(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Oct. 1, 2015) - - - Columbia State's Center for Workforce Development is offering classes in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and "Introduction to Computers" at its Columbia Campus this fall beginning in October.

"The Center for Workforce Development is focused on preparing individuals to embark on new careers by developing their skills through accelerated learning programs," said Terri Kinloch, CWD director. "If you want to develop new skills, improve your organization's performance or just learn new things, you have found the right place."

Microsoft Excel class instruction will center on the creation of spreadsheets, databases and workbooks for use in tracking inventory, sorting data and creating mailing lists. Learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide rows and columns using formulas and become adept at storing, managing and interpreting data. "Microsoft Excel Basic 1" will take place Oct. 14 from 1 - 5 p.m., and "Microsoft Excel Basic 2" will be offered Nov. 4 from 1 - 5 p.m.

"Introduction to Computers" will be offered Nov. 11 from 1 - 5 p.m. This course is for students who have little or no experience with personal computers and want to learn the basics. Students will learn about the main components of a typical computer system and the basic elements of Windows. They will also learn how to navigate in Windows Explorer, organize files and folders, search for items on the computer, and personalize Windows. Students will also learn how to browse the Web and how to protect their computers from viruses.

"Microsoft Word Basic 1" will be offered on Dec. 2 and "Microsoft Word Basic 2" is scheduled for Jan. 20. Both classes will meet from 1 - 5 p.m. Each course covers the basic functions and features of Microsoft Word 2013. "Microsoft Word Basic 2" is a course for the more skilled Word user. Students will learn word-processing techniques, including the creation of professional-looking letters, newsletters and other documents, creating documents from templates, inserting pictures and clip art, recovering unsaved documents, as well as the use of mail merge features used to print mailing labels and address letters to multiple recipients.

All continuing education courses will take place in Room 116 of the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. The fee for each course is $59. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required for each training event.

To register for these or other continuing education courses through Columbia State's Center for Workforce Development, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/workforce-development. Full course description, meeting locations and additional information are available on the website or by calling (931) 540-2659.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.