For Jenna Morton (pictured), 17, earning her GED through the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) Adult Education program was the first step in achieving her goals. The second step was learning the skills she needed to secure employment through participating in the WAGE™ program.
“My son motivated me to continue my education so I can have more job opportunities to give him the best life I can,” Morton said.
She completed her GED in February 2022 and then earned her workforce preparation (Employability) certificate through the WAGE™ program offered at UACCB in March.
Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy, or WAGE™, is a job-readiness and job retention training program to improve the basic skills of the unemployed labor pool and under-skilled workforce, according to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services. The free program helps entry-level employees increase their skills and abilities to meet the demands of today’s jobs and the workforce needs of the community.
Several certificates can be earned, but the Employability certificate is the core. Additional certificates in specific areas may be earned and stacked on top of the Employability certificate.
Becky Warren, director of the Adult Education program at UACCB, said each student in the WAGE™ program connects with a Career Services Specialist that assists them with creating a resume and cover letter, preparing for, and participating in a mock interview, exploring career options, and helping students plan for the next step in life.
There are three additional WAGE™ components: digital literacy, employability skills, and financial literacy. Digital literacy helps students learn computer skills, practice typing, and learn more about accepting virtual meeting invitations. Skills in the employability component include communication, self management, and working with others. The financial literacy section teaches budgeting, loans, financial goals, and establishing credit.
Morton said the WAGE™ program helped her build a résumé and taught her how to make a good impression at interviews.
Morton, who plans to start the cosmetology program at UACCB in the fall, said the UACCB Adult Education program staff have been supportive and have helped each step of the way in her journey.
The UACCB Adult Education program serves students in Independence and Sharp counties. For more information, call 870-612-2164 or visit www.uaccb.com.
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