Value Yourself When Making Career Choices

At Lifelong Learning, we meet plenty of students who are interested in the programs we offer because… they seem to be in high demand, which means that the odds of obtaining a job after completion are good to excellent.

While this is no doubt a pragmatic approach to career choice, the question still begs to be asked: is it the best way to determine a future?

Working is not just about punching in and out on a time clock. We spend the majority of our lives doing some form of activity for pay; whether we like it or not, what we do for a living determines how we see ourselves, and how the rest of the world views us. Of course, we want to project ourselves in the best light possible. To ensure that our self-worth aligns with our field of work, we should determine our own standards of value.

Work should reflect:

• What you value: “Different strokes for different folks” also applies to values. Not everyone’s a “people person,” and what you find important might not matter to another, but that doesn’t mean your values are wrong or trivial. Do you value solitude? Spiritual significance? A chance to make a difference in someone’s life? Art or academic pursuits? Working with your hands? Good compensation that aligns with skills?
• A positive impact on what you value: For the majority of time, what you do for a living should validate your values. For example, if you value learning, your work should provide access to ways and means to acquire new knowledge, as well as a way to share what you’ve learned. If you value direct interactions with people, not only should you be able to talk to others during your workday, you should also be able to assist them in a positive way.
• A means to express what you value: A person who values nature should not have to hide this fact during the workday. Even if her job does not have a direct link to the outside world, she should be able to look out of the window, participate or start a recycling program, have time during the day to enjoy the outdoors, and be around people who share her values. A job at the bologna factory might not be in her best interest, then.

As you contemplate career choices, make sure not to undermine or dismiss your values. Of course, in this economy, it’s not always easy to be picky. The “trick” is to be alert for opportunities that promote, not hide, what you deem important.

Spring Weld-Off Success!

In case you haven’t noticed yet… we’re very proud of NCTC’s Welding Program here at Lifelong Learning! Our students consistently complete the class with a level of competence above and beyond what workplaces require. Since Lifelong Learning also likes a good party, what better way to show our appreciation to students, faculty, and the community than by holding the Spring Weld -Off Ceremony?

Mike Hendsbee of Spindletop, Derek Campbell fo Schadt & Pulte, and Rodney Fuller of Forum Technologies judged over 230 welds to come up with the “Top 5″ in ten categories. Mr. Campbell also presented gifts to students at the awards ceremony, which was held May 16 at the Little Theater on the NCTC Gainesville campus.

So, without much further ado: Kyle Majestic from Denton is this Spring’s Grand Champion! Grayson Gregory, a junior at Gainesville High School, won the Reserve Champion trophy.

Instructor Dennis Beane; Grand Champion Kyle Majestic; Reserve Champion Grayson Gregory, and instructor Kenney Smith.

Top MIG Welder  is Fernando Vazquez of Gainesville; Top TIG Steel Welder is Rodrigo Valazquez of Gainesville; Top TIG Aluminum Welder is Blake Pierson of Newark; Top Pipe Welder is Kyle Majestic; Top Math Students are Grayson Gregory and Toni Multer of Flower Mound (tied); Top Blueprint Student is Kyle Majestic; Top Oxy Fuel Welder is Gustavo Soto of Gainesville’ Top Flux-Cored Welder is Blake Pierson; Top Team Welders are Jose Perez, Corey Richey, Gustavo Soto, and Johnaton Saenz (all from Gainesville), and Top Shielded Arc Welder is Fernando Vazquez.

Many friends and family members came out to show support for their students. Also present were representatives from GE Locomotive, who were hiring welders for their shops at Alliance Airport.

Want to know when the next Weld-Off takes place, or just find out more about our division? Find us on Facebook: NCTC Lifelong Learning!

 

Student Success: Alexandra Thornton

The MATRIX Grant, sponsored by the Department of Labor, has assisted over 1,000 students at NCTC. One of them is Alexandra, who is using the grant to fund the first steps towards her ultimate goal to become a nurse!

Alexandra Thornton, 21, lives in Denton County and received the MATRIX Grant in the Spring and Fall of 2011—she first became a  Certified Nurse Aide, then she completed the Phlebotomy Technician Program. Alexandra now works at Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center in Denton, where she takes care of patients and also gathers specimens to help monitor their health.

She says, “The MATRIX Grant was very helpful. What with planning a wedding and having to pay for school, I couldn’t afford it all, and I didn’t want to get swallowed up in student loans. It was easy to apply for the grant, and the staff helped me along the way. I highly recommend NCTC’s healthcare programs and the MATRIX grant!”

Alexandra’s career pathway plans include entering NCTC’s nursing program. Her ultimate goal is to become a neonatal nurse, and with her winning attitude, there’s no doubt she’ll accomplish that in no time!

Learn Something New in Our Summer Lecture Series

Our Community Education department is ramping up to once again offer fun, informative classes to all adults who enjoy learning for learning’s sake. This summer, we’re excited to host the “Summer Lecture Series,” which includes topics on social media, U.S. Presidents, poetry, and even Bonnie & Clyde!

Tom Tweeddale, a long-time instructor at Lifelong Learning and author of The Trivia Guide to the United States, will present a two-hour lecture on past U.S. presidents, focusing on facts, speculations, scandals, major achievements, and bit of gossip. Sign up for his class, which meets in Corinth on Monday, June 4 from 7 pm to 9 pm, by calling 940-498-6270. The cost is $10.

Historian and author of the “Traveling History” series, Robin Cole-Jett, will regale participants with the exploits of Bonnie and Clyde. In this interactive class, Robin tells not only the history of the notorious outlaw couple through vintage photographs, but also provides a photo tour of gangster-era Dallas and Denton sites that are still in existence. Sign up for her class, which meets in Corinth on Monday, June 11 from 7 pm to 9 pm, by calling 940-498-6270. The cost is $10.

Lifelong Learing computer applications instructor Gloria Wyatt is also a storyteller, writer, and all-around information guru. She’ll present several classes on various topics this summer, such as Traveling as a Single Woman; Spoken Word Poetry; Social Media; and Using MovieMaker. Visit her exciting course offerings and then sign up by calling 940-668-6270!

Remember that Lifelong Learning’s motto is “Learn to Earn, Know to Grow.” You can do both at NCTC Lifelong Learning!

Updated EKG Training

Lifelong Learning has been providing a basic EKG (electrocardiogram) course for several years. This class is strictly introductory, but the acquired knowledge can help students in finding work as Tech Monitors at local hospitals. Unfortunately, many students have complained that they could not find employment. Lifelong Learning has responded by updating this course to add more elements!

The new, improved EKG class includes a telemetry component and actual work with the machines in a hospital setting. The additional curriculum, designed by the Healthcare Coordinator and the program’s instructor, will be available to students who enroll in the Gainesville classes. Consequently, NCTC Lifelong Learning will focus course offerings for EKG in Gainesville only.

This new class will be offered in the summer and fall semesters of 2012. Eligible students may qualify for the MATRIX Grant to assist with tuition.

North Central Texas College wants to be the leader for responsive education – meaning, that our students in career and technical programs are able to find work after they graduate. Hence, Lifelong Learning reviews curriculum every semester to ensure that classes meet workforce standards. As we continually strive to achieve these goals, please provide us feedback to let us know how we’re doing!

Attend a Career Workshop at Lifelong Learning without leaving Home

Figuring out what you want to do with your life – and then finding the job that lets you accomplish your goals – are two important steps in career planning. In following North Central Texas College’s QEP (Quality Enhancement Program), Lifelong Learning developed two online workshops to help students find, or follow, their paths.

Making the Right Career Choice – Or – What do I want to do with my Life assists seekers in finding the right career fit for their personality. Based on career interest inventories developed by psychologists Jung, Strong, and Holland, this workshop asks readers to gauge themselves as Doers, Thinkers, Persuaders, Creators, Helpers, and Organizers, as well as assess their previous work experiences. The workshop also helps participants create academic and job readiness plans.

Getting Ready to Start my Career – Or – How do I put my Best Foot forward focuses on obtaining a job in one’s chosen career field. Readers receive advice on resume and cover letter writing; networking and searching; contacting potential employers; interviewing; and what to do if one’s background is less than stellar.

Whether you’re actively searching for a new job; a current NCTC student; or just curious if you’re pursuing the right path – come check out our workshops!

Free Money: Financial Assistance for Lifelong Learning Programs

Lifelong Learning students cover the spectrum in adult education – we have students who just want to take a fun class on occasion, but we also have students who desire career training. The latter types of programs are, of course, more expensive as they involve more time and instructional resources. Luckily, we’ve found a number of sources to help students to finance their programs.

Our #1 financial assistance program is the MATRIX Allied Healthcare Grant, sponsored by the Department of Labor. This grant offers partial tuition assistance for all medical programs that NCTC offers, from Certified Nurse Aide to Registered Nursing (except Dental Assisting, which is a new program and was not written into the grant). Many students have asked why the grant only funds a portion of the tuition; that’s because the Department of Labor wants students to also have a stake in their education. To apply for the grant, students must meet enrollment criteria for non-credit programs or already be enrolled in the credit programs. Students must either be unemployed, underemployed, or already working in the healthcare field. Application/assessment sessions occur Tuesdays at 3 pm in Flower Mound; Thursdays at 9 am in Gainesville; and Fridays at 9 am or 10.30 am in Corinth.

The Gaineville Economic Development Corporation offers assistance for High School Grads/ GED completers between the ages of 18 to 25 who live in Cooke County. This scholarship pays up to $1,000 in tuition for our Welding, HVAC, and Telecommunications programs.

For those interested in obtaining a GED, the Texas Education Agency offers a Drop Out Recovery Grant that Lifelong Learning administers. Program applicants must be 18 to 25 years old and must have last attended a Texas school. This program pays for GED and THEA exam preperations, GED and THEA exams, and will also pay full tuition towards a career education program.

Texas Workforce Solutions offers the WIA program for adults and youth wishing to pursue training programs in high-demand occupations. To qualify for these funds, students must apply for WIA (Worker Investment Act, a federal and state funded retraining program) through their local Workforce Solutions Centers. Currently, Workforce Texoma (Gainesville) sponsors students in Lifelong Learning’s HVAC, Welding, Pharmacy Tech, and Clinical Medical Assisting programs. Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas (Denton) assists students in Lifelong Learning’s Welding and Bookkeeping programs. Workforce Solutions of North Texas (Bowie & Graham) helps Lifelong Learning students in Welding, HVAC, Dental Assisting, Clinical Medical Assisting, and Certified Nurse Aide. These offices also offer help for students in credit programs, such as LVN, Registered Nursing, Surgical Technology, Oil & Gas Technology, Office Systems, and Advanced Technologies.

To learn more about how these program may assist you, call Lifelong Learning at 940-668-4272 or 940-498-6270.