The ability to work remotely became more common as the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to stay home. A new program in Sanders County is helping job seekers receive training to prepare them for jobs with national companies as remote workers.

Four individuals completed remote worker training last week at the Clark Fork Professional Building. The program is a collaboration between Job Service Thompson Falls, Sanders County Community Development (SCCD) and Teleworks USA, a Kentucky-based company that helps connect workers with companies through training opportunities.

The four women last week were the first to go through the training in Sanders County. They came from different backgrounds but found common ground as they completed the training in topics such as customer service and various computer programs.

Becky Powley said the training is a game changer for her. She used to clean a business in Plains, but knee surgery a couple years ago forced her to quit working. "This I can do from my house. Now I can help people," she said.

" The Remote Worker training is good for Sanders County because it provides job seekers an opportunity to enhance their skills. It also opens the door for additional jobs, working remotely," said Erin Schock, manager of Job Service Thompson Falls. She noted that there are some funding programs available through Job Service for the training, or individuals may pay for the course themselves.

Ray Brown with SCCD said Job Service has programs available to help with funding for the class. He was excited for the remote work opportunities that would result from the training for the local residents. "In Sanders County, one of the challenges is low participation in the workforce. Just 44% of the available workforce is working or seeking work. This program creates opportunities for them to work from home," Brown said. He noted that once people are hired as remote workers for companies such as Wayfair, Amazon or Apple, many of the companies will provide equipment for remote workers, as well as additional training. "Teleworks is setting them up to be able to work from home. The goal is for these folks to be employed."

SCCD has computers and equipment for residents to take the training, which Brown said leads to direct employment with a variety of companies. Along with the various courses last week, the four trainees also interviewed with companies. "It's a game changer," Brown noted. "The barriers to the workforce are real and this is removing those. The training is four days and then you get a job." He also said that Teleworks follows up with the trainees. "They want to ensure people are at work and stay employed."

Powley and the other trainees said they encountered many different scams when previously looking for jobs online. Beth Cater, who used to work in the oil fields in North Dakota but moved back to Trout Creek after the pandemic, said she was applying for a remote job and realized it was a scam when they wanted a credit card number to pay for equipment. The trainees said the Teleworks program gave them confidence as they enter the remote workforce. Heather Frank said she appreciated that the company is keeping them safe with the training. Frank said she had three jobs before COVID and she didn't know what to expect with the training, but she's very excited about the opportunities that could come from it.

"Based on discussions with participants in the program, overall, there was a very positive review of the training," said Schock. "Participants reported feeling much more confident in knowing how to look for a remote job and in their ability to obtain one. Additionally, they felt their technical skills were enhanced."

Rachael Pederson is a single mom and said the lack of daycare options has kept her out of the workforce. "This is a great opportunity," she said of the Teleworks program. "It's definitely a confidence builder and it's nice to have this support system."

Brown said they have more than 20 people interested in the remote worker training. To find out more, contact SCCD at (406) 827-6935.