Stuck in a career rut or need training for a new skill? Those looking for new job options could find the help they need at Summit Academy OIC in Minneapolis, where free job training programs can be completed in less than six months.
Summit is an accredited nonprofit career and technical education institute that also provides placement services at no cost to students. An Open House about Summit programs will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 935 Olson Memorial Highway in Minneapolis.
Diante Graves, 30, is a student at Summit who will complete his training in November. Graves already had a job and a business degree, but a Summit Academy OIC ad that popped up on his Instagram feed earlier this year got his attention. “I wanted to have a trade with my hands that would help me leverage my career,” he said, so he decided to investigate further.
He enrolled in Summit’s 20-week electrician program this past summer — the program includes learning electrical fundamentals, safety precautions and other skills to prepare him for an apprenticeship. Right now he’s taking an electrical class as well as a personal development class. “They’re helping us build resumes, preparing us for mock interviews, career fairs and stuff like that,” he said.
His goal is to secure an apprenticeship with an electrical union in the Twin Cities area to gain practical experience while honing his new craft.
Besides the hands-on training, Graves said what really stood out to him was that he was able to get the training he needed without worrying about racking up additional student loan debt, since Summit Academy has sponsors to cover the cost of its training programs. Tuition is 100% covered for students with funding from donors and foundations, and the school also receives resources through state contracts as well.
“The only challenge is balancing school and work, because I still have to work to pay my bills,” Graves said. “But I have 100% attendance, so it’s only a temporary inconvenience.”
Graves said he would encourage others to check out Summit Academy because learning skills to help market himself combined with the electrical training “is a great foundation” for his future.
Summit offers 20-week Information Technology , Construction , Financial Services , and Healthcare accredited training courses, as well as a 10-week GED program. They also offer a 6-week Food Manufacturing customized training course.
Summit will also host evening and weekend classes for its Electrician training and GED program beginning on November 11, 2024. The evening programs are designed for students who need more flexibility due to job, family or other obligations.
Photo credit (Image: Summit Academy / Sheletta Brundidge) Summit’s Open House will include:
- Hands-on demonstrations from instructors
- Breakout sessions for Construction, IT Specialist, Medical Administrative
- Assistant and Financial Services
- Detailed information on the admissions process
- Meet Student Advising and Career services team members
- Tours and demonstrations
Those who attend will learn how to gain skills needed to land a career in the field of your choice, obtain your GED and more. There’s free on-site parking; complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Register for the October 17 Open House here and contact admissions@saoic.org or call 612-377-0150 with any questions.
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