COAL TOWNSHIP - Evening courses for adults are again being offered at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC).
There are 17 courses or workshops offered beginning the week of Oct. 7: welding art, medical terminology, auto mechanics basics, auto body basics, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, computer introduction, HVAC basics, ServSafe food safety, residential wiring, auto state inspection, industrial electricity, dental assisting introduction, CPR w/AED (two sections) and two culinary workshops - an evening in the kitchen learning to make puff pastry ahead of Thanksgiving and holiday appetizers ahead of Christmas and New Year's.
Also, Harrisburg Area Community College is offering a course at NCCTC for emergency medical technician training. The class begins Oct. 23 and will be held on Wednesdays through May 14. Deadline to apply is Sept. 23. For more information, visit hacc.edu/publicsafetycenter/ems/emt.cfm or call 717-780-2458 or 644-0304.
Based on interest
Course subjects were selected based on research of high priority occupations through Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation and jobs listed on the PA CareerLink website, according to James F. Monaghan, administrative director.
Input was also received from the center's Occupational Advisory Committee and from people who called to express interest in a particular trade, he said.
The courses are taught by the center's instructors or adjunct instructors. They range between three and 10 weeks and cost between $150 and $210, including materials. Workshops for CPR are $40 and the culinary lessons cost $65 each.
It's the second year the center will offer adult courses in the fall and spring.
"We have the equipment and I don't want it sitting around. I want it used and give people the opportunity to hone their skills and make a job move or move within their company," Monaghan said.
Monaghan said subjects like HVAC and dental assisting could be used to introduce adults to a potential new career. The computer courses can be used to improve upon the basics of standard office computer software, and certificates are offered in the CPR, ServSafe and inspection classes.
And there's the "how to," Monaghan said. Many people have home projects to complete and don't know where to begin with residential wiring. They can learn at the center.
Welding art and auto mechanics could appeal to those seeking a new hobby, and the culinary workshops would be a fun alternative for a night out for foodies.
"This is the Northumberland County Career and Technology Centers' niche," Monaghan said. "The welding and HVAC equipment is here. The electrical technology program has fire alarm commercial and residential trainers for individuals needing training in that expertise."
Visit www.ncavts.org for complete course descriptions, costs and registration information, or call the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center at 644-0304. The center is located at 1700 W. Montgomery St.
