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Career Learning Center expands hours for GED students
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 06/22/2012 |
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Seated at the computer lab at the Madison Career Learning Center is Program Director Laura Franken.
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Laura Franken, program director for the Madison Area Career Learning Center, said the GED program has been available locally for the past three years during limited hours. It's offered by Black Hills Special Services.
As of July 1, Franken said, the MCLC has a three-year contract to offer the GED program. Beginning in late August, the MCLC will offer evening classes for GED students on Tuesdays and Thursdays and two Saturdays per month.
"We have to be flexible," Franken said, explaining that if someone is employed and interested in obtaining their GED, they'll most likely be working during regular business hours.
"We want everyone who needs help to come," she said. "We're excited to help them."
The GED program is one of several education opportunities available through the MCLC. A National Career Readiness Certificate program has been available since last fall.
Job seekers can go through the program to assess their job skills through three tests -- reading for information, applied mathematics and locating information.
Franken said local employers are starting to recognize the career readiness certificates. Ultimately, she said, having the certificate makes a person more marketable as a potential employee.
Certificates are awarded at four levels -- bronze, silver, gold and platinum. A bronze certificate means an employee has employability skills for approximately 30 percent of the profiled jobs; silver means an employee has skills for 65 percent of the jobs; and gold means they have skills for about 90 percent of the jobs.
One hour is allotted for each of the three tests. Franken said anyone interested in obtaining the certificate can study in advance using the WorkKeys Job Skills assessment system. The MCLC also offers a series of classes on computer literacy. Those classes cover the basics of using a computer and teach the use of Word, Xcel and PowerPoint.
Common Sense Parenting classes are also offered. The two-hour classes are held once a week for six weeks on Wednesday evenings. Anyone interested should contact the MCLC to determine a start date for the next block of classes.
Community education classes available include introduction to eBay, resume assistance, introduction to Craigslist, introduction to Facebook, digital photo editing, introduction to QuickBooks and Keyboarding pro. Specific fees are charged for each of these classes.
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©Madison Daily Leader 2013
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