Surrey Community College launches new School Office Clerk Certificate program

The district is accepting applications for a new clerical training program, offering participants the insight and guidance to start a new career path as clerical staff in one of the district’s 130 schools.

Starting in October, Surrey Community College will launch the School Office Clerk Certificate program, a 12-week, part-time evening course hosted by Queen Elizabeth Continuing Education, with a two-week practicum at a district school.

“We are excited to launch this new program that came about with support from our district to look at how we can train and encourage people to consider working in a school clerical environment,” said Selma Smith, director of instruction with Continuing Education. “ We will be providing  learning opportunities around Office 365 and a chance to work in a school where it’s a fast-paced environment with students and families and staff, helping out with those responsibilities.”

Working in a school office may be a very attractive career for parents, where the position is 10 months during the school year and workday hours are during school times. School office clerks earn $24 to 30 per hour, with flexibility for movement and growth.

The program will focus on the technical and interpersonal skills needed to be effective in a school office environment. Students will learn the basics of office practices, office management, safety preparedness, professional writing, basic bookkeeping, Office 365, and resumé and interview techniques.

Classes begin Oct. 3 and practicums are scheduled for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 and Dec. 4 to 8.  These practicums will help future school clerks adjust to the school office setting and prepare them to arrive on the job equipped with the skills needed to be successful in their roles supporting staff and students.

Entrance requirements include high school graduation and an English requirement, as well as several application documents (details here).

Classes are held Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., at Queen Elizabeth Continuing Education Centre (9457 King George Blvd.) and led by Deb Evans, a clerical supervisor and trainer in school districts for the past 12 years. Practicums take place during school hours, Monday to Friday.

Tuition is $1,350 with a $90 registration fee (details here). Textbooks and course materials will be confirmed by the instructor no later than the first week of class.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to apply to work as a school office clerk in both the public and private school systems.

For more information, visit the School Office Clerk Certificate website.