GATE CITY — The Regional Adult Education Program of Lee, Scott, Wise and Norton Public Schools and Mountain Empire Community College are teaming up to offer technology training classes free of charge for adult learners in the area.
Known as PluggedInVA IT, the free program is designed to provide students with various technology skills that many area businesses find necessary for their employees.
PluggedInVA IT Coordinator Jan Stallard said the program was created in response to the many adults who contact Regional Adult Ed needing basic technology skills to either get a new job or maintain their current one.
“So many jobs now require a knowledge of technology, what employers refer to as ‘IT’ or information technology,” PluggedInVA IT Coordinator Jan Stallard said. “Many local adults left the classroom before computers became common in the workplace. With this program we will help adults earn and build upon their GED with computer skills expected by employers.”
Stallard said the course will consist of three evening classes each week and will run from the mid-February until early June. Stallard described the curriculum for the course as “rigorous.”
The classes will be open to a limited number of applicants. Those participating in the program will receive industry-recognized credentials that will prepare them for better jobs that offer higher wages, Stallard said.
Students who successfully complete the course will earn a GED, if needed, Microsoft IT certifications and 12 credit hours from MECC that will count toward an IT Readiness Career Studies Certificate.
Applications for the course are currently being accepted. For more information on the PluggedInVA IT program, call (877) 722-3243 or e-mail Stallard at jstallard@race2GED.org.