Transitioning into the New Academic Year: Adult Education Programs in Berkshire County
Introduction
PITTSFIELD — It’s back-to-school season, but don’t worry. Summer isn’t over just yet.
August is the perfect time to plan how you will transition into the season ahead.
It’s not just our high school graduates heading off to college or joining the workforce for the first time. Adults, too, can make the most of the new academic year by setting goals and enhancing their employability through various adult education programs available in Berkshire County. From improving basic skills to exploring new career paths, there are numerous resources to empower individuals in their pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Unemployment and Underemployment in Berkshire County
There are a handful of reasons why someone may be unemployed or underemployed in Berkshire County. This article explores some of these reasons and provides solutions and free resources to help residents gain the skills they need to enter a meaningful career.
Digital Literacy and Technology Skills
As our world continues to evolve, the ability to use digital tools and communicate in a digital space is increasingly essential in the workplace and our personal lives. If you are someone who feels like they lack knowledge when it comes to modern technology and digital use, you are not alone. According to Third Way, “One-third of Americans lack basic digital skills that are needed to engage successfully in the modern economy.” While federal investments have been implemented to advance widespread connectivity, more steps must be taken to help develop digital skills in American adults. Digital literacy is as essential as the ability to read and write. However, a significant fraction of our nation lacks these skills as they often rely on several factors, like age, education and career, to name a few.
Our area is fortunate to have abundant resources to catch residents up to speed, maintain their modernity and boost their employability. These include, but are not limited to, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Digital Literacy Certification Program and the Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s Digital Literacy and Distance Learning Services, including technology training and support.
Adult Literacy Programs
Promoting adult literacy programs in the Berkshires is crucial, and our county houses a diverse range of initiatives to cater to various needs. In addition to digital literacy programs, there are multiple avenues for enhancing general adult literacy throughout the area.
As of 2021, 7 percent of adults in the Berkshires had not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent, and 6 percent of Berkshire residents were foreign-born. Many local organizations focus on empowering individuals within these groups, whether they require adult basic education skills or need to improve their proficiency in the English language. For example, the South Berkshire Literacy Network in Lee dedicates itself to transforming the lives of adult learners, both immigrants and U.S. born, through literacy, education, and advocacy. Tutoring programs offered include assistance in health literacy, citizenship preparation, transportation knowledge, employment support and college preparation.
The Pittsfield Adult Learning Center, MCLA and the Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County all host English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Programs. Below is a list of many Adult Basic Education (ABE) and literacy initiatives throughout the county:
- Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County: Adult Basic Literacy, ESOL.
- MCLA: ABE, Adult Secondary Education (ASE), Blended Learning Preparation, ESOL.
- Pittsfield Adult Learning Center: ABE, ABE Distance Learning, Adult Career Pathways, Adult Diploma Program, Adult Secondary Education, ESOL, High School Equivalency (HiSet Prep).
Career Advancement and Lifelong Learning
Numerous programs in Berkshire County are dedicated to fostering career advancement and promoting lifelong learning. Whether you aspire to take on an entirely new career path or seek to acquire the necessary skills for a fulfilling role, there are abundant grant-funded training opportunities available. Berkshire County residents can access these programs to enhance their employability, particularly in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Notably, Berkshire Health Systems and General Dynamics Advanced Mission Systems were the top hirers in the region in 2022, highlighting the demand for healthcare and manufacturing skills. With nearly 70 manufacturing companies operating in Berkshire County, individuals who are unemployed or underemployed have an excellent chance to acquire valuable skills and secure meaningful and rewarding roles in these industries.
Workforce training and career advancement programs include:
- MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board Grant-Funded Training Programs
- Introduction to advanced manufacturing training: Held at McCann Technical School in North Adams, this 100-hour program covers essential skills such as OSHA, shop math, blueprint reading, programming in mill and lathe, hands-on machining, and CAD/CAM. Participants can also benefit from employer tours, career readiness sessions, and access to job fairs to boost their employability.
- Nursing assistant programs: Participants can choose from a blended online training provided by Integritus Healthcare, offering online learning and hands-on clinical experience at various locations throughout the county. Alternatively, participants can opt for a modified nursing assistant training program by Berkshire Health Systems.
- Workforce Training at Berkshire Community College
- Advanced Manufacturing Technician
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Medical Interpreter Training
- Community Health Worker Training
- Culinary and Hospitality Readiness Training
- Phlebotomy Technician
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- SDG 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Percentage of adults in Berkshire County who have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Percentage of adults in Berkshire County with basic digital skills.
- Number of individuals enrolled in adult education programs and initiatives in Berkshire County.
- Number of individuals completing workforce training programs in healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The article discusses the importance of adult education programs and resources in Berkshire County, focusing on improving skills, enhancing employability, and reducing inequalities in terms of access to education and employment opportunities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | – Percentage of adults in Berkshire County who have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent. – Number of individuals enrolled in adult education programs and initiatives in Berkshire County. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Number of individuals completing workforce training programs in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets. | – Number of individuals completing advanced manufacturing training programs. – Number of individuals completing nursing assistant programs. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Percentage of adults in Berkshire County with basic digital skills. – Number of individuals enrolled in adult education programs targeting specific groups (e.g., immigrants, non-native English speakers). |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: berkshireeagle.com
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