By Liz Witbeck
For adults looking to change careers or become more specialized in their field, the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides several programs.
“These programs are designed to get people into a better spot from an employment perspective,” said Doug Leavens, director of career and technical education at WSWHE BOCES.
There are many daytime career and technical education classes to choose from. Adults may enroll in programs such as cosmetology, auto body repair, criminal justice, landscaping, early childhood education, information technology, and welding.
BOCES offers night and evening classes for those who have daytime obligations. Classes include security guard certification, trade mathematics, AC circuit theory, and residential wiring.
For those interested in health professions, BOCES offers a variety of classes. They offer programs to become an LPN and a CNA. There are medical billing and administrative assistant programs, as well as phlebotomy technician programs. Online healthcare courses are offered through Health Ed Today.
Classes are offered for adults to learn basic computer instruction. Those include Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. These are great classes for adults with careers that require computer knowledge, or those who want to learn for personal use.
Adults who need additional preparation in basic math and reading can take classes at BOCES. Study sessions are available at a BOCES classroom, as well as a home preparation course to give adults the basic literacy skills they need to be part of the workforce.
BOCES continues to add new programs that reflect the constantly changing economy and need for emerging skills in the region.
“We target the things that people in our region really need,” said Leavens. “That way the programs we offer will be beneficial to our local economy. We don’t want to offer programs that people like, but aren’t really useful.”
New programs include the Adult Machine Tool Technology Program, in collaboration with the Workforce Investment Board and area employers. Phlebotomy and medical coding programs have been added to keep up with the new technologies in the health field.
For those who believe they do not have the money to afford an education, there are several forms of financial assistance available. Local One-Stop Centers provide funding for some students. Students with disabilities may qualify for funding under the ACCESS-VR. The GI Bill provides financial assistance to military veterans.
People who are looking to change careers or upgrade their skills in a current field will find what they are looking for at the Adult Education Program at WSWHE BOCES.
“We help bridge the gap between what local employers need and what skills people need,” said Leavens. “When unemployment is higher, it might be that you need to be retrained in a different skill in order to be competitive in the market. A general education is great, but industries are really looking for people who can do a certain skill. People need targeted training and skills that employers are looking for.”
Classes are held throughout the year, with many classes running multiple times over the course of the year. Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes can be completed in as little as nine months.
Classes are conveniently held in two locations: the F. Donald Myers Education Center, at 15 Henning Road, in Saratoga Springs; or the Southern Adirondack Education Center, at 1051 Dix Ave. in Hudson Falls.
For more information including how to enroll, www.wswheboces.org.
Photo Courtesy WSWHE BOCES