EDC, OCTC partner to create certificate for Financial and Customer Services

The Owensboro Community and Technical College and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation have teamed up to create a customized certificate to prepare the workforce for the growing number of jobs regionally in the financial and professional services sector.

The professional-level certificate, taught through the OCTC business department, consists of four classes ranging from basic customer service and communications to money and finance. The program will be open to high school students through the Discover College and Community Campus Business Academy.

"The professional service sector is the fastest growing job area of both the national and regional economies," said Nick Brake, President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. "This certificate will allow both young people entering the workforce and incumbent workers between jobs to prepare for positions in back offices, call centers, and the financial services industry."

The customer support, call center and financial services sector in the Owensboro region consists of over 1,500 employees at six companies. Both US Bank and First Security Bank announced expansions of their mortgage processing services in 2010. The new US Bank Home Mortgage center, which will open later this week in the Mid America Airpark, will add up to 500 additional jobs over the next few years.