KAT Training Website Launched

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2001

Contact:
Don J. Huffman, HuffmanCom, don@huffmancom.com, 707 257-2585

Céline Haugen, Executive Director, 707 253-3212
Napa Valley Economic Development Corporation (NVEDC)


KNOWLEDGE ADMINISTRATOR TRAINING (KAT) PROGRAM FOR UNDER-EMPLOYED LAUNCHED

NAPA, Calif. - Standing firm on the conviction that "knowledge is power," and a primary means for assisting the under-employed to advance in a career, the Napa Valley Economic Development Corporation (NVEDC) is proud to announce launching the Knowledge Administrator Training (KAT) Program.

Developed in response to a specific and significant need by Napa County employers for workers who are proficient in using popular computer software and internet applications, KAT is an intense occupational training program with specific eligibility requirements. "This is a certification program designed to train participants to become Knowledge Administrators," explained Céline Haugen, Executive Director of NVEDC. "A Knowledge Administrator is the right-hand person every organization needs - the person who knows how to handle the barrage of information we all have to deal with in this day and age."

KAT is a free program and stresses training in computer desktop applications and Internet fundamentals. "Use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and basic Internet technologies are the technical skills that will be learned," says Haugen. As she describes it, "The unique aspect of this program is that emphasis is on students passing both the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) and Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Foundation examinations. We are pleased to offer training that culminates in passing these exams, because they are widely used by industry to determine an applicant's ability to perform desktop and Internet job tasks." According to Haugen, the difference between this and other industry accepted certification training programs is that it combines skill in Microsoft desktop applications with proficiency in internet fundamentals, a combination that to her knowledge has yet to be offered elsewhere.

Standard requirements for the program necessitate that participants be 18 or older, working, and that their household income be less than $14 per hour. They must also possess at least a 7th grade level in reading, and basic math skills. Students can be referred by their employer or contact the program directly. "This is a new opportunity for persons desiring professional growth," says Marty Finnegan, Director of the Napa County Training and Employment Center (TEC), one of the partnering agencies who will provide educational facilities. "We are really excited about KAT and have shared the aspects of the program in forums around the state."

The KAT Program is funded by a grant awarded to NVEDC by the The William and Flora Hewlet Foundation. The Napa Technology Cluster, convened by the NVEDC, is the lead initiator of the program, along with local training institutions and public service agencies. "The concept was born at a Technology Cluster meeting in September, 1998. The group's insights and advice were invaluable, and it will be exciting to see the impact that KAT graduates have on the local economy," says Haugen.

An intensive marketing plan is scheduled to commence on October 1. HuffmanCom, a local marketing and design firm, is responsible for web site design (KATtraining.org), posters, flyers, postcards and media releases. "We want to be certain that Napa County employers and employees take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity," said Haugen.

The Napa Valley Economic Development Corporation (NVEDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their mission is to develop a sustainable and vital economic base through strong partnerships, resource leveraging and state-of-the-art information services. Additionally, their goal is to retain and create quality jobs, enhance the standard of living for all residents of Napa County, and increase revenue to local units of government. For more information about KAT, call the NVEDC office at 253-3212, or to apply as a student or participating employer, contact Suzan Dawson at TEC, 253-4134.

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