UMass Dartmouth Workers’ Education Program opens doors to new opportunities by offering free G.E.D. and ESOL courses

In a growing and competitive job market we all need to implement every advantage we can to maximize our chances of success. It can be a robust economy with many career opportunities, but being without a high school diploma or not having fluency with English can be a serious detriment – one that can restrict an individual from quality jobs and certainly one that can hold back an entire family and have negative financial repercussions.

In this day and age, this shouldn’t be the case: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Basic Education (ASE) and High School Equivalency or HiSET (formerly known as the G.E.D.) courses are readily available in most metropolitan areas and New Bedford is, of course, one of the regions that offers these opportunities for advancement in the SouthCoast.

If you are one of those who needs to improve his English language skills, gain some job training skills, further their education and improve their overall financial situation then you have likely been considering one or more of these courses.

UMass Dartmouth Workers’ Education Program offers the community these and other opportunities for free and they are open to all adults. The Workers’ Education Program is part of the university’s Labor Education Center and has been in existence since 1986. Initially, these courses were held in classes that would be held in union halls and workplaces that had many employees that would benefit.

In 1995, the program began offering the classes to the New Bedford and Fall River area at the New Bedford campus of UMass Dartmouth. In January they moved to the UMass Dartmouth Campus at 715 Purchase Street. This facility is not only far more convenient and conducive to higher learning, but its strategic location makes it easy to find and get to with mass transit.

Speaking with Workers’ Education Program Director, Lisa Jochim it is clear that she has passion and genuine desire to make a positive mark on the community and is proud of the fact that the Workers’ Education Program is one of only three programs in the state’s 100 plus programs to maintain consistently high performance in all areas including Attendance, Average Attended Hours, Pre/Post Assessment Administration, Learner Gains, Student Goals, and Level Completion.

“This year’s HiSET graduates have passed a much more difficult high school equivalency test than in years past proving they have what it takes to be successful in college and careers.” she stated. “Our students have demonstrated a fierce determination to acquire the language and literacy skills they need to help them at work, with their families and in the community.”

Now more than ever before, our HiSET (new high school equivalency test) graduates and ESOL students are going on to college and class attendance and learning gains are at an all-time high. This points directly to the quality of instruction and quality of teaching one receives at the campus.

For many, these free courses are a profound life-changing opportunity that should not be passed up. You have nothing to lose and only better job opportunities, improved quality of life and financial station. The free classes help the WEP to create a lifeline out of poverty for individuals and families.

Sound like something that you might be interested in? There are currently openings for the daytime GED/HiSET classes that meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00-1:00 as well as openings for the evening GED/HiSET classes that meet Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-8:30.

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes take place in the morning and evening with most ESOL classes having a waiting list, but if you would like to get on that list you can contact them today to find out about availability.

If you are interested in the ESOL/CNA program, the next course takes place over 16 weeks, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-2:30pm from September 25 to January 19. You must register by August 25, be able to pass Basic English test, and be eligible to work in the US. This course will not only help ypu pass your CNA test, but help you improve your English speaking skills. In addition, you get books, a uniform, and a watch with a second hand.

So, don’t be held back any more! The UMass Dartmouth Worker’s Education Program only costs a phone call or visit today to get one step closer to a better tomorrow!

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UMass Dartmouth Workers’ Education Program
715 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
FREE Parking!

Phone: 508-910-9004
Website: umassd.edu/cas/workerseducation/
Facebook: facebook.com/umdwep/

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