Technical Skills Training in Allentown, PA

Define the task before choosing an instructor

Write down the result you want, such as creating an invoice, sharing a folder with staff or producing a monthly sales spreadsheet. Name the software, your device and the steps you can complete without help. Ask the instructor to explain how you will practice the remaining steps during the lesson.

For staff training, identify who needs instruction and which tasks each person performs. Ask whether the trainer can teach a group using a sample workflow, then check each learner’s work. Request separate pricing for preparation, teaching and follow-up support so you can compare quotes on the same scope.

Use sample invoices, invented customer records or a copy of a spreadsheet with identifying information removed. Keep control of passwords and account recovery details. Ask how the instructor handles screen recordings, shared files and any remote access before the session begins.

Match a course to your software and learning goal

LCCC’s Getting Started with Google Workspace course covers Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive and other Google apps. The college lists 24 course hours for $164, with self-paced three-month access or instructor-moderated six-week access. Consider that course if you want instruction across the apps; ask a private trainer for a narrower scope if your immediate goal is one shared-folder or spreadsheet task. [3]

The college lists its QuickBooks Online Series at $280 for 48 hours, covering introductory and intermediate topics. Its Excel and Access 2019 Suite costs $593 for 96 hours and includes both applications. Before enrolling, ask whether the material matches your current software and whether you need the entire suite. [3]

For AI instruction, distinguish general understanding from a specific business project. LCCC lists Introduction to Artificial Intelligence at $146 for 24 hours and describes topics including machine learning, forecasting, natural language processing and ethical considerations. If you need help applying a tool to your own work, ask the trainer to define the practice exercise and explain how you will check the output. [3]

Compare the full cost and booking terms

Use the published course fees below as examples of regional online education options. They do not establish a local hourly rate for private coaching. Ask private instructors for a total quote covering lesson length, number of learners, travel if applicable, preparation, software subscriptions and follow-up questions. [3]

LCCC says most workforce courses require full payment at registration, while some offer financial aid or payment plans. The college can bill an employer with formal written permission. Ask the registration office which terms apply to your chosen course before approving staff enrollment. [4]

Check withdrawal terms before paying. LCCC’s registration page describes written notice before the second class for a class refund and notice before the session for a class that meets once. It gives a separate materials-fee refund cutoff of four days before the start. Ask how those rules apply to an online course with an access period. [4]

Agree on a practice task and review point

Ask a prospective instructor to describe a lesson using your chosen task. For spreadsheet training, request practice entering data, correcting an error and explaining the calculation. For file-sharing instruction, ask to practice granting access and removing it. Request a sample exercise or lesson outline that shows how the instructor teaches someone at your level.

Agree on a review point before purchasing an extended package. Ask learners to repeat the task without prompts and note the steps that still need work. Request written practice instructions and clarify whether later questions count toward paid lesson time. Use that review to decide whether to book more instruction or change the scope.

Published LCCC online course fees

Choose a training route for your goal

Your hiring checklist

1. Write one task you want to complete without help and list the software and device you use.
2. Choose individual or staff instruction and identify each learner’s starting skills.
3. Compare a scheduled beginner class with a course or a task-specific private lesson.
4. Ask for a written lesson outline and an exercise using the relevant software version.
5. Prepare sample files with customer, employee and financial identifiers removed.
6. Confirm the total cost, included support, payment schedule and cancellation terms.
7. Agree on a task you will repeat without prompts before purchasing more lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn basic computer skills for free in Allentown?

Allentown Public Library offers free Tech Tuesday classes and asks you to register at the reference desk. Topics include computer basics, Word, Excel and Google Drive. Check the date for your topic and whether the morning session fits your schedule. [1]

How much should I budget for a course?

LCCC lists Introduction to Windows 11 at $144, Introduction to AI at $146 and Google Workspace at $164, each for 24 hours. These are advertised online course fees. Obtain a separate quote for private instruction and confirm any software costs before enrolling. [3]

Can CareerLink pay for my training?

You may qualify, subject to CareerLink’s eligibility review. Its published criteria include county residency, educational and entrance requirements, a high-priority occupation and an approved training program. Contact the Allentown center before making a payment commitment. [2]

Should I buy a lesson package for my staff?

Ask the instructor to assess starting skills and propose a practice task before you commit. Request a review after the initial instruction, with each learner completing the task without prompts. Use the results to decide how much additional training to purchase.