50 Veterans Graduate Chicagoland Project Management Class since 2014
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 25, 2016 -- The Chicagoland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) has partnered with Black Diamond Charities (BDC) of Illinois to provide Project Management Training to veterans who are looking to enhance their careers and transition to civilian life. Thirteen veterans graduated in the Fall 2015 class bringing the total number of graduates to 50 veterans trained in project management since October 2014. Another five week course is being offered starting February 14. The course also counts as the 35 hours of classroom instruction required for the PMP certification. Limited spaces remain – contact Dawn Bluemke at dawnbluemke(at)blackdiamondcharities(dot)org to apply.
Project management is a natural fit for many veterans due to the structured nature of project management and their military careers. “One of BDC’s missions is to provide skill enhancement training to Armed Forces Veterans, particularly those transitioning from the military”, says Dawn Bluemke of BDC. “The continued support and dedicated efforts by the PMI Chicagoland-Black Diamond Charities partnership is our formula for success...a real live example of teamwork making the dream work.” added Tjuan Smith, PMP (PMI Chicagoland Director of Social Outreach)
The course, taught at the IIT Stuart School of Business, provides veterans with the opportunity to identify project management skills they already have and relate those skills to job opportunities. The ultimate hope is that the veterans can leverage the training and exam prep to help secure positions aligned with the principles of project management. A growing number of veterans are obtaining jobs in the civilian sector in project management roles after this training.
During the training course veterans built a project team, determined the needs and expectations of stakeholders, created project schedules, developed cost estimates and budgets, and managed project risks. Students worked in project teams of four or five and finished by presenting to executive management. Volunteer mentors also provide after class guidance and an avenue of follow-up communications to the students.
To register for the February class, please contact Dawn Bluemke of BDC to confirm veteran status and class availability. Reservations are required to attend. Walk-ins are not permitted.
For additional information on the veterans program or to make a donation to keep the program going, please visit the Black Diamond Charities website.
If you would like to be a member and volunteer with PMI Chicagoland one of the largest and most active chapters in the world serving local project management practitioners and organizations please contact us at communityoutreach(at)pmi-chicagoland(dot)org
Erik Jensen, PMI Chicagoland Chapter, http://www.pmi-chicagoland.org, +1 (773) 860-4444, [email protected]
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