Essentials Skills for New Leaders – Aug 18 & 20
This course is designed to equip new people leaders with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles quickly. Participants will gain an understanding of their roles as leaders, learn how to navigate the crucial first 90 days with confidence, and the key competencies to becoming an effective leader faster. Through practical tools, tips and insights, new leaders will be prepared to make an immediate positive impact on their teams.
Instructor: Patricia Cardenas-Randall
Tues and Thurs, Aug 18 & 20 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Develop your Emotional Intelligence – Aug 18 & 20
Why is Emotional Intelligence (EI) vital in the workplace? How skilled are you in actively applying EI concepts? Business professionals who understand the connection between emotions and actions, and apply EI skills to maximize effectiveness, have an advantage in any organization. In this workshop participants will explore the dimensions associated with Emotional Intelligence, discuss behavioral styles, and identify ways to increase the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and connect with co-workers.
Instructor: Rita Williams-Bogar
Tues and Thurs, Aug 18 & 20 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Advanced – Aug 19 & 20
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel Intermediate or equivalent.
Many businesses require individuals to possess advanced Excel skills. In this course, learn how to use What If Analysis tools such as Scenarios and Solver. Record and run macros, create advanced charts and use complex functions. Learn about Vlookup, Match, Index, Importing/Exporting Data, Analytical Tools, Goal Seek, Scenario, Solver, Running and Recording a Macro, Buttons, Shortcuts, Combo Charts, and more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Wed and Thurs, Aug 19 & 20 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel: Pivot Tables and Beyond – Aug 21 & 28
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel Intermediate or equivalent.
Advances in technology have made it possible to store ever increasing amounts of data. Along with this, the need to analyze that data and gain actionable insight is greater than ever. You already have experience working with Excel and creating basic PivotTables to summarize data. But, Excel is capable of doing much more. Being able to harness the power of advanced PivotTable features and create PivotCharts will help you to gain a competitive edge. You will not only be able to summarize data for you to analyze, but also organize the data in a way that can be meaningfully presented to others. This leads to data-driven business decisions that have a better chance for success for everyone involved.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Fri, Aug 21 & 28 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Useful Functions: Enhance Your Worksheets – Aug 26 & 27
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel Intermediate or equivalent.
This course is designed for participants who have a basic knowledge of Excel functions and want to discover how advanced functions can help save time at work. Learn how to analyze data using advanced formula skills by focusing on functions from various categories within the function library. Also learn how to create conditional formatting rules using formulas, perform complex calculations using Array formulas and create customized lists using data validation.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Wed and Thurs, Aug 26 & 27 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel for Beginners – Aug 31 & Sept 2
PREREQUISITE: Solid comfort level using a computer.
An introduction to Microsoft Excel basics including: creating spreadsheets, formulas, functions, text, formatting, printing and quick charts. At the completion of the course, you will be able to perform basic Excel skills such as modifying an existing worksheet, building worksheets, copying and moving cells and much more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Aug 31 & Sept 2 from 12-4 p.m.
Remote-live
Register for August Classes
Click on this month’s registration button to sign up. On the list of classes, check off all of the classes you want to sign up for. You will need your employer’s EIN/Tax ID number to complete your registration. Put all of the class dates/times on your calendar – if you don’t show up, we will not get funding for this program. Thank you!
September Free Skills Training
Word Intermediate – Sept 1 & 3
This hands-on class will build upon the skills learned in the Introduction to Word class, taking your expertise to the next level. By the end of this course, you will develop the tools to create professional-looking documents using advanced layout features, including headers, footers, columns, page breaks, and section breaks.
You will learn time-saving techniques for collaborating with colleagues by sharing documents and organizing your work using master documents in Word. Additionally, you will discover how to create clear organizational flowcharts using SmartArt and utilize the mail merge feature to send the same document to multiple recipients in letter or envelope format.
Additionally, the course will cover advanced table features, including calculations and developer controls like drop-down menus and checkboxes.
Instructor: Alyse Cutler
Tues and Thurs, Sept 1 & 3 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Sharepoint Advanced for M365 Owner Training – Sept 8-17
PREREQUISITE: Each student must be familiar with SharePoint and pass the Pre-test assessment measuring introductory SharePoint skills.
This course is an overview of SharePoint Site Owner roles and responsibilities. Students who attend and complete the course will be able to accomplish Owner tasks in SharePoint, such as:
- Understand how to choose a Modern Site template
- Create and modify site Home page
- Manage permissions and permission levels
- Create and configure libraries and lists
- Work with and create list/library views
- Add and configure sub sites
Instructor: Trish Callahan
Tues and Thurs, Sept 8, 10, 15, 17 from 4-6 p.m.
Remote-live
Spanish in the Workplace 1 – Sept 8-24
Spanish in the Workplace 1: Foundations of Business Communication
This course is designed for English-speaking professionals with little to no Spanish background who want to gain immediate, practical skills. Unlike traditional introductory courses, Level 1 focuses on the specific language needs of modern industry.
Key Vocabulary: Master essential terms in Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Leadership, alongside critical contemporary terminology related to Sustainable Development.
Interactive Learning: Move beyond rote memorization through active engaging exercises and case studies that mirror daily organizational life.
Leadership Focus: The curriculum is uniquely tailored to the interactions between leaders and followers, helping you convey messages simply, clearly, and effectively to coworkers, clients, and vendors.
Instructor: Guillermo Reina
Tues and Thurs, Sept 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
See Part 2 in October
Interview Skills for the Hiring Manager – Sept 9 & 10
Hiring the right talent into your organization is about more than skills and abilities; it is about finding the right combination of skills, attitude, and fit for your organization’s culture. Hiring managers are as crucial to the recruitment process as recruiters – if not more so. They’re often the ones who open a new position and ultimately make that final decision on who to hire. Give your managers the essential tools to handle situations such as interviewing, conducting fair and unbiased interviews, and hiring practices.
Instructor: Linda Trignano
Wed and Thurs, Sept 9 & 10 from 1-4 p.m.
Remote-live
Using AI in the Workplace – Sept 9 & 10
Prerequisite: A work or student email account for Microsoft Copilot 365. Personal Gmail accounts will not include all the features that a work or student account offers.
Google NotebookLM and ChatGPT DALLE only require a Gmail account.
Day 1 will focus on using Microsoft Copilot in the workplace. Topics will include how to use Copilot in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and Microsoft Edge. You will learn how to access and personalize Copilot, manage chats, attach files, analyze spreadsheets, summarize emails, and export results to Word. The class will also cover Copilot’s Designer feature for creating images, videos, and infographics, building a custom agent, and deleting your chat history.
Day 2 will focus on other AI applications. You will learn the following apps:
- Canva AI – To create images
- ChatGPT DALLE for image generation
- Google NotebookLM as a research assistant to design reports, quizzes, flashcards, infographics, slide decks, and audio and video presentations.
Instructor: Alyse Cutler
Wed and Thurs, Sept 9 & 10 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Intermediate – Sept 14 & 16
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel for Beginners or equivalent.
This course will continue with Microsoft Excel topics including: Table Functionality, Flash Fill, Popular Functions, Evaluating Formulas, Named Ranges, Formatting with Conditional Formatting, Viewing Options, an Introduction to Data Validation, Vlookup, and Pivot Tables, and more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Sept 14 & 16 from 12-4 p.m.
Remote-live
Microsoft Teams – Sept 15 & 16
PREREQUISITE: Solid comfort level using a computer and assorted software programs.
Microsoft Teams is the pivotal communications app included in Office 365. It maximizes and heightens both group and one-on-one work collaboration. Navigate the interface and features as well as its seamless integration with other Microsoft apps. Learn to create and manage teams, send instant messages, initiate and manage audio and video conferencing, share, edit, and present files in an online meeting, set up scheduled meetings, create impromptu gatherings, share your screen, record meetings using Microsoft Stream, as well as add other program apps and web resources to any of your teams.
Instructor: Rita Williams-Bogar
Tues and Wed, Sept 15 & 16 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Incorporating AI in Business Writing – Sept 15 & 17
Instructor: Julia Salgado
Tues and Thurs, Sept 15 & 17 from 6-9 p.m.
Remote-live
Google Workspace – Sept 15-24
Prerequisite: 1) Solid comfort level using a computer and software programs 2) Having a Gmail/Google account prior to class. You can do this by going to Gmail.com and creating an account. Remember to bring your sign-in and password.
Day 1: Personal Efficiency & Organization
Participants will focus on mastering the core pillars of the Google Workspace communication suite. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to manage high volumes of email effectively using Gmail’s advanced sorting and filtering tools, and they will gain the skills to schedule, manage, and share complex team itineraries within Google Calendar.
Day 2: Streamlined Team Coordination
Participants will explore the primary tools for real-time team interaction and task organization. This includes using Google Keep for capturing and sharing collaborative notes, leveraging Google Chat for organized project discussions and file sharing, and hosting effective Google Meet sessions to facilitate seamless video communication across the team.
Day 3: Collaborative Documents & Data
This session focuses on the essential mechanics of co-authoring and data management. Participants will gain practical experience in Google Docs by creating and editing documents in real time with teammates, and they will learn to utilize Google Sheets to organize, sort, and analyze data sets while maintaining a single, shared source of truth for the entire team.
Day 4: Data Collection & Centralized Hubs
Participants will learn the fundamentals of advanced data collection and presentation by using Google Slides, Forms, and Sites. Attendees will design engaging presentations, build logic-based surveys to collect structured feedback, and finally bring everything together by creating a basic, collaborative website that serves as a central hub for all project assets.
Instructor: Musa Husseini
Tues and Thurs, Sept 15, 17, 22, 24 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
AI in Project Management – Sept 15-24
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way projects are planned, managed, and delivered. This introductory course provides project managers, team leaders, business professionals, and anyone involved in projects with a practical understanding of how AI can improve productivity, decision-making, communication, and project outcomes.
Participants will explore the fundamentals of AI, learn effective prompting techniques, and discover how AI can assist with creating project artifacts such as project charters, risk registers, stakeholder analyses, meeting summaries, and project communications. Through demonstrations and guided hands-on exercises, students will gain practical experience using AI tools while learning best practices for responsible and ethical AI use.
No technical or programming experience is required.
This course is ideal for:
- Project managers and project coordinators
- Team leaders, supervisors, and business analysts
- Agile practitioners and Scrum Masters
- Business professionals responsible for planning or managing projects
- Anyone interested in understanding how AI is changing project management
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify practical AI use cases across the project life cycle, including planning, scheduling, communication, risk management, and Agile delivery.
- Use effective prompting techniques to generate common project management deliverables.
- Recognize opportunities to improve team collaboration and decision-making with AI.
- Understand key ethical, governance, and data privacy considerations when using AI in project environments.
- Describe how AI is changing the role of the project manager and the skills needed for future success
Instructor: Tom Schnipp
Tues and Thurs, Sept 15, 17, 22, 24 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Advanced – Sept 21 & 23
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel Intermediate or equivalent.
Many businesses require individuals to possess advanced Excel skills. In this course, learn how to use What If Analysis tools such as Scenarios and Solver. Record and run macros, create advanced charts and use complex functions. Learn about Vlookup, Match, Index, Importing/Exporting Data, Analytical Tools, Goal Seek, Scenario, Solver, Running and Recording a Macro, Buttons, Shortcuts, Combo Charts, and more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Sept 21 & 23 from 12-3 p.m.
Remote-live
PowerPoint: Beyond the Basics – Sept 21 & 23
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of PowerPoint.
This course is for those who already know how to create a PowerPoint presentation, but want to learn more advanced functions that make a presentation sensational. Capture your audience with easy-to-use, impressive and powerful PowerPoint features most people don’t know about. Keep your audience’s attention with engaging messages and graphics that communicate a clear message. Have your charts build themselves before your viewers’ eyes.
Instructor: Trish Callahan
Mon and Wed, Sept 21 & 23 from 4-7 p.m.
Remote-live
Simplify Routine Operations with Power Automate – Sept 22 & 24
Prerequisite – Intermediate Microsoft Excel knowledge or a basic understanding of SharePoint
Requirements: A work or school email account.
Before registering, please see if your work or school account logs into Power Automate: https://make.powerautomate.com/
This Workforce Development Power Automate class is designed for business professionals who want to automate workflows and business processes across Microsoft applications. In this class, we will use Microsoft Power Automate, Excel, SharePoint, Microsoft Forms, and Outlook to increase productivity and reduce the time spent on repetitive office tasks. We will build workflows from Power Automate templates and from scratch. You will learn how to create flows that include automated approvals, notifications, conditional logic, and Microsoft Forms integration. For example, we will build a workflow that instantly approves expenses under $250 and escalates higher amounts to a manager by email for their approval. We will also build a PTO request form that gets sent to a manager by email so they can approve or deny the request.
Instructor: Alyse Cutler
Tues and Thurs, Sept 22 & 24 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Constructive Collaboration in Teams and Organizations – Sept 22 & 24
Success as a manager is heavily influenced by how well your team operates and what kind of results they achieve. Is your team able to solve problems? Can they resolve conflict? Are they enthusiastic and motivated to do their best? Do they work well together? This workshop is designed for participants who want to develop their team leadership skills and unleash the talent of individual and collective team members.
Participants will:
- Identify different types of teams
- Build teamwork by recognizing and tapping into the characteristics of an effective team
- Promote trust and rapport
- Recognize the key elements that move a team from involvement to empowerment and how to give these elements to your team
- Develop strategies for dealing with team conflict and common problems
Instructor: Patricia Cardenas-Randall
Tues and Thurs, Sept 22 & 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Bullying in the Workplace: Recognize, Prevent, and Resolve Conflicts – Sept 24
Bullying is called the silent epidemic. Although almost half of workers have experienced or witnessed bullying, policies and laws dealing with it are far less prevalent. This is, in part, because bullying can be hard to identify and address. People wonder, what does bullying look like? How can we discourage it in our workplace? What can I do to protect my staff and co-workers? These questions and more will be answered in this introductory class on Bullying in the Workplace.
Instructor: Rita Williams-Bogar
Thurs, Sept 24 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Remote-live
Understanding & Leveraging Your Leadership Style – Sept 23 & 24
Every leader has a natural leadership style that draws on their personality, strengths and communication style. Knowing your style is important to your success. It enables you to leverage your talent. Leaders must adapt and understand how to work with a variety of individuals.
Participants will:
- Explore different leadership styles
- Identify strengths and development needs
- Discuss Situational Leadership strategies
- Understand how personality impacts leadership approach
- Create a ‘Leveraging Your Leadership Style’ strategy
Instructor: Linda Trignano
Wed and Thurs, Sept 23 & 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel: Pivot Tables and Beyond – Sept 28 & 30
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel Intermediate or equivalent.
Advances in technology have made it possible to store ever increasing amounts of data. Along with this, the need to analyze that data and gain actionable insight is greater than ever. You already have experience working with Excel and creating basic PivotTables to summarize data. But, Excel is capable of doing much more. Being able to harness the power of advanced PivotTable features and create PivotCharts will help you to gain a competitive edge. You will not only be able to summarize data for you to analyze, but also organize the data in a way that can be meaningfully presented to others. This leads to data-driven business decisions that have a better chance for success for everyone involved.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Sept 28 & 30 from 12-2 p.m.
Remote-live
Establishing Team Norms for a High Performing Culture – Sept 28 & 30
Establishing team norms is essential for improving cohesion, clarifying expectations, enhancing accountability, and ultimately boosting team performance and bottom-line results. These norms play a crucial role in creating psychological safety, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to think and perform at their best.
In this session, we will explore and define norms that will guide behaviors related to key areas such as communication, operations, decision-making, conflict management, and meetings. By collaboratively setting these norms, we can strengthen our team dynamics and drive more effective outcomes.
Instructor: Julia Salgado
Mon and Wed, Sept 28 & 30 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Clarifying Your Goals – Sept 29 & Oct 1
Too often, goals are communicated quickly but interpreted differently. In this two-session workshop, you’ll learn how to set goals that create alignment, clarify expectations, and guide execution from start to finish. You’ll leave with a reusable Goal Clarity Template to use with your team, including milestones, role assignments, and a structured plan for tracking progress. Ideal for people leaders, aspiring managers, and cross-functional leaders.
Instructor: Deirdre Rock
Tues and Thurs, Sept 29 & Oct 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Remote-live
Register for September Classes
Click on this month’s registration button to sign up. On the list of classes, check off all of the classes you want to sign up for. You will need your employer’s EIN/Tax ID number to complete your registration. Put all of the class dates/times on your calendar – if you don’t show up, we will not get funding for this program. Thank you!
October Free Skills Training
Canva for the Workplace – Oct 5 & 7
Instructor: CCM Staff
Mon and Wed, Oct 5 & 7 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel Useful Functions: Enhance Your Worksheets – Oct 5 & 7
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel Intermediate or equivalent.
This course is designed for participants who have a basic knowledge of Excel functions and want to discover how advanced functions can help save time at work. Learn how to analyze data using advanced formula skills by focusing on functions from various categories within the function library. Also learn how to create conditional formatting rules using formulas, perform complex calculations using Array formulas and create customized lists using data validation.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Oct 5 & 7 from 12-3 p.m.
Remote-live
Introduction to Microsoft Office and 365 – Oct 5 & 7
Could you use a basic tutorial on Microsoft tools that are on PCs? This beginner-level course is an introduction to the most popular Microsoft Office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, the cloud-based version of the MS Office suite as well as M365 Copilot. Students with no prior MS Office experience should start with this course and then progress to more in-depth courses.
Instructor: Trish Callahan
Mon and Wed, Oct 5 & 7 from 4-7 p.m.
Remote-live
Intro to AI – Oct 5 & 7
This two-day, beginner-friendly workshop introduces participants to the foundational concepts, applications, and ethical considerations of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Designed for non-technical learners, it combines interactive lectures, hands-on demos, and group discussions to make AI accessible and engaging.
Day 1 focuses on core AI principles: what AI is, how it learns from data, and its major subfields like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Participants explore real-world use cases and engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the ethics and bias surrounding AI systems.
Day 2 turns theory into practice with live demonstrations of AI tools, including generative AI, chatbots, and image classifiers. The day culminates in a capstone project where teams conceptualize or build a simple AI prototype and share their work with peers.
By the end of the workshop, learners walk away with a clear understanding of how AI works, where it’s headed, and how they can responsibly engage with AI technologies in their personal and professional lives.
Instructor: Musa Husseini
Mon and Wed, Oct 5 & 7 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Resilience in the Face of Change – Oct 6 & 7
When we adapt well to change, we find opportunity within each change and a sense of peace or even excitement. This is what we call resilience, or the ability to keep moving forward and make the most of any change, and not be paralyzed with fear, or lost sorting through the many possibilities for action. In this course, learn how to embrace resilience through identifying areas of irrational thinking to keep perspective, accept change, maintain a hopeful outlook and even learn from your past.
Instructor: Linda Trignano
Tues and Wed, Oct 6 & 7 from 1-4 p.m.
Remote-live
Spanish in the Workplace 2 – Oct 6-22
Spanish in the Workplace 2: Regional Mastery & Advanced Strategy
Building upon the foundations of Level 1 offered in September, this second level is vital for those who need to navigate the nuances of the Latin American market. While Spanish is the common tongue, business conduct varies significantly by region.
Cultural Intelligence: Gain vital knowledge of how to do business and communicate effectively with partners across different regions of Latin America.
Communication Modes: Refine your skills through specific cases of interpersonal and interpretive communication styles, culminating in the mastery of the presentational mode for professional pitches and briefings.
Practical Application: Participants will engage in deep-dive case studies to understand the subtle cultural shifts required to succeed in diverse international business environments.
Expert Instruction – Learn from a true industry veteran. Your instructor is an expert in language acquisition who brings a unique, multi-disciplinary perspective with a background and education in Engineering and Business. This ensures that the vocabulary and scenarios you learn are technically accurate and professionally relevant.
Instructor: Guillermo Reina
Tues and Thurs, Oct 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Agile Project Management Basics – Oct 8 & 15
Learn the latest techniques to manage project development and implementation through the methodology of the 12 Agile Principles. Learn how to create the Agile environment and how to participate in, assign and manage the roles of the Agile team. You will come to appreciate important techniques for the timely management of scope, time, cost, quality and risk.
Instructor: Tom Schnipp
Thurs, Oct 8 & 15 from 6-9 p.m.
Remote-live
Excel for Beginners – Oct 12 & 14
PREREQUISITE: Solid comfort level using a computer.
An introduction to Microsoft Excel basics including: creating spreadsheets, formulas, functions, text, formatting, printing and quick charts. At the completion of the course, you will be able to perform basic Excel skills such as modifying an existing worksheet, building worksheets, copying and moving cells and much more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Oct 12 & 14 from 12-4 p.m.
Remote-live
Intro to Cybersecurity – Oct 12-21
Concerned about online threats and data breaches? Dive into the fundamentals of cybersecurity with this introductory course. Learn to navigate the digital landscape confidently through core concepts and best practices. We will explore topics such as encryption, MFA, VPNs, phishing, social-engineering, and secure browsing habits to safeguard against common cyber-attack vectors. No prior cybersecurity experience is required, making this course an ideal entry point for those looking to build a foundation in protecting their personal and professional digital assets.
Instructor: Musa Husseini
Mon and Wed, Oct 12, 14, 19, 21 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Managing with Confidence: Essentials Skills for New Leaders – Oct 13 & 15
This course is designed to equip new people leaders with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles quickly. Participants will gain an understanding of their roles as leaders, learn how to navigate the crucial first 90 days with confidence, and the key competencies to becoming an effective leader faster. Through practical tools, tips and insights, new leaders will be prepared to make an immediate positive impact on their teams.
Instructor: Patricia Cardenas-Randall
Tues and Thurs, Oct 13 & 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Remote-live
Blueprint Reading and Measurements – Oct 14
Learn how to read shop and engineering blueprints and how to fabricate parts and perform assembly operations. Learn current drafting standards and blueprint reading techniques, review standard lines and symbols, sketching techniques, orthographic projection, auxiliary views, drawings, dimensions, tolerances, sectional views, title block information, machining specifications and specialized forms of engineering drawings. Learn how to draw principal and isometric views and understand how blueprints and tolerances relate to the manufacturing process.
Instructor: Anthony Horbert
Wed, Oct 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: on campus in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center
Excel Intermediate – Oct 19 & 21
PREREQUISITE: Must have knowledge of Excel for Beginners or equivalent.
This course will continue with Microsoft Excel topics including: Table Functionality, Flash Fill, Popular Functions, Evaluating Formulas, Named Ranges, Formatting with Conditional Formatting, Viewing Options, an Introduction to Data Validation, Vlookup, and Pivot Tables, and more.
Instructor: Bret Babich
Mon and Wed, Oct 19 & 21 from 12-4 p.m.
Remote-live
Incorporating AI in Business Writing – Oct 20 & 22
Instructor: Julia Salgado
Tues and Thurs, Oct 20 & 22 from 6-9 p.m.
Remote-live
AI in Project Management – Oct 20-29
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way projects are planned, managed, and delivered. This introductory course provides project managers, team leaders, business professionals, and anyone involved in projects with a practical understanding of how AI can improve productivity, decision-making, communication, and project outcomes.
Participants will explore the fundamentals of AI, learn effective prompting techniques, and discover how AI can assist with creating project artifacts such as project charters, risk registers, stakeholder analyses, meeting summaries, and project communications. Through demonstrations and guided hands-on exercises, students will gain practical experience using AI tools while learning best practices for responsible and ethical AI use.
No technical or programming experience is required.
This course is ideal for:
- Project managers and project coordinators
- Team leaders, supervisors, and business analysts
- Agile practitioners and Scrum Masters
- Business professionals responsible for planning or managing projects
- Anyone interested in understanding how AI is changing project management
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify practical AI use cases across the project life cycle, including planning, scheduling, communication, risk management, and Agile delivery.
- Use effective prompting techniques to generate common project management deliverables.
- Recognize opportunities to improve team collaboration and decision-making with AI.
- Understand key ethical, governance, and data privacy considerations when using AI in project environments.
- Describe how AI is changing the role of the project manager and the skills needed for future success
Instructor: Tom Schnipp
Tues and Thurs, Oct 20, 22, 27, 29 from 6-8 p.m.
Remote-live
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing – Oct 21
This course will provide essential knowledge of how to create a well-structured GD&T, which will improve communications within your machine shop and ensure everyone involved is speaking the same language. GD&T concepts covered will include CNC machining tolerances, the Datum Reference Frame (DRF), interpretation of symbols, the Feature Control Frame, communicating basic dimensions and material condition modifiers.
Instructor: Anthony Horbert
Wed, Oct 21 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: on campus in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center
Microsoft Word for Beginners – Oct 26-Nov 4
Microsoft Word is so much more than just typing into documents. In this eight-hour introductory course, we will teach you how to create and manage professional-quality Word documents with ease while improving your overall efficiency using the application. You will learn about different document types, how to use templates, create lists, tables, add borders, formatting, spell check, readability and much more.
Instructor: Trish Callahan
Mon and Wed, Oct 26, 28, Nov 2, 4 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Remote-live
Register for October Classes
Click on this month’s registration button to sign up. On the list of classes, check off all of the classes you want to sign up for. You will need your employer’s EIN/Tax ID number to complete your registration. Put all of the class dates/times on your calendar – if you don’t show up, we will not get funding for this program. Thank you!
Payment Opportunities
If you work for a New Jersey non-governmental business, these classes are grant-supported, and therefore, of no cost to you. See your Human Resources department for an EIN/Tax ID number. If you do not qualify for free training, but wish to enroll as a paying student, please contact us for alternate registration instructions: 973-328-5187 or email cbt@ccm.edu
Important Notes on These Courses
Monthly Course Updates & Registration Information
New courses are added monthly, including updated titles, descriptions, prerequisites, dates, times, delivery methods, and unique registration links. Visit this page regularly for the latest offerings.
Registration Guidelines
When registering for Free Skills Training, select all the classes you wish to take for the month in one session—changes cannot be made afterward. For help or corrections, contact cbt@ccm.edu or call 973-328-5187. Note: Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory as part of the grant requirement. Plan accordingly and mark your calendar.
Testimonials
“Thank You to Christy and the CCM team. This class was great! I learned so much and it really will help me deal with my fear of public speaking!” -Charlotte B.
“I was so happy with the PowerPoint class. You gave so much relevant information! I feel more confident in my presentations.” -Liz B.
FAQ’s
Q: Do I qualify to take classes in this program at no cost?
A: To register through the grant, you must be employed by a New Jersey non-governmental business and provide your employer’s EIN (tax ID #) during registration. J
Q: What if I don’t qualify for the grant?
A: If you are not employed by a New Jersey non-governmental business (for example, if you work for a public school, library, town, or government entity), you can still attend these classes as a paying student. Send a request to cbt@ccm.edu with the class title and date. We will let you know the cost and provide an alternate link to register and pay.u
Q: How do I register for these classes?
A: Go to https://www.ccm.edu/programs/grant-supported-training/ Click on the classes of interest to see prerequisites, descriptions, and details. Registration is done by month. Click on “REGISTER FOR” under the class listings for that month (if you are new to our Workforce Development system, you will select ‘New Account’ and provide your email address, which will become your permanent Username). Log in and complete all required fields. When prompted, be sure to select the class(es) you will attend, or you will not be registered. If you do not complete the entire process, your registration will not be valid.ne
Q: Where do I get my employer’s EIN (tax ID #)?
A: You may see your Human Resources department/representative. You may also find the EIN on your W-2 form or paycheck stub.
Q: What if a class is full?
A: If you see your class has zero spots available during registration, you can choose to be placed on the waiting list. YOU WILL NOT BE IN THE CLASS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE AN INVITATION FROM US. If a spot becomes available, we will send you an email requiring you to respond. You can always log in to your account to view your classes at https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/ccm/f?p=1202:LOGIN&_gl=1*ht2nv1*_gcl_au*OTYzMTc4MjU0LjE3MDczMTg3MzQ
Q: What does Remote-Live location mean?
A: If a class location is designated as Remote-Live, it is held remotely with live instruction. Remote-Live classes are usually held via Zoom.
Q: How do I get the link to a Remote-Live class?
A: Once registered, you will receive the class link from the instructor approximately 1 to 2 days before the start of class. If you don’t receive it, always check your spam folder. If you still cannot find it, please contact us during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm at 973-328-5187 or workforcedevelopment@ccm.edu
Q: How many classes can I take?
A: You can take as many classes as you’d like, provided they don’t overlap.
Q: What if I cannot attend?
A: Attendance is mandatory at all sessions of your class, as a requirement of the grant. If you need to cancel, we must receive notification at cbt@ccm.edu at least 3 business days before class starts. We do not receive funding if you miss part of the class. You also have an option to send an eligible participant to attend the class in your place by contacting us at cbt@ccm.edu with the replacement person’s contact information no less than 48 hours before the class date. That person will need to register.
Q: How do I log in to my account?
A: Log in to your account to view your registrations, update your address, or change your password at https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/ccm/f?p=1202:LOGIN&_gl=1*ht2nv1*_gcl_au*OTYzMTc4MjU0LjE3MDczMTg3MzQ
Contact Us
Center for Workforce Development, County College of Morris
Student Community Center, Room 125
214 Center Grove Road, Randolph NJ 07869
E: cbt@ccm.edu
P: 973-328-5187
Instructors for Grant-Supported Courses
Bret Babich, MA
Bret has over 15 years of experience in analyzing and transforming complex data into actionable insights. He has experience in the public and private sectors of industry working with a wide variety of datasets. He earned an MA from Southern New Hampshire University and holds multiple industry credentials.
Christy Bouziotis, Ph.D., M.A., CPRW
Christy has been writing professionally for more than 25 years and holds Ph.D., MA and BA degrees in English literature. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade in corporate communications for companies including Intel and IEEE, where she developed a passion for business writing and the challenge of communicating highly complex information in clear, vivid terms. Since earning her Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) credential and taking up resume writing 15 years ago, Christy has authored more than 8,000 resumes, cover letters, and biographies for job seekers across all backgrounds and industries. In addition to her resume-writing work with a top career services firm, Christy teaches classes in business writing, resume writing, and public speaking at County College of Morris.
Trish Callahan, MBA
Trish has about 30 years of Information Technology experience, including years as a business analyst, project manager and information technology trainer. She has taught email, word processing, SharePoint, Service Now and many other applications. Trish serves as a part-time instructor at County College of Morris where she is teaching courses including SharePoint, Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint. Trish received two undergraduate degrees from the University of Utah and an MBA from Centenary College.
Patricia Cardenas Randall, MBA
Patricia brings over 30 years’ experience as an accomplished HR Business Partner, Global HR Operations Leader, and HR Advisor, specializing in connecting organizational strategy with bespoke HR solutions. Her expertise spans diverse industries such as biotech, consumer products, life sciences, public health, technology, non-profits, and startups in the US and globally. Patricia holds a BA in Economics from the University of California San Diego, an MBA from the University of Michigan, and an HR Certificate from Cornell University.
Alyse Cutler, MBA
Alyse has been instructing Workforce Development Data Analytics and Microsoft Office courses for County College of Morris since 2024, including Business Analytics with Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and AI for the workplace, for adult learners of all skill levels. Currently employed as a Senior Analyst at Orange and Rockland Utilities in NY, she also brings experience in supply chain management and adult instruction across multiple workforce development programs. She holds an MBA and a B.S. in Business Administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey, along with certifications in Tableau Desktop, Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals, and CompTIA A+. Alyse looks forward to helping students and working professionals build practical tech skills through a hands-on and engaging approach, whether advancing in their current role or pursuing new opportunities.
Anthony Horbert, AAS, CSWA, CSWPA-WD, CSWPA-SM
Anthony is the Coordinator of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Lab Supervisor at CCM. With greater than ten years’ hands-on experience in manufacturing as a design engineer, CNC operator, and engineer technician, Anthony designed CCM’s unique Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprentice Boot Camp. Anthony’s skill set includes a thorough mastery of SolidWorks, AutoCAD and manual and computerized machining skills.
Musa Husseini, MS
Musa has over 25 years of experience in various technology roles, including systems administrator, network engineer, SAP consultant, and technical trainer. He recently worked as a technical account manager at Amazon Web Services for large financial companies and previously as a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Musa has also taught technical subjects for over 20 years. He holds an MS in IT Administration and Security, a BSc in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics, and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Cybersecurity and Data Assurance.
Emily O’Brien, AS
Emily has over 20 years of experience as an instructor for CCM’s Workforce Development Department providing instruction in various MS Office applications for corporate clients and open enrollment programs. For more than 25 years, she has provided instruction at the adult level in multiple settings and is a sought after trainer and instructor. Emily is skilled in developing, coordinating and implementing training sessions for client needs and delivering technical information to effectively train non-technical audiences. Emily is an alumna of CCM.
Guillermo Reina, MBA
Guillermo began his distinguished career in academia as an adjunct faculty member in Colombia during the late 1990s before transitioning to higher education in the United States at the County College of Morris, where he taught Intercultural Communication followed by Spanish. A multifaceted world language educator, Guillermo has extensive experience teaching Spanish at the high school level and English as a Second Language (ESL) within community colleges. His pedagogical expertise is anchored by certifications from The College of New Jersey in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural education, as well as specialized training in Spanish language acquisition from Rutgers University, both of which are endorsed by the New Jersey Department of Education. At the core of his professional identity is a unique multidisciplinary foundation, comprising a Bachelor of Science from Colombia, a Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Certification in Executive and Organizational Coaching from New York University. Guillermo’s teaching philosophy is defined by this rich, diverse background, allowing him to seamlessly integrate advanced technology and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into the classroom to ensure students are prepared for the linguistic and cultural nuances of the modern global workforce.
Deirdre Rock, NCRW, NCOPE, CICNC, CIMA
Deirdre brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Starting her career as a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA), she held leadership roles at global organizations, including Mars, International Vintners, and Baseline (now part of Reuters), before founding Composed Career LLC, a successful career development strategy firm. She has spent the past decade serving professionals and executive leaders worldwide, with her clients securing opportunities at organizations including Apple, Amazon, American Express, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. Five of her résumé samples are featured in Resumes for Dummies, one of the world’s best-selling career guidebooks. Deirdre is a frequent speaker on career development and entrepreneurship and holds the NCRW, NCOPE, CICNC, and CIMA professional certifications.
Julia Salgado, MS, MBA
Julia is a certified Change Management practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and Life Sciences industries. As the Change Management Program Lead at Bayer Crop Science IT, she is passionate about guiding individuals and teams through complex change, helping them navigate challenges with clarity. Julia is also a certified facilitator for programs such as the Six Working Genius, PsychoGeometrics Shapes, and #IAmRemarkable. She is also an active Leadership Team member for the Crop Science IT ignITe employee engagement program and serves as communications lead for a business resource group. Julia holds a BA in Criminal Justice (Northeastern Illinois University), an MBA (Lakeforest Graduate School of Management), and an MS in Learning and Organizational Change (Northwestern University).
Tom Schnipp, MEd, PMP, CSM
Tom has over 25 years’ experience managing IT and business projects in the nonprofit, telecommunications and financial services industries for mid-size and Fortune 500 companies. Tom is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and a member of both Project Management International (PMI) and the New Jersey Chapter of PMI. Tom’s other volunteer experiences include past Board Member of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation and past Board Member and Treasurer of the Parks Alliance of Morris County. He holds undergraduate degrees in History and International Relations from Boston University, a master’s degree in Education from Rutgers and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Linda Trignano, MS
Linda Trignano of Trignano Consulting helps individuals and business leaders keep productivity, morale, and engagement high during turbulent times of change, trauma, and loss. Linda is a certified corporate recruiter and trainer and has served as a subject matter expert at AT&T for instructing managers on how to hire and interview. With over 23 years of facilitation experience, she works with both individuals and leaders helping them reach their full potential through mentoring, training, and coaching. Linda holds an MS in Management -Training from Montclair State University, a BA in Communications from Ramapo College, a Human Resources Certification from Rutgers University, Project Management Certification from Stevens Institute of NJ, and a coaching degree from Coach University, CO.
Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC
Rita is an award-winning, expert facilitator in the areas of leadership development, team building, and emotional intelligence. She is a dynamic keynote speaker and conference presenter. Rita brings corporate experience in management, administration, HR and public affairs. She is a contributing author to the book, Big Bold Business Advice. Rita is an Adjunct Faculty member at Montclair State University, William Paterson University, Walden University, Bergen Community College and CCM, having taught at the college level for more than 25 years. Rita holds a BS from Bryant College and an MBA from Walden University, as well as many industry certifications.
