New Programs Offered at VATPDC

Old Dominion University's newly expanded Virginia Applied Technology and Professional Development Center (VATPDC) is offering an even wider range of courses this academic year, according to Clair M. Dorsey, the center's new director of professional development.

"Professional development not only increases the number of highly qualified employees a company has, but it creates employee loyalty, reduces inefficiencies and turnover, and bolsters the company's reputation," said Dorsey.

She added that, in addition to the increased number of courses offered this fall, the plan is to double the courses offered in the spring.

VATPDC provides support in the fields of engineering, engineering technology and engineering management. Its programs enable manufacturing and service-based organizations to aspire to world-class performance and to develop the skills and competencies of their employees.

During the fall 2008 semester, the VATPDC will offer classes in project management and professional examination preparation, geometrical dimensioning and tolerancing, the new BIM (Revit Architecture) software, ISO and engineering examination review (civil, mechanical and electrical, and fundamentals of engineering). All courses are taught by industry experts with years of experience in their respective fields.

For more information about the courses, visit the VATPDC Web site at www.vatpdc.com/pdc or contact the office at 757-683-5479 or pdc@odu.edu.