hvcc

Freelancers Are Investing in Training to Prepare for Future Economic Downturns

October 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Covid-19 pandemic has unquestionably overturned the economy and financial stability for many professionals. Many remain un- or under-employed, and the future remains uncertain.

Conversations with local freelancers and entrepreneurs have shown us that many of them are working to diversify their skillsets to become more marketable in the current pandemic and in any future downturns.

That 77% are partaking in additional skill training or development to build an updated skill portfolio and planning to transition careers to a more in-demand industry.

Mind you, these stats come from a 2019 report, before the pandemic started.

As we await the 2020 report, one can imagine that the number of freelancers currently taking these steps will be greater due to current circumstances.

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) has developed a flexible and affordable program to meet these needs.

The HVCC Career Launchpad has fast-track options to provide the education necessary to enhance skills or develop new ones. They provide non-credit and credit courses which can prove vital to preparing for an extended, or future economic downturn.

Invest in marketplace and financial stability. Let’s launch! Get started HERE.

Freelancers Need Flexible, Affordable Skill Development Options

October 12, 2020 By wordpress

By: Gabby Fisher, Senior Producer

Let’s jump straight to the numbers…

Yes, you read that right.

More than half of freelancers do not take skill training trainings or courses they want or need because they cannot afford it.

Also…though freelancers largely attribute positive value to their college education, freelancers find skill-related training more useful to the work they do now when asked to compare the two.

The HVCC Career Launchpad is right on the mark with what freelancers are looking for…flexible, affordable, non-degree education options. The goal: to enhance skills, learn new ones, and to increase earning power and marketability.

How the Program Started

Penny Hill, HVCC’s Dean of Economic Development and Workforce Initiatives and her team have been offering professional development and training for people, businesses and organizations throughout the Cap Region for a long time.

When the pandemic hit, they jumped into action to develop the HVCC Career Launchpad.

Flexibility

Penny said one of the main priorities of the program was flexibility. A lot is uncertain at the moment. People don’t necessarily want to commit to or pay for college degrees. The Launchpad offers credit and non-credit courses, a first for the college.

HVCC knew this program had to allow all required work to be done digitally and on the individual’s own time, within one year max.

They understood that many of the individual’s would have other responsibilities – jobs, kids, etc. so all of the flexible program attributes were important in its development.

Affordability

Affordability was also a main priority for Penny and her team. The program was intended to be an option for those unemployed due to COVID-19. The idea was to get them trained and/or industry-certified and back out into the job market quickly.

If you’re a freelancer like me, chances are you relate to some of these circumstances and like most freelancers, value professional development.

Get in Touch with HVCC today!

Opportunities for tuition funding may be available. Invest in yourself. Invest in marketplace stability. Let’s launch!

Training Up With Gabby: Build Your Skills, Knowledge & Earning Power!

September 22, 2020 By upstatecreative

By: Gabby Fisher, ACE Digital Media Manager & Entrepreneur, in conjunction with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Career Launchpad.

I’ve had some extra time on my hands due to the limitations of COVID-19. I’m sure you can relate. The question is, what have you been doing with the extra time? Some of us have been brushing up on our cooking techniques, exercising more (or watching a lot more TV – that’s cool too), or have been using this time to reflect and explore my professional goals (me!).

What do I want out of a career? What do I want to achieve in the next 5-10 years? How can I make myself more marketable? How can I make more money?

Sure, I have a Bachelor’s Degree and work experience in different fields – but there is SO much more to learn. Technology is changing. The way people work and consume is changing. Everyday! The only way to keep up is to invest in continued learning and professional development. Whether it’s to enhance your skills in the field you’re currently working in or to learn new skills for a better career.

Don’t take my word for it…here’s what I’ve heard from fellow freelancers and business owners during the COVID-19 crisis…

But wait, there’s more…Did you know?…

Bottom line…to be marketable and excel in your career, you need to launch yourself to the next level by investing in yourself and education.

Don’t know where to start? I do. Career Launchpad by Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC).

Why did I choose this route? To name a few reasons…the education comes from a nationally accredited institution, it’s online, it’s easy to get started, and it’s affordable. Invest in yourself. I’m going to. Follow my journey as I jump into the Career Launchpad program at HVCC and take my skills, knowledge, and earning power to the next level.

First step: fill out the interest form! It takes less than a minute. Check it out below and click here to fill yours out today!

Stay tuned for more!