News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

Success Story in Action!

April 22, 2025

We’re thrilled to share that just days after the Portland Adult Education Teller Graduation, one of the talented graduates was hired by Skowhegan Savings Bank! This event wasn’t just a celebration—it was the culmination of 255 hours of hands-on training including CFTEA’s updated Frontline Fundamentals course, designed to launch careers in community banking. From classroom learning to real-world opportunities, this program is making a powerful impact—and we’re just getting started.

Proactive, Not Reactive: CFTEA’s Commitment to Meaningful Service

April 18, 2025

At CFTEA, we believe in more than just processing enrollments—we’re committed to proactively serving our community. Tammy, a dedicated member of our team, exemplifies this commitment by going the extra mile to ensure both organizations and individuals maximize their savings without compromising on quality. Recently, Tammy reviewed an enrollment for two courses and noticed an opportunity: Instructor-Led Online Course: She identified that the same content and experience were available through CFTEA’s Guided Learning at a lower cost. Plus, with a

CFTEA Council Spotlight: Jenn Plourde

April 16, 2025

CFTEA Council Spotlight: Jenn Plourde Employee Development Manager Saco & Biddeford Savings We are excited to announce that Jenn Plourde from Saco & Biddeford Savings (SBSI) has joined the CFTEA Regional Advisory Council! Jenn is a strong advocate for continued education and is dedicated to fostering the growth of her colleagues. The partnership between SBSI and CFTEA offers unique benefits. Jenn appreciates that CFTEA is a community-focused non-profit, aligning perfectly with SBSI’s mission as a mutual savings bank serving the

Not All “Principles of Banking” Courses Are Created Equal!

April 15, 2025

What if what you’re paying for isn’t really what you think? In the marketplace, a name can sell a course—but is it truly worth the price? The Facts: ⚡ A Principles of Banking course is being sold for $499—but it’s not even a 3-credit course! ⚡ The content actually matches CFTEA’s Banking Today course—which costs just $299! ⚡ That’s over 50% in savings for the same material with CFTEA’s outstanding learning experience! Your Smarter Banking Career Path Starts Here ✅

Elevate Your Career with CFTEA’s Certified Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practitioner (CAIP) Course!

April 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are revolutionizing industries worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve by mastering these transformative technologies with CFTEA’s Certified Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practitioner (CAIP) course. Get the same high-quality training at nearly half the cost of similar programs elsewhere! Why Enroll? Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical activities that teach you to apply AI and ML algorithms to real-world business challenges. Comprehensive Curriculum: From data collection and model training to building various models like linear regression, classification, clustering,

Jumping on the Barbie Box trend—CFTEA style!

April 14, 2025

We’re excited to be developing a brand-new course launching later this year – Harnessing AI for Learning & Development So, what better time to have a little fun with AI? Meet our “Executive Director” action figure—modeled after Andrew Lederer and created using ChatGPT’s image tools! Because at CFTEA, we believe learning should be innovative and engaging. Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming AI course!

Welcome Our New Board Members!

April 11, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the addition of four seasoned professionals to the CFTEA Board of Directors. Each brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our mission of advancing career development at community financial institutions. Meet Our New Board Members: Jessi Jaquish – With a strong background in banking, Jessi currently serves at Union Bank, where she has been instrumental in leading various educational initiatives. She has served for a number of years on the CFTEA Regional

Strong Writing Skills Matter More Than Ever – Even in the Age of AI!

April 8, 2025

In today’s workplace, clear and effective communication is essential—and with AI on the rise, knowing how to write well is more important than ever. Are writing skills of those in your organization helping them or holding them back? This course helps participants sharpen business writing skills, create meaningful emails, master grammar, and understand AI’s impact on professional communication. This virtual classroom is guaranteed to run, but we could use a few more students. Join CFTEA Board President and highly rated

New to Banking or the Workforce? Here’s What School Didn’t Teach You..

April 8, 2025

Starting your first job—or your first role in banking? You’ve got the ambition, but let’s be honest… skills like writing a professional email, managing your time, or creating strong daily habits probably weren’t covered in school. That’s where CFTEA’s Upping Your Professional Game bundle comes in. Designed for those new to the workforce or just entering the banking industry, this cost-saving course bundle helps you build the real-world skills that help you stand out—for all the right reasons. This bundle

Going the Extra Mile for Your Success!

April 4, 2025

Every spring, Tammy at CFTEA carefully checks and double-checks completed courses to ensure students receive the certificates, certifications, and diplomas they’ve worked hard for. Now that’s customer service! These are then sent to the CFTEA contact are your organization at the start of June for distribution and celebration! Are you close to completing a CFTEA award? Don’t leave it to chance—check in with Tammy! She’ll help you explore the best course options to reach your career and educational goals. ✨