Tenses Practice 7 - English Tenses Practice

Shrader Extension to Offer Certificate in Remote Work

SHRADER CITY (December 1)— The University of Shrader Extension has announced that it will begin offering a “Remote Work Proficiency Certificate”.

Operated by the university, the extension is a Shrader-wide network of offices that is charged with sharing knowledge through continuing education classes and other programs. The extension’s dean, Dr. Irwin Hirano, said that the goal of this program is to give opportunities to underemployed people in rural areas: “We want them to be able to make a living while remaining a part of their community, instead of feeling forced to move to a city.”

For students’ convenience, the program will be administered entirely online. Dr. Hirano explained, “All that people will need is a computer, moderate computer literacy, and a good Internet connection.” He did point out that a background in fields like marketing or graphic design is helpful, but said that “there are remote work jobs, like customer service representative, that require little previous work experience.”

The five-week program, which will cost nothing for residents of certain rural areas, centers around a course teaching the technological tools and job skills needed for remote work. Once the course ends, certificate-holders will have access to a career coach as they launch their job search.

Potential students must register by December 26 for the inaugural session, which will begin classes on January 2, and by February 24 for the session beginning March 3. More information about the program can be found at www.extension shrader.edu/wpe.

From: Tracy Byrne <[email protected]>.

To: <[email protected]>

Subject: Shrader's Remote Work Proficiency Certificate

Date: November7

Dear Editor,

Nearly a year ago, your paper reported on the University of Shrader Extension's program to train people to do remote work. I signed up to be a student in its first session, and within two weeks of earning my certificate, I got a remote work job that I still hold today. Most of the other people in my session had a similar experience.

That is why I was very surprised to find out recently that the program appears to no longer be available. Its Web page has been taken down. Dr. Hirano has left the university, and when I sent an e-mail to his successor about the program, I did not receive an answer. Could one of your reporters look into this issue? I think the people of our region deserve to know why such a successful initiative has been discontinued.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Tracy Byme