Teaching skills and changing lives through Adult Programming at Willoughby-Eastlake Schools
By Mimi Vanderhaven
The Adult Programming through Willoughby-Eastlake Schools offers a variety of courses to help people find a promising career path with jobs available in our area.
“It is important that we address the needs of our community and those that live here. Expanding our adult programming increases opportunities for adults and helps to meet the needs of local businesses. It is a win for the community and a win for our citizens." Superintendent, Steve Thompson.
The classes take place at the Northern Career Institute, which began as the Willoughby-Eastlake School of Practical Nursing in 1962.
According to Vicki Morley, an administrator of the program, their original charter was to educate those interested in becoming practical nurses, and to help relieve the nursing shortage.
“Over the years, the program has grown and developed to accommodate society growth and the advancement of technology,” she says.
This year, Adult Programming is expanding to include a Welding program, with evening classes that run for 30 weeks.
“The American Welding Society estimates that by 2024, there will be a shortage of 400,000 welders,” she says. “And Ohio has one of the five highest employment levels in the country for this occupation.”
It joins three existing programs: Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, and coursework to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Upon successful completion of the programs, which run during the school year, students are able to become certified in these occupations.
“When selecting our programs, we refer to the Ohio Means Jobs list of In-Demand Occupations database to see which jobs have the most openings in our area,” says Vicki. “We also refer to our advisory groups and community partners.”
She believes the programs are making a difference in the community, not only for students, but for their whole family.
“We have had three former Billing & Coding students visit on separate occasions and they each commented that the program changed their life,” she says.
“And research says there is a significant impact on a child’s likelihood to continue their education after high school if their parent has.”
Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades k-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. For details, visit WESchools.org.