Adult Education Works to Train Students for Local Employers
Submitted By: Adele McClain
Victor Valley Adult Education Regional Consortium
Website: https://sites.google.com/avusd.org/av-adult-school/home
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): ABE / ASE, ESL / EL Civics / Citizenship, CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship
Region: Inland Empire
Consortia Involved: Victor Valley Adult Education Regional Consortium
The Program of Practice
Local hospitals have a need for EKG technicians and other healthcare professionals. Our region has a rapidly expanding retirement community, and our high schools could not meet the employer needs with our current high school CTE programs. Adult CTE programs offer students high school and college credit, for no fees. These CTE programs build pathways to other healthcare training programs and meet workforce vacancies. Apple Valley
The Response
Apple Valley Adult School built health care programs in response to the needs identified by our local AJCC as a workforce connection site. The CAEP funds have enabled many agencies to add CTE classes to meet employer needs. Apple Valley Adult School sought connections to regional employment opportunities and entered into an agreement with our local America’s Job Centers of America to become a "Connection Site" to assist our well-trained students in applying for and filling local employment vacancies at regional hospitals.
However, some agencies see the potential to maximize this trend, and the need for more funding and support is significant.
The Unique Features of the Program
Apple Valley Adult School has a connection site with America’s Job Center of California as a connection site. This unique program offers high school diplomas and ESL level 3 or higher free admission to this program. Apple Valley Adult School offers wraparound services, including all onboarding, CPR certification, and workforce preparation for employment. Students are set up for success through onboarding orientation, counseling, childcare, tutoring, and employment support through the America’s Job Centers of California Connection Site.
Using existing CAEP funds and community support, Apple Valley Adult School currently offers courses in healthcare pathways with articulated college credit. These classes are free to all adult students .
The Outcome
Apple Valley Adult School certified 97 EKG technicians in 3 years. Apple Valley Adult School partnered with Victor Valley College and their English Learner Healthcare pathway to provide 10 of the 20 students who graduated with a Community Healthcare Worker Certificate in April 2025.
Apple Valley's articulated pathways for college credit result in a 9% transition rate from high school diploma students to our local community college. With the help of our AJCC connection site, students gained local employment upon program completion. Apple Valley Adult School secured a union endorsement at St. Mary's Hospital. The employer and union endorsements will help with future workforce applications for additional funding.