Laughlin AFRC offers Skill Path Training Published May 2, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Laughlin Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts a free computer skills training class for military spouses at the Health and Wellness Center here May 10 as part of Military Spouse Appreciation Month. The purpose of the Skill Path Training is to provide critical entry-level job skills in using Microsoft Excel and Office to help active duty spouses find immediate and viable employment. "Spouses make a big investment when they become a part of our Air Force family," said Anthony Williams, AFRC consultant. "This is our way of showing appreciation by providing them with skills that can follow them from base to base." Funded by the Air Force Aid Society, the Skills Path Training is designed with three goals in mind. The first goal Williams noted is to promote employment of military spouses to help improve the financial readiness of their families, which is important since finances are often a major concern for young military families. "Training costs time and money," Williams said. "If a person comes in for a job already possessing these skills, they are more likely to be hired." Aliyah Negley, AFRC community readiness consultant, explained that the second goal is to help spouses better market themselves in a technology heavy workforce. This is done by helping those attending get the most out of the Microsoft programs by focusing on key functions such as formulas, spreadsheets, charts, data management and mastering documents. "By acquiring these skills spouses get a definite bonus when seeking employment that acts as a stepping stone toward higher education and better job opportunities," she said. The final goal is to increase the computer and technology access for military spouses in areas where computer skills training are limited, said Williams. "I've been asked about computer training in the past and I could not find any in the local area," he said. "This class will help spouses in need of training." The training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and space is limited. To reserve a seat contact the AFRC at 298-5620.