Local residents looking to boost their career prospects and business savvy can look forward to a new series of free workshops at Fred W. Eberle Technical Center this spring. Beginning in March 2025, the center will host 10 weekly sessions — held in the evening — that cover critical skills for both jobseekers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Among the offerings are opportunities to earn a free OSHA 10 Card, a free Food Handlers Card and free First Aid/CPR certification. Participants will also learn how to find and apply for jobs, write compelling resumes, stay successfully employed and navigate the process of launching and maintaining a small business.
In addition, the program will feature an evening job fair, giving attendees a valuable chance to connect with local employers and discuss potential career paths.
The workshops begin in March 2025, with one evening session per week for 10 weeks. Participants can attend one or all of the classes.
Interested individuals can secure a spot by signing up at https://forms.office.com/r/WzdDT0PXPe. More information is available by calling 304-472-1259.
Tentative schedule:
Week 1: Resume Building
Date: March 11 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Participants receive a folder with sample resumes and cover letters
- Guest Speaker (HR professional)
- Tips for filling out job applications
Week 2: CPR/First Aid Certification
Date: March 18 (Tuesday)
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Participants will receive CPR/Heartsaver First Aid certification
Week 3: Food Handlers Card
Date: March 25 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Upshur County Health Department instructs the class
- Participants receive a valid Food Handlers Card
Weeks 4 & 5: OSHA 10 Card
Dates: April 9, 15, 16 (Tuesdays)
Time: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Participants complete an OSHA 10 training
- OSHA 10 cards will be awarded upon completion
Week 6: GED Info & Resume Completion
Date: April 23 (Wednesday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Adult Learning Center will discuss GED requirements
- Resume-building assistance
- Guest Speaker from St. Joseph’s Hospital on hiring needs and required education
Week 7: How to Be a Good Employee
Date: April 29 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Local business leaders share insights on what makes a good employee
- Tips for staying employed and succeeding in the workplace
Week 8: Starting a Business
Date: May 6 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Small Business Administration overview
- Step-by-step guide to obtaining a business license via the Secretary of State website
- Overview of different business entity types
Week 9: Staying in Business
Date: May 13 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Upshur County Development Authority representatives
- Local business owners share best practices
- Chamber of Commerce representative
Week 10: Evening Job Fair
Date: May 22 (Thursday)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Network with local employers
- Explore potential career opportunities
