When most people think of Adult Education classes, they typically associate the term with adults going back to school to work on obtaining a GED ®. While this is true, adult education programs have several other offerings to support adult learners in various areas.
Basic education and GED® classes are options, but they also have programs to teach computer skills, help with job readiness and financial awareness, along with job training programs that lead to certifications such as the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and the SMAW Welder program. There are many excellent learning and training opportunities available with Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) for adults in our region.
Earlier this year, one adult learner, James Goodman, decided that after being out of school for a few years, he needed to refresh some job skills to make applying for employment more successful. James did not know what exactly to expect when he showed up to Ami Warner’s class at the Richlands Career Works Center, but he was definitely motivated to get started. Once he began, it did not take him long to finish five courses in just one week. James took two computer skill courses, NorthStar Digital Literacy and Computer Essentials, as well as Job Essentials, Work Essentials, and Money Essentials.
James admitted that he was concerned with having been out of school for a while and possibly not remembering some subjects very well. But he did not give up when faced with challenges. He stated, “I studied the practice tests and lessons each day and paid attention to the questions I got wrong and where I needed to improve until I passed each test. The programs were filled with examples for each subject and provided a way to re-learn old subjects and grasp new ones.” James says that he feels more confident in the knowledge that he has gained and that he learned “It’s never too late to get further education or to pursue help.”
Ami Warner, who helped James achieve this goal, added, “Like many young people, James needed training to develop the skills necessary to obtain and maintain a job. Southwest Regional Adult Education provides these skills free of charge to anyone who enrolls in our programs. These programs develop the skills necessary for workplace readiness, managing money, and developing the computer skills required to meet societal demands.”
If you would like to build up your confidence and are ready to pursue help with your educational goals like James did, please contact SRAE at 276-889-5424. Your educational goals are within your reach; give us a call today!
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.
Cutline: James Goodman
