BLOOMINGDALE – People looking to expand their horizons can now take part in summer adult career training at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

Three certified adult education programs are available, including the return of phlebotomy and certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses, as well as the newly added HVAC class. All courses will be completed within a three-week period. Phlebotomy classes run from June 1-9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with clinicals on June 10-19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $600, with additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, a tuberculosis test, and a physical. CNA classes are scheduled for June 1-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with clinicals on June 18-22 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is $800, with additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, a TB test, and a physical. The HVAC course will be held from June 1-12 from 3-8 p.m., with tuition set at $600. No experience is necessary, and payment plans are available for tuition costs.

Dr. Jim Hilton, director of adult education, said enrollment is underway, and the goal is to have eight students each for CNA and phlebotomy, with a maximum of 15 students in the HVAC program. Students will spend time learning theory before applying their knowledge through hands-on learning in the labs.

“Instruction emphasizes active learning through lab-based practice, applied demonstrations, group presentations, and varied assessments so that the students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding in multiple formats,” he said.

Upon completion, healthcare students will receive certification as a certified nurse aide and certified phlebotomy technician. CNAs, also known as nursing aides or nursing assistants, work in home health care, residential living, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. They complete tasks such as providing hands-on patient care and assisting with routine tasks like measuring vital signs. Phlebotomists work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, physician’s offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and blood banks, drawing blood from patients or blood donors. HVAC students will earn three industry credentials for basic refrigeration and charging procedures, system recovery and evacuation, and EPA 608 refrigerant certification. The training offers entry-level instruction for new technicians and serves as a valuable refresher for those already in the field. It also helps meet the strong demand for workers in this industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in HVAC is expected to grow by 8% by 2034, faster than the average for other occupations.

Dr. Hilton said there has been public interest in more access to adult programming, and the summer schedule benefits those looking for growth opportunities.

“The feedback has been very positive, especially from those hoping we would offer daytime, short-term programs. Our HVAC class is in the evening, but that was intentional so current HVAC technicians could finish their workday and still attend class. As the JVS continues to grow and expand, I’d like us to offer both day and evening classes to provide more options for workforce training.”

He added that the initiative is also a plus for the community.

“Each time the JVS opens its doors to the community, we continue to build on the school’s 50-year legacy of hands-on, career-focused education. Our programs are beneficial because we’re a trusted partner in our community. Our adult education program serves as a pipeline for workforce development in Jefferson County. It not only transforms individual lives through skill acquisition and employment but also strengthens our regional economy by supplying local employers with a trained, job-ready workforce.”

The certified adult education program began last year, and Hilton said he is already planning for spring and summer classes. The availability of the JVS building during summer break made it possible to offer daytime sessions.

“Once we started advertising adult education classes, I received many phone calls and emails asking if we had any daytime classes or shorter programs. I decided summer might be the time to try offering a daytime, shortened program. So far, the response has been good,” he said. “For those able to adjust their schedules for two to three weeks, it’s a great opportunity to either improve skills or explore a new career path. Imagine that–by the end of just two or three weeks, your life could be in a completely different place. That’s what it’s all about–creating life-changing opportunities for people in our community.”

Superintendent Ted Gorman echoed those comments.

“As superintendent of Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, I am proud to support the continued growth of our adult education programming. These accelerated summer courses create real opportunities for individuals in our community to gain valuable skills in a short amount of time and move directly into in-demand careers,” Gorman said. “I’m especially excited to see the addition of the HVAC program alongside our healthcare offerings, as it reflects our commitment to meeting workforce needs. We look forward to welcoming students this summer and continuing to expand programs that make a lasting difference for both our students and our local economy.”

To enroll in any of the available courses, select and complete the online form at www.jeffjvs.org

under the Adult Education Programs tab. Provide a copy of high school transcripts or a GED equivalent. Arrange for transcripts to be forwarded to the JVS office or present proof of graduation with a diploma or certificate of completion. Documents may also be emailed for convenience. Review and complete the online tuition agreement form and submit the $20 registration fee. After enrollment is completed, Dr. Hilton will provide an official confirmation of acceptance into the program. The registration fee may be paid by cash or check in person during school hours or mailed to JVS. Checks should be made payable to Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and include “Adult Education Registration” in the memo line. Payments may be addressed and mailed to Jefferson County JVS Adult Education, 1509 County Highway 22 A, Bloomingdale, Ohio 43910.

For more information or to register for a class, contact Dr. Hilton at (740) 264-5545, Ext. 309, or email james.hilton@jeffjvs.org.