College Announces Free, Accelerated Training

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 14, 2022) – Adults looking for quick entry into the job market can take advantage of free, accelerated workforce training programs at Wake Tech. The college announced today that it is covering the cost of registration, fees, books and course materials for 50 short-term programs that lead to certifications and licensures in high-demand fields. The programs are called "Wake Tech Propel," and most can be completed in six months or less. More than half also lead to credit in a degree program or entry into a WakeWorks apprenticeship.

"We're pleased to offer Wake Tech Propel programs at no cost to students this year," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "When it comes to our economy, Wake County runs on Wake Tech. These are the programs that prepare the skilled workers that drive our community, while giving them an opportunity to 'ladder up' in their career."

Free Wake Tech Propel programs are offered in high-demand career fields such as health care, IT, construction, business, public safety, hospitality and more. They were selected because of the employment and earnings opportunity within the Wake County region or because of their inclusion in the North Carolina Workforce Credential initiative.

Programs include the following:

• Certified Nurse Aide, EKG Technician, EMT, Medical Assistant and other programs that provide entry into high demand health care jobs.
• 15 IT programs such as CCNA, CompTIA and Red Hat Certified System Administrator, all leading to industry-recognized certifications that also count toward academic credit in a Wake Tech IT degree.
• Basic Law Enforcement Training program, which is required for a career as a sworn law enforcement officer.
• BioWork, the short-term program that serves as a gateway to employment with many of the biopharmaceutical companies that are rapidly growing in our region.
• 10 programs that count as pre-apprenticeships in the WakeWorks Apprenticeship program such as Apartment Maintenance, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing and Tower Technician.

There are three steps to enroll and register:

1. Complete the Residency Determination Service – in-state residency is not a requirement, but the form is necessary to determine a funding source.
2. Complete the Workforce Continuing Education Scholarship application.
3. Register for the course.

Funding for Propel is made possible through a grant through Wake County, a new scholarship for short-term training through the North Carolina Community College System and additional funds from Wake Tech. Programs are subject to availability, and more will be added in the future in fields such as advanced manufacturing and automotive. The free tuition opportunity will be in effect until December 2023.

To learn more and view the complete list of Propel programs, visit waketech.edu/freetraining.

August 2023

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