Employers want to hire people with critical thinking skills who can problem-solve in workplace situations and reason mathematically.

That’s why Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Career, Technical and Workforce Education program is offering a free math skills refresher course in September for those who might be a little rusty in those areas.

Seating is limited for the workshop, so registration is required by calling 601-643-8707. Online registration is available at careertraining.colin.edu/strongmathskills.

The free course, valued at $50, includes a workbook.

“Math is one of the three critical skills that affect performance in most jobs,” said Celeste Williamson, workforce education media specialist. “Co-Lin recognizes the importance of workplace math skills and is offering the community a learning opportunity to strengthen its knowledge in this area. The goal is to continue to strengthen the regional labor force, as it is no secret that skilled workers are pivotal to economic growth.”

Williamson said the upcoming math skill refresher course is ideal for individuals preparing to take or retake the ACT WorkKeys Assessmen’s applied math module. It’s also a good way for adult education students to reinforce math knowledge.

“They should find this refresher course an excellent companion to their current set of courses,” she said.

Jobseekers could also benefit from the free workshop.

“More and more employers are requesting proof of an applicant’s workplace skills,” she said. “This course can give job seekers an advantage in documenting their math skills. The bottom line is helping people with employment.”

The four-hour workshops will be offered on Sept. 10, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Thames Conference Center on the Wesson campus. Deadlines to register is five days before each event — on Sept. 5, Sept. 12 and Sept. 19 respectively.