Contact: Debra Dennis
ddennis@dcccd.edu or 214-378-1851
For immediate release — Feb. 18, 2019
(DALLAS) — Adult learners: Do you want to launch your own business, support teachers in the classroom or sharpen your skills in a technical field? Do you need entry-level training to enter the workforce and pursue those dreams?
WorkReadyU, a job training program offered by the Dallas County Community College District, will help prepare adult job seekers for success by giving them the foundation they need to pursue careers in information technology, health care, welding, early childhood development and other fields. And it’s free to those who qualify.
DCCCD, in partnership with the InnerCity Community Development Corporation, is bringing WorkReadyU to the South Dallas Training Center this week, hosting a grand opening celebration on Monday, Feb. 18, and orientations from Feb. 18-20. The center is located at 4901-4915 Brashear St.
High school equivalency and ESL classes, plus career pathways exploration (looking at ways to transition to college), will be the focus of WorkReadyU’s offerings at the center. Classes begin Feb. 25.
DCCCD’s WorkReadyU, the Richland College Garland Campus and El Centro College are working together to offer free weekend and evening classes to the community. “The goal is to expand job opportunities for residents in Dallas’ southern sector,” said Joyce Williams, the district’s associate vice chancellor for workforce and economic development.
Former Dallas City Council member Diane Ragsdale approached DCCCD about forming the partnership, Williams said.
“This partnership is not only about bringing a community of out of poverty,” Williams said. “DCCCD’s goal is to contribute to economic empowerment and community development in the surrounding area. We truly believe this is the type of partnership that has the ties that bring together economics, employment and community empowerment.”
Ragsdale said the training is vital to improving living conditions.
“I believe the education that people receive should lead them to a career path that provides a living wage,” said Ragsdale, managing director of ICDC.
Course offerings will include:
High School Equivalency Classes
The goal is to properly prepare students to successfully pass the GED examination. Classes include English language arts (reading and writing), mathematics, science and social studies.
ESL Classes
The WorkReadyU Program offers ESL/ELL classes to develop English language skills. This academic track focuses on basic communication skills, including listening and speaking development. The formal skills of writing, reading, vocabulary and grammar will be incorporated in class participation, which gives students more skills for success.
Career Pathways
DCCCD’s WorkReadyU Career Pathways program focuses on basic skills instruction and occupational training that lead to credentials for in-demand jobs. The program is a series of structured and connected education programs and support services that enable students — who often are taking classes while they are working — to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training.
Orientation will be held on these dates and times at the South Dallas Training Center: Monday, Feb. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m.
For more information, visit the WorkReadyU website, call the WorkReadyU hotline at 214-860-5902 or email workreadyu@dcccd.edu.
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