Miami Hamilton to offer bank teller training program

February 19, 2008

Miami University Hamilton, in partnership with local banks and the Tri-State Center for Financial Training, is now offering classes to train bank tellers.

Part of the training involves handling and counting large amounts of money, how banks earn money, and developing the skills required to work quickly and accurately with numbers. The class is taught by former bank executive and Miami instructor Alan Short.

Local banks provided input for the eight-week course, which meets two nights a week at Miami’s Hamilton campus beginning February 26.

“There’s a growing need for bank tellers,” said Kathy Weber, Director of Miami Hamilton’s Corporate & Community Institute. Weber collaborated with Chris Kelso of the Tri-State Center for Financial Training and Short to create the program.

According to Weber, area bankers were asked if there is a need for a larger pool of qualified bank teller applicants and a program to train them.

“The answer was a resounding ‘yes,’” Weber said. “This is something the banks really need.”

The curriculum also covers how to detect counterfeit bills, and recommending new products and services to customers as appropriate.

The cost of the class is $595, which includes books and training materials.  Local contacts for job opportunities will be shared with those who successfully complete the 45-hour training program.

“Many people think banks need fewer tellers these days due to the prevalence of online banking and ATM transactions. But most customers still depend heavily on teller lines and drive-through windows,” Weber said. “Being a bank teller is a lot of responsibility, and there are opportunities for promotion.”

Registration is open to the public and will continue until class begins February 26.  For more information or to register, call 785-3131.