Timberlane changes focus of adult education classes

From the Eagle Tribune;

Timberlane changes focus of adult education classes
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

PLAISTOW — Aromatherapy classes don't have the same draw as they used to.

Instead, people are looking to take adult education classes that can help prepare them for a new career.

Next month, Timberlane Regional High School will offer a free job search seminar series for residents to learn resume writing, interviewing skills and how to search for a job.

Enrollment in the adult education program has dropped 30 percent from last year, which Assistant Principal Robert Dawson said can be attributed to the economy.

"I'm just seeing fewer people right now who are looking to spend money," Dawson said.

The hardest hit programs have been aromatherapy, Reiki and oil painting. Last year, those classes had about 20 students each, but this year, Dawson said, some classes have been canceled because of a severe drop in enrollment. An average class costs between $20 and $30.

But what has remained consistent is the demand for computer classes and other skill-oriented programs that people can put on their resume when looking for a job.

Next semester, Dawson said, the school plans to offer its first Microsoft Office class.

"It's the number one thing people ask for when they call," he said.

A similar class at a community college costs more than $1,000, but Dawson said he knows the school can offer it for a fraction of the price.

A job search seminar series, which will be held on Dec. 7, 9, 14 and 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 each evening, is exactly the type of class people are looking for, Dawson said.

The class will be led by Susan Henry, who has more than 30 years' experience in the corporate world and a master's degree in career counseling.

Residents of Atkinson, Danville, Plaistow and Sandown can register for one of the 20 spots for free until Dec. 4. After that date, residents from other communities will be accepted until Dec. 10 for an optional $10 donation.

If all goes well, Dawson said, this is the type of class residents can expect regularly.

"I want to be oversold, so I can do it again," he said.