TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Adult Education And Career Centers In Hillsborough

ADVERTISEMENT

By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

Education has branched out beyond desks and classrooms. Students today have the chance to enroll in studies preparing them for specific careers. Before they graduate, they might design Web sites, operate banks, run restaurants or style hair at school. They can learn fire science, veterinary science or fashion design. Adults can hone their skills or build new ones at technical centers or through night classes.

Here are some of the options for career education:

•In-School Options: Talk about careers starts as early as elementary school, with guest speakers at the Great American Teach-In or field trips to the Bill Poe Family Junior Achievement Center in Tampa. As teens, students can enter school-based programs that incorporate training around academic requirements.

Some schools run on-campus businesses where students market products or teach preschoolers. By graduation, students are ready to continue their education at two- or four-year colleges or enter the work force or professional certification programs.

•Career Centers: Students who want to focus on work force skills can choose one of four centers. The career centers serve students who are at least 16, fall at least one grade level behind in school, have no severe behavioral problems and are willing to commit to on-the-job training. Students may enroll in courses including nursing, landscaping, customer service and agricultural mechanics, with choices varying depending on the location. Graduates receive standard high school diplomas.

•Adult Education: Adults can pursue training opportunities through adult technical centers and night classes. Aparicio-Levy, Brewster, Erwin and Learey technical centers and Tampa Bay Technical evening school offer full- and part-time training. Although the centers charge tuition and fees for many classes, financial aid is available. Other options are free. High school students who are at least 16 may enroll in night classes to make up credits.

For information, go to www.tampabaylearns.com or call (813) 231-1935.

Courtney Cairns Pastor

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT