Customized Instructor-Led Training

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ABOUT US

We’re Different.

SkillForge is a different kind of training company. Based just outside of Chicago, we deliver training to companies, institutions and individuals across North America. We believe that learning requires interaction and participation (you can’t ask questions when you’re watching a video!) And that much of what a student learns happens after class is over – when they try out what they’ve learned in real-world situations. So in all of our classes, whether self-paced, online or in-person, students always have access to an instructor – both during and after class. Our instructors are experts in their field with years of hands-on experience and multiple certifications in the subjects they teach. For them – and for us, training isn’t just a job. It’s a calling.

See the Difference

Joel Wurffel
Founder

Joel has held multiple roles in the IT Industry over the last 20 years, including Software Developer and Technical Trainer. After having worked for several other training companies, Joel decided it was time to strike out on his own. And in 2010, SkillForge was born. Joel currently works with clients to develop training solutions that will meet their needs, manages our amazing training team and sometimes still teaches a class when time allows!

Seth Bonder
Senior Instructor

Seth has been an IT instructor for over twenty years. His certifications include A+, Network+, A.C.E. in Photoshop and Illustrator, MOS/MOUS AI, and IC3. Among other classes, Seth teaches Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Crystal Reports and Tableau.

Natalie Stennett
Instructor

Natalie has been a Microsoft Certified Professional since 2011. She teaches a variety of courses including Microsoft Office, Adobe Applications, SharePoint and many others. Her enthusiasm for teaching and ability to explain concepts in an easy-to-understand way make her a favorite of her students!

What Sets Us Apart

Our Teaching Methodology

In all of our classes, we utilize a “Show, Do, Review” teaching methodology. Instructors demonstrate or “Show” students how to compete a specific task or concept, students then “Do” a hands-on practice or exercise to reinforce their learning and, finally, we “Review” to ensure all students understand before we move on.

Our Instructors

Our Instructors are the heart of our company. Makes sense for a training company, right? We select only the best trainers to work with us and our clients. They have years of experience in the topics and software products they teach. But even more than that – they have a passion for, and genuine love of teaching. Learning from someone who loves teaching can mean the difference between a class that’s just ‘good’ and one that’s truly amazing!

Our Support

We know that the learning process is only beginning while you are in class. The real challenge is using those skills once you return to work. For that reason we offer six months of instructor email support for most of our courses and one year of access to a recorded video of your class for others. We want to make sure you are successful with your new skills!

How We Deliver Our Courses

We deliver our courses in multiple different formats to suit you or your team’s needs. We have a full schedule of public, open enrollment live, instructor-led online classes. We also offer these same classes as private group onsite or online classes. And, finally, many of our courses are also available in a self-paced eLearning format if you would like to learn at your own pace.

Trusted by Organizations
Across North America

From small businesses to Governmental Agencies and Fortune 500 companies, thousands of organizations have trusted us to train their staff.

See Our Clients

Access to Instructors

I really enjoy the hands on nature of the courses, without having to travel. It makes for a very economical and productive learning experience. The access to the instructors after the class is a great benefit as well. I always plan for a challenging project after the class to take advantage of their guidance!

Tracy R.

Port of Seattle

Awesome!

I have been working with (the) course content for almost 10 years, and was still able to learn something new. Our instructor was clear and concise and was careful not to go off topic even when we students could very easily do that. He kept us on track and ON TIME! Awesome!

R.V.

HealthHelp

Wonderful Experience

I had a wonderful experience in the class. I had no experience with Crystal Reports at the beginning of the week and now I feel comfortable enough to create basic to intermediate reports all on my own. Joel was a wonderful instructor and provided real life feedback and training to better assist me with learning the new skills.

Kim Y

Aramco

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Ready to experience the difference yourself?

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