Responding to the demand from unemployed workers for career training, the San Antonio College Continuing Education Training Network has expanded the training package announced last week to assist workers who qualify as Workforce Initiative Act clients.

The package includes 600 hours of Basic Skills/General Diploma Certification (GED) test preparation plus 600 hours of skills preparation and hands-on training toward certification in one of four "demand occupations": Pharmacy Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Microsoft Office Specialist, and General Office Clerk. In addition, students who need English language skills can opt to attend 1200 hours of English as a Second Language training before starting the GED-Career Skills Training program.

"Recent employees of Levi Strauss, among others, will be interested in this 40-week program," said Tim Rockey, Continuing Education Information and Advisement Specialist.

He said funding for training in these programs, valued at approximately $6,000, is provided by the Federal Trade Adjustment Act and is administered by Alamo Workforce Development and the Texas Workforce Commission. Case managers from the Texas Workforce Commission and the Levi Service Center will screen and process applications.

Classes will be held Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and are expected to begin in March. Students will receive a student ID, access to the library and other facilities, books, uniforms, and supplies. Also, GED test fees are covered for one series of tests.

The General Diploma Certification (GED) classes will prepare students for the GED test. This certification is equivalent to a high school diploma. Skills covered include math, reading, writing, science, and social studies.

The Pharmacy Technician program trains students to work in a retail or hospital pharmacy by preparing them to pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. The Emergency Medical Technician program prepares students to become nationally registered as an emergency medical technician. The Microsoft Office Specialist program prepares students to be a secretary, administrative assistant, or office manager, with training for all Microsoft Office software and enhancing their data entry skills. The General Office Clerk program trains students in such skills as typing, filing, correspondence, reports, statements, operation of office equipment, answering telephones, and other clerical duties in an office environment.

Seating is limited, and students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 733-2635.