In the city of Dallas, there is an endless amount of adults who yearn for a continuation of their education so they can achieve better opportunities. In the past, this seemed like a rare chance that only a select few had the privilege to accomplish, but there exists a program that will help all that they can: WorkReadyU.
The entire goal of WorkReadyU is to teach adults who never finished their education, or those who never had an education to begin with, the knowledge they need to get their dream careers. Alonzo Quintero, Continuing Education and Workforce Coordinator said, “Aiding so many to progress from being shy to learning to use computers and have a better idea of a new language is our goal.” There are three main topics that those who work in this program are suited to help with.
The first are ESL classes. One of the most common questions those in the entrance of S building get from brand new faces is the location of free English classes. The daily amount of people who come in asking that specific question is large, but not surprising. Fortunately, WorkReadyU specializes in appointing these future students to classes that will teach the basics of the language. Cindy Avila, Career Connected Learning Support Specialist, said “We help people who want to learn English and want to build on and further their career, all while not hurting their finances.” Once they’re done with ESL classes, the adults can then either attend other classes for a further education, attend a higher level of English classes, or finish their learning there. The choice is up to them.
The second topic WorkReadyU helps with is High School Equivalency (HSE). Many adults who never finished their education come in wanting to rectify their situation, and taking the HSE program is the best way to do that. The High School Equivalency (HSE), which was formerly known as the General Equivalency Diploma, helps this exact situation by preparing students to pass an exam by the end of their studies. They pride themselves in having a very hands-on and personal method of teaching and providing each student the necessary form of instruction that best fits them. If there’s just one specific subject that held you from graduating high school, the classes that are available for HSE will suffice, such as Reading, Math and even Spanish.
The third topic that they can help with is job training. If it isn’t the education you’re looking for and you just want to know what kind of career you want to aim for, then WorkReadyU can still aid you. These classes will provide you with in-person training on whichever type of career you’re most interested in. Whether that career is in technology, health care, manufacturing or something else, WorkReadyU can help give you a taste of what that job is like and then help you obtain it fully. The available times are year-round and are always open at any possible time.
WorkReadyU is assisting in the rebuilding of so many civilians’ lives/careers. The number of people who have had a second chance in their careers because of WorkReadyU cannot be understated. I believe there is no shame in wanting to continue your education at an older stage of your life. We all hunger to learn, and this is something that WorkReadyU knows all too well. They know their students already have jobs and families, so they are willing to compromise days and hours that each person is available to learn. If you know someone who is 16 years or older, is a resident of this city and wants a better opportunity, WorkReadyU is glad to help in any way. Avila said, “Talking to others and learning about their lives, where they work and where they come from is the highlight of my job because it gives us a better idea of how to help them.”
