Adult education courses help lead students towards a better future

TROY, Ala. (WTVY) - There are some classes in Pike County that are teaching students and adults skills that they may not have the chance to learn otherwise.

It’s all thanks to a grant and school and community leaders who are paving the way towards a better future in the work force.

“I like to weld the most, and I like to create things and build new things," Goshen high school senior Isabella Paramore said.

Paramore is just one of more than fifty people who are who are benefitting from free adult education classes.

“I feel like it really shapes what you do as an adult,” Paramore said. “I really felt like it can really help students become proper members of society.”

The welding and construction courses are taught free of charge to both high school students and adults. They’re made possible through a Construction Industry Craft Training grant.

"Students get to use during the day all the equipment these students are using at night, as well as all the materials and everything so its a good way to help our programs on the up and up,” said Jeremy Knox, the Career Tech Director for Pike County and Troy City schools.

The goal is help teach the students skills that will help them land jobs with local industries..

“They have a possibility to get hired on with those companies,” Knox said. “They kind of giving a credence on their interview that if they go through this class, complete these trainings and certifications, they’ll get it pushed to the front of the line for interviews and possibly get hired.”

“It’s exciting to see what all they’re doing out here today and the public-private partnerships come together to help train the workforce here in southeast Alabama, Pike County,” Alabama Representative Wes Allen (R- Pike, Dale County) said. "I’m so proud of the leadership that Pike County Schools, Troy City schools and all the private industry coming together to help train these individuals.”

The classes, which began in October, are already helping students work towards a better future

“I went from like an okay job to a better job during this course right here in just a couple of weeks," student Danielle Russaw said. “It just seems like the skies the limit forreal, because when you’re at the bottom, you cant see nothing but up.”

Those classes are held every Monday through Thursday in Troy from 5:30pm to 8:30 pm.

School leaders say they do plan to hold more classes next fall.

If you’re interested in more information, you can contact Knox at 334-566-5395.

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