GED, vocational health job program ready for trainees
Individuals who do not have a high school diploma now have the opportunity to not only get their GED but also receive vocational training for jobs in the health care field through an intensive three phase program.
South Yuma County Adult Education Consortium and Regional Center for Border Health have partnered with the Somerton School District and Arizona Western College to provide the Arizona Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (AZ I-BEST) Program through grant funds.
Before enrolling in the program interested individuals will be tested to determine their placement in reading and math subj ect areas, Mia Armenta said
Students will receive their GED in the first phase of the program, she said, and will then move on to the second phase where they receive vocational training to either get their certificate as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or as a Caregiver.
The program is also providing scholarships for 16-20 students to go into these programs provided by the Regional Center for Border Health, said Armenta, noting that they are expecting everyone in the program to graduate from their vocational training by May 13.
“There is a high demand for health care employees in Yuma County,” Armenta said, adding that they are hopeful that they can help the students gain employment after they complete their training.
Phase three, she said, focuses on helping the students in the program secure employment and teaches students job skills and assists them with building their resume.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is not employed,” she said, noting that they meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. so the schedule would not be conducive to someone who worked more than 8-10 hours a week.
She said that the I-BEST grant funds will pay for tuition, medical equipment, uniforms, text books and their GED exam, leaving only a $30 fee for students.
Individuals enrolling in the program should be Arizona residents and must be over the age of 18, said Armenta.
“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Armenta, who commented that this is a very unique program and this is the first time that anything like it has been offered in Yuma.
She added that the program is only being offered in three counties in Arizona.
“We are trying to have everything under one roof, so to speak, so it facilitates the opportunity for an adult learner to have that sense of confidence that they will be able to go from one stage to another seamlessly,” Armenta said, noting that this program has the ability to change lives.
The deadline for individuals in Yuma County to register for the program is Monday, March 14, and people should visit Valle Del Encanto Learning Center located at 400 N. Cesar Chavez Ave. in Somerton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or call 341-6714 to enroll.
Armenta added that the South Yuma County Adult Education Consortium also offers additional classes separate from the I-BEST Program including: English as a second language courses, GED classes, citizenship classes and computer literacy classes.
Enrollment for these classes start Monday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858.
