Continuing education for adults. I find this difficult to afford where I live. There used to be "interest" classes in local high schools in the evenings. They started to become more expensive so I could not afford them even though they were 50% less for people over the age of 55 yrs. I often found I was few in the class that was younger. Now, the classes are reduced and only offered in one location in the city - much too far to travel to by public transit.
Other classes, in computers or career related courses, are very expensive. Much too expensive for someone who does not have a job.
Even though I have a high level of education, I am often told that I do not have enough experience to get a job - or usually no reply at all. I am interested in working as a sterilizing technician in a hospital since I have some related experience. There is a certificate course required for this job but when I contacted the college that offered the course, they told me that the course is suited to people who have the job already. I can not afford to pay $$$ to train for a job where I will not get hired for anyway.
I would love to take some classes for sewing, making clothes patterns, Bible study or something towards a job training but it is not possible. So I will just stay home.
I am interested in working as a sterilizing technician in a hospital since I have some related experience. There is a certificate course required for this job but when I contacted the college that offered the course, they told me that the course is suited to people who have the job already.
Have you tried contacting hospitals in your area to ask about training programs? Sometimes if there is a shortage of technicians in a particular field, hospitals will hire unskilled people and pay them while they are in training.
For example, in some areas, there is such a severe shortage of certified nurses' aides that nursing homes have set up their own training programs and are paying all the expenses of anyone who signs up.
The local hospitals usually have job postings for sterilizing technicians every so often. I do apply but get no response. I think also that most positions are filled internally by other employees. Maybe someone might be a cleaner or cafeteria worker already working at the hospital and they will be hired if they apply before me. They always ask on the appliation if you have been referred by someone for that job or if you have relatives working there.
I would really prefer to stay home or even work at home.
I have heard that some people can get discounted tuition for interest courses if they provide a certificate. I think it requires a note from their bank manager saying they have little income. I think that would be very ackward to get for me.
Many community colleges or other schools that offer certificate programs also offer financial aid for those students who would qualify. Given your financial situation, you have a good shot at getting financial aid.
I saw a newspaper article about people with addictions and mental illness receiving a course in cook's assistant. They were supported by receiving tuition fees, incidental fees and transportation passes. I send the article and a letter to my employment counsellor and asked him if they were any like programs that would accept people with AS or autism. I really have not received any help from this agency since I registered last fall.
The problem with receiving financial aid is that my husband's income would factor in. What the government expects people to live on without giving them financial aid is very very low. Educational loans might be offered but they are little use if I do not find employment after and can not keep it. I think that is the most important issue that needs to be addressed for me. I already have many skills and post secondary education. I need a work placement.
Interest courses are courses that are more about hobbies and socializing than really being toward a degree. I used to enjoy taking them when I could afford them just because it was more stimulating that sitting at home. At least now I have the internet and there are many hobbie forums that I can join.
M, have you tried meetups or other clubs for learning things?
then it would be free...
Edit: i mean, face2face live clubs.
M, have you tried meetups or other clubs for learning things?
then it would be free...
Edit: i mean, face2face live clubs.
The thing with these clubs is you get to meet with other people and maybe hear about possible job openings. Volunteering is another good avenue of experience and is free, plus if they are happy with your work, they could give a good reference.