Fayette vo-tech to teach students how to ‘learn to earn’
A new program set to start this fall at the Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School will afford some high school dropouts an opportunity to re-engage in an academic setting. The Learn to Earn Program seeks to provide eligible youth, ages 18-24 years who have not obtained a high school diploma, the chance to receive industry training and a General Equivalency Diploma free of charge.
During an information session held last week, Dr. Edward Jeffreys, director of the school, told the youths the program could be a life-changing experience.
“We can take your life and turn it upside down in a good way if you want it to with this program,” he said.
Jeffreys said the vo-tech was one of three vocational schools in the state to receive a grant for the program. Of the $600,000 available for the program, the Fayette County school has been given $200,000, which will allow an enrollment of 25-30 students.
“I believe we were selected because on our end of the state, there is a lot of unemployment and our dropout rate is high,” he said. “So this program is a regeneration of their academic attitude so they realize that they can do this.”
The grant, which originated from federal stimulus funding, was obtained from the state from the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board. Kate Martin, youth program’s manager for the board, said WIB, Private Industry Council, CareerLink, Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports, Inc., and other agencies are involved with implementing the program.
Classes are to begin in mid-September and participants will receive 160 hours of free industry training. Additionally, each participating student will receive 20 hours of free career and work readiness training including job search assistance, resume writing and interviewing skills, referrals to local employers and post-secondary training information. Students will receive assistance with enrolling in GED classes as well as have the testing fee paid through the program. Each student will also receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
“Students are expected to cooperate after the program ends by supplying information,” Martin said, adding that the follow up will confirm that the program has helped students gain employment. “That will help keep the program going and maybe even expand it for next year with more funding.”
Before entering the program, students must complete the application process to determine eligibility status and undergo assessment testing. Martin said students already in a GED class are prime candidates for the program at the vo-tech, but students need not be enrolled in the classes prior to entering the program. Students who have already earned a GED are not eligible for the program.
There will be 18 vocational-technical programs available including welding, auto body, computer technology, cosmetology, electrical construction and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC, according to Jeffreys, is a skill highly sought after in the area.
Elizabeth Baker, 23, of Uniontown has been enrolled in GED classes at the Private Industry Council for about six months. She attended the information session to learn more about the skill sessions available to her through the program.
“The only thing I have been focused on is getting my GED,” she said. “But I came here to sign up. I know I can do this and it’s only 36 days.”
Baker said she is unsure which field she will choose, but has interest in several of the offerings.
Jennifer Myers, 20, of Uniontown, also attends the classes at PIC. She said while she had often considered nursing as an occupation, it’s not offered through the program. Still, she said, other options may act as a springboard to a career in nursing.
“The veterinarian technician one interests me,” she said. “This is a great program and it’s close by.”
Martin said the program in many cases can serve as a jump start to post-secondary education should the student choose to continue in an academic setting to achieve an associate’s degree or higher.
“Dropout reengagement is one of the main focuses for Workforce Investment Board,” Martin said. “These youths are the future of our workforce.”