News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

Not Everyone’s Path Starts With College and That’s Okay.

August 7, 2025

I’ve talked with so many people over the years who wanted to build a career in banking but felt like they were on the outside looking in because college wasn’t an option for them right now… or maybe not at all. Life happens. Bills, family, other priorities. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to take on student debt to build a meaningful, successful career in this industry. Community financial institutions all around us are incredible employers. They invest in

Board Spotlight: Casey Dillingham, Mascoma Bank

August 6, 2025

Fueled by my commitment to continuous learning, I am dedicated to not only expanding my own horizons, but also to helping others grow in their careers. CFTEA has played a significant role in supporting my team members and myself in reaching our learning and development goals. I began my career in banking while still in college and with little understanding of the business of banking. The knowledge that I gained by participating in CFTEA courses felt relevant and not only

Have You Explored CFTEA Cost-Saving Bundles?

August 5, 2025

What if you could build your career skills without breaking the bank? CFTEA’s cost‑saving bundles were designed with you in mind. Real career development. Real savings. Instead of paying for individual courses one by one, these bundles bring them together in powerful packages, many of which lead straight to a CFTEA certificate. From sharpening your leadership skills to boosting your financial literacy, from mastering communication to embracing the modern workforce mindset, there’s a bundle built to move you forward. Think

How Strong Is Your Writing?

August 4, 2025

… and how is it shaping the way people see you? Your words tell a story about you long before you walk into a room. A poorly written email, unclear instructions, or a tone that misses the mark can quietly chip away at how others perceive your credibility and professionalism. That’s why we’re excited to share that all eight chapters of CFTEA’s Written Communication textbook have been fully reviewed and updated. Every page was carefully revised to make sure you

Have You Heard of C Bucks?

August 1, 2025

Get ready—because the 2025 CFTEA Leaders Conference is shaping up to be an experience like no other. We’d love for you to join other board members, council members, and key supporters for two days of inspiration, collaboration, and fun. October 1–2, 2025 Village by the Sea, Wells, Maine ✨ Theme: Reimagining Education: Affordability Meets Excellence This year’s conference is designed to help you discover bold new ways to stretch training budgets, engage employees, and share insights that truly matter. But

New Course Launch: Peer Coaching Without Authority

July 31, 2025

You don’t need a title to make a powerful impact. CFTEA’s brand-new course Peer Coaching Without Authority gives you the tools to guide, support, and inspire others—even when you’re not in charge. In this course, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Build trust and credibility with peers ✅ Offer feedback that motivates instead of intimidates ✅ Strengthen collaboration while respecting boundaries ✅ Influence others and drive change without formal authority Even better, this course is part of our Modern Workforce Skills

Board Member Spotlight: Arielle Darling, Androscoggin Bank

July 30, 2025

I have been a trainer, mentor, and coach in various industries and sectors for most of my adult life. When I joined the world of banking, I was introduced to (and eagerly became well-acquainted with) CFTEA as a trusted source of valuable information. I dove in to learn what I could, network with others in the same field, and gain new insights and perspectives on the direction my career had recently taken. I had to learn Banking from the ground

Just Dropped: Your 2025–2026 Award Catalog + Progress Trackers!

July 29, 2025

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start growing your career… this is it. With rising costs, evolving roles, and more competition than ever, now is the moment to invest in yourself—and CFTEA is here to make it easy. We’ve just released the 2025–2026 Award Catalog, your one-stop guide to earning certificates, certifications, and diplomas that actually align with your career goals. And the best part? We’re giving you printable progress tracking worksheets so you can stay on

Self Paced Classes Doesn’t Mean Going It Alone

July 25, 2025

Have a question during your CFTEA course? Tammy’s got your back. ✅ Forgot your password? ✅ Locked out of your course? ✅ Progress bar stuck below 100% even though you swear you’re done? ✅ Not sure which portal to use? ✅ Confused about what to do next? You are not alone—and you don’t have to submit a support ticket into the void or wait days for a reply. At CFTEA, real people like Tammy in our office are here to

Your Future in Banking Starts Here—No Pressure, Just Possibility.

July 24, 2025

Thinking about earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Banking Major? You don’t have to decide everything today—but you can start moving in the right direction. At CFTEA, we’ve partnered with St. Joseph’s College of Maine to provide a flexible, affordable path to a banking degree that works on your schedule. And it all starts with courses you can take one at a time, based on your goals and life balance. CFTEA Courses That Apply Directly to