The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today announced that the
Connections 101 program has been recognized as an innovative practice in adult
education by the U.S. Department of Education’s Advancing Innovation in Adult
Education Project.
“Innovations
in adult education are critical to opening the doors of greater opportunity for
Montanans,”
said
DLI Commissioner Laurie Esau.
“Through programs like Connections 101, the
Montana Department of Labor & Industry is committed to helping Montanans
gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue in-demand job training, further
succeed in their career paths, and achieve the American dream.”
Connections
101 is a 14-week program that provides adult learners with a framework to
develop and build their academic knowledge, technical expertise, and
self-management skills. The no-cost program is jointly implemented by the Job
Service Great Falls, Great Falls Public Schools Career and College Readiness
Center and Great Falls College-MSU.
“Connections
101 is a successful model because of these partnerships at the college and
state level,”
said
Job Service Great Falls Manager Beth Schmidt.
“The key is keeping each
individual student at the center of what we do, having open conversations about
each participant’s career goals, and collaborating and respecting what each
involved organization brings to the program.”
Job
Service Great Falls workforce consultants provide Connections 101 participants
with classroom education on resumes and cover letter writing, interviewing
techniques, employment regulations, customer service essentials, and OSHA 10
General certification. Job Service staff also connect students to employers for
work-based learning opportunities such as job shadowing, internships and
pathways into the Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
The
Advancing Innovation in Adult Education Project, within the U.S. Department of
Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, seeks to identify
adult education programs that are advancing the field of adult education to
help learners develop knowledge and skills, gain secondary credentials and
transition to further education and employment. Local programs recognized by
the project receive national recognition and are included in showcase events
and presentations.
For more
information on the Connections 101 program, visit
https://ccrcgfps.weebly.com/connections-101.html or contact Job Service Great Falls
at (406) 791-5800 or
GreatFallsJSC@mt.gov.