BOSSIER CITY, La. — Bossier Parish Community College will host Skills Surge on May 23, offering high school students, recent graduates and community members an opportunity to gain workforce skills and industry-recognized certifications in a one-day training event.
The event will feature several training programs designed to provide participants with practical skills and exposure to potential career pathways through both online and hands-on instruction.
One offering, Grow with Google: AI Essentials, is a free online self-paced course that introduces participants to generative artificial intelligence tools and applications. The course, which takes about four hours to complete, provides instruction in using AI for idea development, content creation and task management. Participants who complete the program earn an industry-recognized AI literacy credential. Individuals needing access to campus computers must apply and enroll at least 24 hours before the event to activate their BPCC login credentials.
The NSC Forklift Operator Certification course will be held in person on BPCC’s Bossier campus from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The $100 course, developed by the National Safety Council, includes instruction in OSHA safety standards, equipment inspection, hazard awareness and hands-on lift equipment evaluation. Participants must be at least 18 years old and wear closed-toe shoes. Successful participants will receive a nationally recognized certification commonly used in logistics, warehousing and manufacturing industries.
BPCC also will offer an Intro to Tools and OSHA Safety Standards course from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Bossier campus for $100. The course focuses on workplace safety practices, hazard awareness and proper use of tools and equipment.
A Heartsaver CPR and AED Training course will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $65. The training is intended for individuals without medical backgrounds and includes instruction in CPR, AED use, choking relief, basic first aid and recognition of heart attack and stroke symptoms. Participants who successfully complete the course will earn Heartsaver CPR/AED certification.
BPCC said Skills Surge is designed to help participants strengthen résumés and college applications while developing practical workplace skills.
Registration requires completion of the BPCC Workforce Solutions non-credit application. Additional information is available through BPCC Workforce Solutions.