Pagnard
By GREG PAGNARD, guest columnist
Since its opening in 2002, the Career Resource Center of Brown County has been committed to the betterment of the Brown County community.
The CRC offers the chance for greater earning potential and improved quality of life through lifelong learning. By offering educational opportunities, career-related services and individual counseling through WorkOne, the CRC helps to improve the lives of Brown County citizens. The community as a whole is enriched by means of economic growth and the greater potential for positive influence on future generations.
Though the CRC focuses on adult education, a wealth of other resources are also offered. As the director of the CRC, I am thrilled to be able to share the many offerings and possibilities that are awaiting prospective CRC students!
The CRC is currently located at 260 Schoolhouse Lane. The doors are open five days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays, adult instruction is by appointment only. However, the computer lab is open to everyone. If students are unable to attend classes during these times there is evening instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.
The CRC has multiple offerings. One of the most sought after courses is the High School Equivalency course (HSE). Students who participate in our HSE program on average spend 13 hours receiving adult education instruction at the CRC. Students who are prepared to take the final test are administered the HiSET tests. Students that pass the HiSET tests receive their HSE diploma.
Over the years, the CRC has partnered with the Brown County jail to offer HSE instruction to inmates. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays one of the adult education instructors travels to the jail to provide instruction. Once students have completed at least 12 hours of instruction and have passed multiple practice tests, they are administered the HiSET test. When needed, the CRC has provided instruction to students who are recovering in rehab.
The CRC has teamed up with several reputable higher learning institutions and with experienced professionals to offer five different certifications.
These certifications are certified nursing assistant, certified clinical medical assistant, phlebotomist, dental assistant and Microsoft Office specialists. Students who participate in these courses are required to participate in the certification course work and adult education course work. At the end of the course work and any practicum hours, students will take a certification exam.
The CRC offers a yearlong electrical course. Students who complete the program will have learned the skills necessary to pass the masters electrician course. Students who become master electricians go on to work as electricians in and around our community.
Life skills classes are also offered at the CRC.
These classes teach many skills for use in your every day life. Examples of these courses are CPR training, First Aid, American Sign Language, Microsoft Word and Excel, and Quickbooks. There are more classes to come. The CRC strives to not only offer a variety of courses to meet the needs of the community, but also to provide space for community members to share their unique talents in the form of a class.
Partnering with WorkOne, the CRC works to help community members find gainful employment. With the help of WorkOne, the CRC can help you find your pathway to success with career counseling, Workkeys testing, employability skills training, resume writing class and interview training.
The CRC has a computer lab that is free and open to the public. The lab opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. People wishing to use the computer lab do not need to make an appointment. Community members wishing to use our computer lab can send a fax, make copies, access free WiFi, print documents or just use a computer.
The CRC has had a standing relationship with Ivy Tech Bloomington. This partnership allows the CRC to provide certification training, post-secondary courses, course enrollment, advising and degree attainment. There are also podcast opportunities where students are able to speak to Ivy Tech representatives directly.
Staff members at the CRC are friendly, hardworking and dedicated. Our No. 1 goal is to help our students and community members grow and attain their career goals.
If you have any questions about our programing or are just curious about the CRC, please stop in and see us! The Career Resource Center of Brown County can help you!
Greg Pagnard is the director of the Brown County Career Resource Center. He can be reached at [email protected].
