“It’s never too late to go back and get your high school diploma or GED,” asserts Kelly Whaley, Sussex Tech Adult Education Division supervisor. “Students ages 16 and up can come back to school and get their high school diploma or GED through the James H. Groves Adult High School.” Whaley said a World War II veteran graduated recently at age 85.
While the Groves school shares facilities with Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown, Delaware, classes are available on a flexible schedule across the county, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Apprenticeships are the best way to learn a skilled trade, combining on-the-job training through a sponsoring employer with related classroom instruction. With sufficient hours and the proper documentation, students can earn a Journeyperson certificate.
Trades classes are another way students can learn new skills, such as a heavy equipment operator class that started last month. In the fall, thanks to a grant from Sen. Chris Coon’s office, a CDL program will begin in all three of the state’s vocational-technical school districts. There are also certification programs in plumbing, welding, electrical, auto mechanics and marine mechanics.
Prepare for entry into a health care profession or upgrade your skills by enrolling in a variety of courses such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Pharmacy Technician or Phlebotomy Technician.
CNA classes are offered day or night; all the others are evening courses. The Adult Division partners with local health care facilities to provide the 75 hours of classroom and lab training at Sussex Tech and 75 hours of clinical training at a local healthcare facility required for state CNA certification. A new partnership with Bayhealth can help students “earn while they learn” and move right into a job at one of Bayhealth’s locations.
One of the newest programs trains Dental Assistants to assist in the delivery of quality oral health care.
The program can be completed in 15 weeks. For those who need driver’s education, whether adults or students who can’t fit in the class at school or who attend private school or are homeschooled, Sussex Tech Adult Division will offer classes this summer. Students can learn English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) — free — at different locations throughout Sussex County.
Just begun is a home health aide class that some ESOL students will be participating in, so they can learn a skill as well as a new language. A similar program will be offered in welding and customer service.
Whole families can get involved in a family literacy program, another branch under ESOL. Partnering with Seaford School District, the program takes over Seaford Central Elementary on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Parents participate in classes for language skills and children receive help with homework and school readiness.
Get started on the path to achieving your goals. Visit www.sussexvt.org/adulted or call 302-856-9035.
