BUCKHANNON – Are you searching for a new job, looking to amp up your employability factor or even kickstart your own small business?
Well, you’re in luck because the Fred W. Eberle Technical Center will soon kick off a 10-week series of workshops to educate the local community on a variety of skills employers are looking for in an effort to create a more employable workforce.
Founded in 1968, Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is the first multi-county career technical center established in West Virginia with program offerings including, but not limited to, cosmetology, practical nursing, welding and diesel equipment technology, among others.
These “How To” Workshops are made possible via funding from the West Virginia Department of Education’s Economic Projects Impacting Communities, or EPIC grant. According to a recent press release, the grant is intended to enable educational institutions to spread knowledge about entrepreneurship initiatives across West Virginia.
“We wrote this grant with the focus of how to start a business and how to be a good employee because there are not a lot of educational opportunities like this for adults,” Rebecca Bowers-Call, Director of FETC, said. “These workshop experiences and certifications make students more marketable. Something like OSHA 10 Certification is something our students can have in their portfolio that maybe not every graduate from K-12 schooling could receive.”
Within each workshop, certified teachers and guest speakers – including professionals from local businesses – will share their knowledge about the respective topic.
“Our business partners and our community partners help support all of our programs,” Bowers-Call said. “Most of our students are working within their local community for some of these businesses and could potentially hire our students. The relationships with these entities are critical.”
“How To” Workshops at FETC are scheduled as follows on Tuesday evenings:
- March 11 – Resume Building, 6-8 p.m.
- March 18 – CPR/First Aid Certification, 4-7 p.m. (Please note students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes for the First Aid/CPR workshop to allow themselves to move around and practice life-saving techniques.)
- March 25 – Food Handlers Card, 6-8 p.m.
- April 9, 15-16 – OSHA 10 Certification (A Three-Part Course), 3:30-7 p.m.
- April 23 – GED Information & Complete Your Resume, 6-8 p.m.
- April 29 – Be A Good Employee & Stay Employed, 6-8 p.m.
- May 6 – How to Start a Business, 6-8 p.m.
- May 13 – How to Stay in Business, 6-8 p.m.
- May 22 – Job Fair, 6-8 p.m.
Following the 10-week workshop series, participants and the local community can register to attend a Job Fair on May 22 with area businesses who currently (or will soon) seek personnel in a variety of industries. This is not a formal attire event; however, participants are encouraged to put their best foot forward in front of potential employers.
Please note that participants under the age of 18 interested in a workshop are required to be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, there is a 40-person limit to each workshop, so seating is limited. Apply today, before spaces fill up!
“These workshops are going to be a very encouraging and welcoming environment in a group setting where everyone will be starting in the same place,” Bowers-Call said. “You do not have to sign up for all these workshops, but you are welcome to. Participants are welcome to pick and choose which courses that benefit them most.”
Tap here to register for one or more “How To” Workshops at FETC.
Questions? Please contact FETC by calling 304-472-1259.
Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is located at 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon. Check out the FETC website and Facebook page for frequent updates about campus activities, community events and student projects.
Please note that participants are encouraged to come to the entrance near the flagpole of FETC for assistance, where each workshop will be held on the trade school campus.
