Development Center in Newark.
WORKFORCE CENTER ADDING NEW PROGRAMS
New Community’s Workforce Development Center has broadened its lineup, adding an Academic Enrichment /Vocational Training Program for Older Youth, reintroducing a Building Trades Program and adding healthcare classes in fields like Home Health Aide, Patient Care Technician and Clinical Medical Assistant.
“We are anticipating that this expansion will help us appeal to a broader cross section of individuals interested in vocational training, as well as job seekers,” explained Rodney Brutton, center director. “New Community Workforce Development Center continues its effort to connect jobseekers to quality training services and employment opportunities,” he added.
A $75,000 contract from the city of Newark was awarded to the center to serve 25 Out-Of- School youth between the ages of 16-21, offering a combination of academic enrichment and vocational training. The program, which started March 10th, provides academic preparation and career exposure in the areas of healthcare, automotive technology and culinary arts. In addition, students also take part in workshops providing instruction in resume writing, interviewing skills, time management, conflict resolution and financial literacy.
The Academic Enrichment/Vocational Training Program requires that participants complete 108 hours, with the program running Monday-Friday from 9:30 a. m.-3:00 p.m. By the conclusion, it is expected that each participant has advanced at least one academic grade level, with the hope that he or she will obtain a GED and eventually transition into a post-secondary institution or military service. Each participant is also expected to leave the program with an industry-recognized credential in one of the three vocational areas—automotive training, healthcare or culinary arts.
“New Community Workforce Development Center is committed to ensuring a positive outcome for each participant,” Brutton stressed, noting each student receives support from center staff to ensure they are meeting goals and performing up to their potential.
The center is also accepting applications for its Building Trades Program that is scheduled to start during the month of April, as well as several healthcare courses. The courses are Home Health Aide, Patient Care Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician and EKG Technician. Day and evening classes are available.
Areas of concentration for the Building Trades Program include carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Course content will cover subjects like safety, technical math and reading, tool identification, basic power tools, plumbing and wiring, framing, windows and doors. Participants will also receive instruction in blueprint reading, boiler repair and boiler maintenance. Program hours will be Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for 16 weeks.
For more information on the new programs, please drop by the New Community Workforce Development Center, located at 201 Bergen St. in Newark, or call the center at 973 824-6484.
