preparing for employment

During this portion of the program each participant is assigned a case manager who tailors training to that participant’s needs, rather than operating a one-size-fits-all program. When participants first enter the program CWEE staff examines each participant’s aptitude, skills and interests to better understand individual education levels and goals. Accordingly, participants are placed in GED preparatory training or Adult Basic Education. During this time participants are also required to participate in computer training, conducted in a state-of-the-art computer lab. Instruction is provided through individual coaching and workshops. All participants are taught how to use the Internet, create professional email accounts and introduced to the Microsoft Office Suite. While learning applicable workplace skills, participants learn “soft skills” including time punctuality, conflict resolution, ethics and attitudes, presentation skills and more.
 

Learning Portfolios:
Instruction Staff has examined how better to keep participants engaged in the program and increase their successes toward completion of the Preparing For part of our program. A committee was formed to develop a system to address some of the primary components in learning to be “job ready,” including looking closer at their employment goals by identifying interests, exploring occupational options, and ultimately securing a position in an aspiring career.

The Portfolio process provides participants with a collection of their work while attending CWEE. Incorporating their personal and classroom experiences, GED preparation, computer skill building, and occupational research. Materials included in the participants Portfolio may often be used as supporting documentation for their resume.

Their Portfolio also supports their goals and will be utilized as a portal for entry into the next phase of the program. It is designed to assess their progress, document their achievement, and encourage them to reflect on their learning discoveries.


GED:
Participants seeking a GED must first complete Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) to evaluate their previous knowledge and education level. Once TABE is completed, students begin working on completing a GED. Earning a GED entails receiving acceptable grades in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Participants prepare for the GED by taking various practice tests. Practice tests are shortened versions of the official GED and help determine how a participant would score on the official test. Once a participant earns passing grades on the practice test they take the official GED.

CWEE has a Continuation Ceremony quarterly to honor our GED graduates as well as other successful completions. For more information on our next ceremony please click here.

Adult Basic Education:
There are two primary goals of an ABE:

1. Help participants gain knowledge and confidence in reading, writing and math skills for everyday tasks.
2. Prepare participants for the workplace. Preparation includes: building formal vocabulary, sorting employment ads, writing memos, preparing for an interview, writing business emails, understanding wages and benefits and more.

There are a variety of methods used to evaluate participants during ABE courses. Participants take a TABE test, perform a self-evaluation and are evaluated by a teacher to ensure comprehension and retention of studies material.
 

Computer Training:
All CWEE participants are required to complete a computer training course. Basic, intermediate and advanced computing skills are acquired during this course. During each level of instruction participants receive hands-on training in workshops and individualized tutoring sessions. By the end of computer training participants understand basic concepts, terminology and various hardware and software applications, while also demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Participants who finish assigned projects and pass a test are awarded computer training completion certificates. Furthermore, participants interested in pursuing a career in the medical field can earn an additional certificate verifying their knowledge of medical terminology.

Additionally, while at CWEE, participants complete five presentations. Every other week these presentations are given before all CWEE participants, staff and guests. Each of the presentations is followed by questions from the audience and written feedback from staff. For more information about presentations and or to attend a Presentation Open House please click here.

CWEE gears all classes, case management sessions and career counseling meetings towards ensuring each participant leaves CWEE with the skills, attitude and work ethic to be a valuable employee.