Job-prep graduates attain perfect attendance

    HOULTON — Seven Houlton-area residents graduated June 1 from the WorkReady™ program at the Houlton Higher Education Center withlton-area residents graduated June 1 from the WorkReady™ program at the Houlton Higher Education Center with perfect attendance by completing a 60-hour course on career planning and success in the workplace.
      Administrators say the class’ perfect attendance speaks to theparticipants’commitment and work ethic in the  state-approved program that has high entrance and completion standards. It is offered at no charge to the student through the local adult education program and the Local Workforce Investment Boards.
Contributed photo
GRADUATED — Students and staff celebrated the conclusion of a job preparation course at Houlton Higher Education Center, June 1. From left to right in front are: Phil Gulliver, staff, and students Amy Carmichael, Christine Faucher, SanDee Lowe and Kerri Foster. In back: Dave Rowe, facilitator, students, Norman McEachern, Ashley Heath and Lori Allen, and Suzanne Jandreau, Maine Centers for Women Work and Community and Otis Smith, director. 
    The class was supported by various community agencies and local businesses including, the town of Houlton, Maine Department of Labor, Katahdin Valley Health Center, University of Maine at Presque Isle, Northern Maine Community College, S.W. Collins, Houlton Career Center/ACAP, Maine DHHS, Dead River, York’s of Houlton, Machias Savings Bank, Wal-Mart, ShopNSave, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, Madigan Estates, LP, MSAD 70, MSAD 29, Local Workforce Investment Board, Washington County Community College, Region Two Vocational, Houlton Regional Hospital, TD Banknorth, Houlton Big Stop, Maine Centers for Women Work & Community, and Community Living Association.
    Facilitator Dave Rowe said that he expects great things from this class as they enter the labor market and continue their education.
    The participants earned a WorkReady™ certificate that validates their training in the standards that are universally recognized as important to being a valuable and successful employee. 
    The program is encouraging local employers to consider them when hiring. For more information,  contact Otis Smith, Dave Rowe, or Bernadette Farrar at 521-3100 ext.5.
    It’s not too late to register for Houlton High School’s class of 1989 class reunion on July 3.