"Good welders are in high demand."

“Good welders are in demand. If you can put down a good weld, you will get a job,” John Clements, Lewiston Adult Education Welding instructor explains.

John Clements and Mike Cyr are welding instructors at Lewiston Adult Education. Together, they teach the Welding Certificate program, which provides 90 hours of instruction and lab within the 15 weeks of training. Both Clements and Cyr began their Welding training in Lewiston, and they agree that what makes Lewiston Adult Education unique is the progression of the welding knowledge and hands-on lab experience that give students “miles and miles of practice.”

The Welding Certificate program in Lewiston emphasizes safety. “Safety is key,” Mike Cyr states. There is a lot of smoke, heat, sparks, and gasses, so “a welder should be very detail oriented and have the proper knowledge of safety procedures.”

In addition to the foundational safety training, anyone who participates in the Welding program will learn the basics of gas metal arc welding, also known as MIG Welding. Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), also known as TIG welding, are included. Students begin welding in the flat position, then progress to horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Students begin with 6011 and progress to 7018 1/8” electrode rod welding; this includes the whole process from how to set the proper amps, position, travel speed, and proper bead needed for a strong weld.

What are the characteristics of a good welder? Cyr describes, “Someone who is dependable, willing to work hard, eager to learn new processes of welding, someone who is flexible and reliable.” Clements adds, “Good vision and hand-eye coordination. Also, it’s important to have the ability to take some criticism. I’m familiar with some stringent weld inspectors, and they still get me on the smallest of details. So ultimately those critiques make you a better welder.”

Clements and Cyr agree that Lewiston Adult Education “helps students to be able to do any projects – at home or on the job.” The course is customizable and can prepare you to meet your goals. Both Clements and Cyr currently work at Pathway Metroflex.

For more information on the Welding Certificate, contact Lewiston Adult Education at 795-4141 or look online at www.lewistonadulted.org. Classes start January 29th.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on January 21, 2014 | Read more in: News

Fall Courses Posted!

LAE has a variety of Academic, Workforce Training and Personal Enrichment courses starting up this Fall Semester.

This Fall, the Enrichment program will be featuring over a dozen classes on Do-It-Yourself, or "DIY" projects, including:

Aromatherapy: Beyond Lavender

Basics of Alterations and Tailoring

DIY Baby Shower Gift: Diaper Cake

DIY Groceries & Emergency Preparedness

DIY Home Repair for Beginners

DIY Landscaping/Hardscaping

Making Great Beer at Home

Preserving the Harvest: Canning and Freezing Tomatoes

Small Engine & Power Equipment Repair

Traditional Chair Caning

Wine Making 101

Woodworking

We will also be offering some brand-new fitness classes, including Bokwa, Cardio Kickboxing, and P90X. As well as many other new and returning classes and workshops in a variety of subjects.

LAE's Workforce Training program will again offer courses for our Clerical, Accounting Assistant and Medical Office certificate, as well as many computer technology and trades courses.

A brand new series on Computer & IT Science will be offered, which is comprised of Computer Hardware Fundamentals, Operating Systems and Troubleshooting and Home Networking.

A CNA training course will also be offered in the fall.

Academic classes that offer credit towards a High School Diploma or College Prerequisites will also be available. GED, Adult Basic Education and ESOL classes are available as well on an ongoing basis. The College Transition Program will be offered starting in September.

Registration is now open! For a full listing of LAE's fall courses, click here. For more information on LAE programming, or to sign up for a class, visit www.lewistonadulted.org or call 795-4141.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on July 23, 2013 | Read more in: News

Summer Classes Start July 9

Lewiston Adult Education has a variety of courses available this summer for those interested in gearing up for college, finishing a Diploma/GED, or building workforce/computer skills. Most classes start July 9th.

Back by popular demand is our Culinary Arts Certificate course. Join Chef Dan Caron at the Green Ladle and prepare to launch a career in the restaurant/catering/hospitality business!

This summer LAE has newly expanded computer offerings . Computer classes will be available at a variety of levels, from the basics- such as Keyboarding and Intro to Computing & the Internet - to specific office programs such as MS Excel and Quickbooks . Courses in online content management, including Wordpress for Beginners and Advanced Web Design , will also be available this summer.

Many of the above classes also count as credit towards LAE's Clerical Office, Accounting Assistant, and Medical Office Certificate programs. For information on enrolling in a Certificate program, contact Elayne Bean at 795-4141.

As always, High School Diploma and College/Nursing School prerequisites will be available, including Algebra I , Applied Algebra & Math Review , Biology , Chemistry and Critical Reading .

Ongoing GED , ESOL and Adult Basic Education courses are also available at the Adult Learning Center. Call 784-2928 for information on these programs.

Please don't hesitate to contact the LAE office at 795-4141 if you have any questions or would like to sign up for a class. We hope to see you this summer!

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on June 11, 2013 | Read more in: News

Summer College Transition Program now accepting applications

Lewiston Adult Education is now accepting applications for the Summer 2013 College Transitions Program. This program is designed for individuals looking to increase their earning potential by earning a two or four year degree. Any GED/High School Diploma-holding resident of Androscoggin County accepted to the program may enroll at no cost.

Designed to help students prepare for, get accepted to, and be successful in college, the College Transitions Program provides a comprehensive review of reading, writing, and math in a setting which simulates an actual college environment. Students who have been away from the classroom benefit from working in a college-style setting before enrolling in college. This transitional step saves students much of the time and energy that is typically spent adjusting to a new environment, and allows them to better focus on their studies.

Each semester, the course is specifically formatted to meet the current students' needs. By the end of the course, students will have developed the study habits and time management skills that will work best with their individual learning styles.

Other obstacles unrelated to academics, such as the college application process, financial aid issues, and any logistical challenges unique to the student, will also be addressed in the College Transition Program.

Three sections of the College Transition Program are available: 1) Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am-Noon; 2) Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-9:00 pm; or 3) Wednesdays 9:00 am-3:00 pm. College Transition Program classes will begin May 21st and meet at the B-Street Community Center.

Applications are currently being accepted. Interested candidates must contact Elayne Bean at 795-4141 to schedule an advising appointment prior to registration.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on April 3, 2013 | Read more in: News

Regional sample of adult education students predict another four years for Obama

Last week, despite Hurricane Sandy, almost 4500 adult learners from adult education centers across New England participated in mock elections designed to prepare them for casting real ballots on election day. According to this sample of adult students, President Obama will win by a large majority (84%), Massachusetts will not allow life-ending medication for the terminally ill or the medical use of marijuana, Rhode Island will allow casino gambling in Newport, Maine will keep its ban on gay marriage, and several states will pass bond initiatives.

The mock elections were coordinated by the non-partisan Voter Education, Registration, and Action (VERA) campaign, which aims to educate adult students about the electoral process, help them learn about the campaign issues and ballot questions, and mobilize them to participate in the democratic process on November 6. The mock elections also provide an opportunity for hundreds of immigrants who cannot vote to learn how electoral politics work in the United States.

VERA, a project of the New England Literacy Resource Center at World Education, is one response to statistics showing that adults who have not completed a high school education are the least likely to vote. In the 2010 election, only 25% of U.S. adults lacking a high school diploma voted compared to 39% of high school graduates and 60-70% of adults with a college or advanced degree.

During the past four federal elections, VERA has provided resources that help adults discuss the civic issues that matter to them, research candidate views on those issues, analyze campaign advertising, and learn about voter rights and responsibilities.

On election day, hundreds of newly-registered adult learners will vote for the first time. They are eager to exercise this right and to see how the actual state and national results compare to their mock election tallies.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on November 6, 2012 | Read more in: News

LAE Awarded FAME Maine College Access Grant

Lewiston Adult Education (LAE), in partnership with College for ME Androscoggin and World Education, has been awarded a new Maine College Access Grant for 2013. These funds will support LAE in developing a county-wide network to address resiliency and retention throughout AndroscogginCounty. LAE’s College Transitions instructors, Adult Basic Education teachers, and advising staff will take an active role in the projects tied to the grant.

LAE’s College Transition Program has been helping adults in AndroscogginCounty reach their education and career goals since 2000. The program utilizes a simulated college setting to help adults refresh the academic and study skills they will need to be successful in college. Participants in the program also receive support throughout the college and financial aid application process.

These grant funds were received from FAME and the Maine College Access Challenge Grant. Anyone interested in taking advantage of the free College Transition Program to advance their educational and career aspirations can contact Lewiston Adult Education at 795-4141.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on September 25, 2012 | Read more in: News

Fall WorkReady Training

The WorkReady Training Program equips participants with the soft skills sought by local employers. Those who complete this 60-hour training program will earn a credential that is recognized by many businesses in the L-A area.

WorkReady helps participants build a successful career plan by focusing on developing a good work attitude, strong communication skills and effective time management skills.

The program then teaches participants how to evaluate their talents, experiences, and preferences so they can determine in which kinds of jobs they would be most successful.

Finally, WorkReady will guide participants through the job application process. The program will include individual guidance on resume and cover letter writing and provide opportunities to build and practice interviewing skills.

This program has been successful in helping L-A residents create a plan to achieve their personal career goals.

WorkReady grads from previous LAE training sessions have gone on to get jobs with many different local employers, including Schooner Estates, Dingley Press, Strainrite, Home Depot, Maine Machine Products, Hilton Garden Inn, DaVinici's, Hart Transportation, and Hannaford Supermarkets to name a few.

The Fall WorkReady training will run weekdays from September 10^th through October 5^th, from 8:30am-12:30pm at the B-Street Community Center in Lewiston. A mandatory orientation will be held September 5^th. Call the CareerCenter at 753-9001 for an application. Applications are due August 31^st.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on August 23, 2012 | Read more in: News and Events

Super Saturday: March 31st!

On Saturday, March 31st Lewiston Adult Education will hold a variety of morning- and day-long workshops, including:

 Basic Home Repair & Maintenance in a Day

CPR, First Aid, AED Training

Keep House Like a Pro

Mah Jongg for Beginners

MS Access in a Day

MS Word in a Day

Professional Publishing in a Day

Re-Tool a Prom Dress

The Three Keys to Inner Peace

Write It Out

For more information, or to register, call 795-4141.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on March 7, 2012 | Read more in: News and Events

March Classes at LAE

It may still be chilly outside, but here at LAE we are already looking forward to the spring! Below you'll find some of the 20+ courses we have starting up in March:

Business & Personal Finance: “Be a Responsible Consumer,” “Introduction to Personal Investing” and “Landlord Tenant Law 101.”

Computer: “Computer Basics for Seniors,” “MS Word in a Day,” “MS Access in a Day" and "Professional Publishing in a Day.”

Crafts: “1950’s Baker’s Basket,” “Enchanted Paper Crafting,” “Knitting: Beginner/Intermediate” and “Re-Tool a Prom Dress.”

Health and Wellness: “CPR, First Aid, AED Training,” “Hooping to Heal I” and “Hypnosis for Weight Control.”

Home and Garden: “Basic Home Repair & Maintenance in a Day,” “Chair Caning,” “Designing Your Dream Garden” and “Keep House Like a Pro.”

Miscellaneous “Just-for-fun:” “Dream Analysis,” “Mah Jongg for Beginners,” “Super Saturday Chocolates for Families,” “The Three Keys to Inner Peace” and “Write it Out.”

For more information on any of the above classes, visit www.lewistonadulted.org or call 795-4141.

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on February 16, 2012 | Read more in: News

Culinary Arts

LAE's Culinary Arts Certificate program will be starting Tuesday, January 24th. Space is still available!

At our state-of-the-art facility, The Green Ladle, prepare yourself for the culinary workforce in restaurants and other food services. This course will give you hands-on experience in the art of knife skills, sanitation, grande manager, and the making of soups, sauces, appetizers, breads, desserts, and more. You'll also make connections with local chefs as they guest instruct classes to share their valuable knowledge and experience.

Students who successfully complete the Culinary Arts course will have the opportunity to complete an additional 18 hours of training, which will earn them the Culinary Catering Plus Certificate. During this additional experience, participants will work as interns as they host catering events for customers.

This program is designed to make you a competitive candidate for employment in the restaurant industry. Jumpstart your new career in the exciting and creative world of Culinary Arts!

Sign up here!

Posted by Jessica Crabtree  on August 24, 2011 | Read more in: News