GFC MSU shows students its job training programs

Great Falls College Montana State University is playing host to a new series of three program informational sessions over the next week designed to recruit students to the school  by giving them a hands-on look showing potential career pathways in high demand fields such as nursing and welding, says CEO/Dean Susan Wolff.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students, their families and those considering a return to higher education to see and evaluate their options,” said Lew Card, college development, communications and marketing director. “We invite them to come and learn more about the options available at Great Falls College MSU.”

The sessions will give students more than two months to mull over their options before enrollment starts for classes beginning in early January, Card added.

“Students at GFC MSU get to know their faculty, learn in small-sized classes and have access to scholarships and people and support systems that help them learn,” Wolff said, adding that the two-year GFC MSU has low tuition whether students are seeking to enter the job market quickly with high, in-demand skills or seeking a solid foundation before transferring to a four-year college.

During the three distinct informational sessions, prospective students will be given the chance to explore their educational options in healthcare, business, computers and skilled trades, as well as learn about some 50 transfer options available through GFC MSU.

Each informational session will start at 5:30 p.m. at the appropriate location on the GFC MSU campus, located at 2100 16th Ave. S. Each will be unique to its industry and offered in different locations on campus in order to highlight the atmosphere of where students will study. Instructors will be on hand to discuss what students will learn in each field and the job market.

Here’s more about the three sessions:

• The health science session will be Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the college’s Simulated Hospital. It will focus on the 20 health care programs offered at Great Falls College MSU, and the career opportunities that await students after graduation. The Simulated Hospital is in the lower level of the college, beneath the Weaver Library.  For ease of access, use the north parking lot and enter through the main doors of campus. Signs will point to the Simulated Hospital.
• The general education, business and technology session will be Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall. It will discuss the business and technology programs, including degree options in accounting, business, computers and design. It also will discuss the general education credits that students can attain at GFC MSU, and highlight more than 50 transfer agreements under which students can begin here and seamlessly transfer to another college or university for four-year degrees in such fields as engineering, education and business. Heritage Hall is centrally located in the main building.  Access can be reached from any campus entrance, with signs directing prospective students to Heritage Hall.
• The trades programs session will be Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Carpentry Classroom of the main school building. It will highlight the carpentry, renewable energy technician, industrial technician and welding technology and fabrication programs at GFC MSU.  Instructors will discuss how the programs are taught, the demand in these fields and employers ready to put graduates to work.  The Carpentry Classroom is in the southeast corner of campus.  For easiest access, park in the South parking lot behind the main building, and follow the signs to the session.

Finance, admissions and more

College officials will be at each session to answer other questions. Financial Aid officials will discuss the many ways students can finance their education, including scholarships. Advising staff will be there to help students choose their right program paths. Admissions representatives will discuss the process of becoming a student.  Academic Success Center representatives will be ready to discuss tutoring options, and eLearning staff members will provide information on the online course options at GFC MSU.  In addition, Lifelong Learning staff will be on hand to discuss non-credit options available to community members.