April 2, 2025

Meet Michael Leslie. Or, you may call him “Mr. Mike” like most everyone does at TARCOG.

On Tuesday, April 1, Mr. Mike, 66, was recognized at a TARCOG staff meeting for graduating from a 10-week Digital Certification Program (DCP) by the Center for Workforce Inclusion. 

“My biggest challenge was being nervous and the fact that I had not been to school for more than 40 years,” Mr. Mike shared with his co-workers during a heartfelt and emotional thanks to all of his TARCOG family that he’s gotten know and who have supported him since he enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) on Nov. 27, 2023.

Mr. Mike was immediately assigned to TARCOG as a car fleet assistant, said John Sanders, program manager. The program is for those 55 and older and provides paid job training opportunities in which people may learn new skills or enhance existing ones, with the goal of finding employment opportunities.

John said he chose Mr. Mike for the DCP because he expressed an interest in learning more about how to use a computer.

“The program is extremely valuable to our participants as most employers want someone with computer knowledge and skills,” John said. “DCP gives participants one-on-one personal training, and that assistance continues even after graduation.”

Mr. Mike said his digital navigator used his knowledge of automobiles to help him better relate to computer technology.

“When my digital navigator offered me the analogy of the outside of the car being the hardware and under the hood being the software, it clicked for me,” Mr. Mike said. “The tools inside the car manage the user experience – and the same thing applies to computers.”

He said once he learned the vocabulary associated with hardware and software, including the menus he needed to create his experience, he earned 10 certifications throughout the course from internet basics, career search skills and using email to social media, and learning the Microsoft Office Suite.

According to its website, the DCP was created to prepare older workers for the modern workplace while combating ageism. Digital skills are required in 92 percent of jobs. However, one of the most pervasive ageist stereotypes is technological illiteracy among older adults. A digital certification provides job seekers with in-demand skills and a means to showcase those skills to potential employers.

Upon graduation, Mr. Mike and others who complete the DCP get to keep the new laptop, mouse, headset, flash drive and a notebook that was used to access the on-line digital learning platform during classes. He also gets a hot spot with 12 months of pre-paid internet to ensure ongoing connectivity. He will have continued access to additional opportunities like resume development, mock interviews and career coaching.

John said SCSEP is funded by the Center for Workforce Inclusion and Alabama Department of Senior Services. Anyone interested in participating may contact him at 256-830-0818.

From left, TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, SCSEP Employee Michael Leslie and SCSEP Program Manager John Sanders at the TARCOG April Staff Meeting.