Happy Holidays everyone!  Most of you know me or have met me at a CWA conference around the district.

It is no secret that today’s economy is uncertain �?as are today’s jobs and the ability to get a job should one be surplused for any reason.  The only way that anybody insures employability and future income is to constantly further one’s education �?in particular one’s technical education.

If you work for Qwest Communications, effective January 1^st under the new 2009 CWA negotiated contract education benefit, some great new changes are coming your way:

• The annual education benefit one has been increased to $5250 per year!!  This is a major increase over the $2100/yr for past certification and career development training!  In most cases, one should be able to take two, maybe three job skills classes this coming year and fulfill many of the major certification courses in less time (CFOT, CCNA, CTP/VoIP, A+, Net+).
• Member eligibility has been reduced -- from six months to three months �?so new hires can get into improving their telecom careers relatively quickly! 
• Pathways continues to implement a tuition voucher program �?unlike many other telecom education programs that have gone to tuition reimbursement programs!  This means no money out of pocket to get your job skills training!
  • Pathways  has been recognized as the BEST education benefit program in the industry!
• The Pathways application structure has been really simplified.  Just enroll in a school or class of your choice, go online (www.qwesttuition.com) & apply for your benefit!  As easy as 1-2-3!!!

Attached is a brief outline of SAGE GROUP courses that we would be delighted to produce on demand, at your location, at a convenient time for your members, usually after hours or weekends.  Our telecom courses have been taught nationally for over 18 years and in District 7 since 1998.  College credit and in-class certifications for most courses can be earned as well.  Interested members only need give us a call where we can answer questions & send them an enrollment form.  And please feel free to convert this Word.doc into a .pdf file if needed!

If you are a CWA local officer, and/or a Steward, a committee-person or just an interested bystander �?we strongly encourage you to help your members & co-workers to USE their hard-bargained for education benefits this year!  Now is the time to begin thinking about 2009 and your individual future! 

Call me anytime on my toll-free line.  Happy Holidays to all!   In unity,

Jon

Jon M. Miller

Regional Director

230 Corby Court, Suite 204

Castle Rock, CO  80108

O:  303.660.8111

C:  303.809.5613

F:  303.660.8110

Toll free:  888-704-5262

[email protected]

www.thesagegrp.com

Member CWA local 3808