New Horizons changes local training landscape

It is no longer enough for businesses large or small to simply possess the appropriate technology to do the job. A well-trained staff with the savvy to utilize computer applications to meet objectives has become an absolute must.

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, under the leadership of owner and General Manager Tom Dapp, is one of the newest companies to address the need for computer training among southwest Missouri businesses.

Located at 3330 S. National Ave., just east of Kelly Plaza at Walnut Lawn, New Horizons opened its doors for business in January. Just nine months later, the Springfield center came in at No. 4 on New Horizons' September ranking of top revenue-producing centers, based on revenue per PC. There are 148 New Horizons locations nationwide and another 107 abroad.

Dapp said about 5,000 people have come through the doors of the Springfield learning center since it opened, and the hottest classes going are Internet-related. The learning center offers certifications for the Internet and offers classes in areas such as Web page development.

The center's courses are "not just limited to Windows 2000 or generic office suite applications," Dapp said.

Through its Choice Learning concept, New Horizons offers a variety of learning options, an array of multilevel course and package selections, and cost-effective club memberships, Dapp said.

The program focuses on the specific learning needs of individuals and businesses, and it is designed to fit individual schedules and budgets.

No newcomer to the Springfield business community, Dapp is the former owner of Computer Renaissance and, prior to that, served for 15 years as a senior manager at the Federal Express facility here.

"When I opened Computer Renaissance," he said, "I became associated with the computer industry ... and as time went on, I became increasingly aware of the definite need for computer training not just on some of the more common applications, but for much more advanced training than that."

After being approached by New Horizons regarding the establishment of a learning center here, Dapp flew to home base in California and, following discussions there, was awarded the New Horizons franchise for southwest Missouri, including the Joplin area. Dapp said he couldn't have been more pleased.

"We reach out to businesses," he said, "and help them assess their specific needs. We have them come in and try us out to see what we're all about. Then we go about the business of focusing on their present needs, if any, or we'll be available to them for any future needs as they arise."

Under the New Horizons' Choice Learning concept, students have three options for learning: hands-on classroom training, computer-based training on CD-ROM or Web-based training.

Classes are offered at the learning center on South National days, evenings and weekends for hands-on training. The center houses six classrooms plus a lab and testing center with 55 personal and 15 notebook-style computers. Courses range from beginning Word on through the most advanced and technical classes, including Microsoft certified systems engineer and other certification courses. New Horizons also offers a learning guarantee a free repeat of classroom training within six months.

CD-ROM courses, which mirror the New Horizons classroom courses, complement class study and provide a tool for training staff members.

Web-based training allows students to log on according to their individual schedules, and students have access to the coursework on more than 100 desktop and technical titles for a full six months at no extra charge.

Regardless of the learning method selected, help-desk assistance is available 24 hours a day.