Centura College continues to provide training in allied health and skilled trades fields, so graduates have the opportunity for employment in essential careers.
Written by Jul DeGeus
The United States has experienced the suspending of “non-essential” career markets in order to decelerate the circulation of COVID-19. With this deferral, select occupations have been declared essential workers, or those who perform services that are essential to continue vital foundation operations in communities, cities, and states. Some of Virginia’s essential businesses have included allied health and trades focused industries such as health care or medical services, automotive repair and home improvement facilities. Centura College training programs provides individuals with education that leads to an essential career path. Below are some of the essential workers training offered at Centura College:
Centura College’s CDL course provides students the opportunity to learn and apply appropriate knowledge to successfully secure a Class “A” operating license and relevant endorsement through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The student will know and understand the efforts made by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration to help professional drivers remain safe and be aware of penalties for major violations of CDL guidelines. Students will study vehicle systems, control systems and practice behind the wheel in preparation of the DMV written and practical examination for a class “A” license.
A Medical Assisting career can open the doors to working alongside doctors and nurses in many healthcare settings. Some people focus their training on the clinical side of the business so they can have a more direct hands-on approach with patients. Others focus on the office management side of the business, where management, administration, and technological skills allow them to excel. Before graduating, learners take the American Medical Tech (AMT) Exam. Once passed, students earn the RMA Credential and are a Registered Medical Assistant.
Individuals who enjoy working with their hands, machines, and metals should consider the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. This training provides students with the technical skills necessary for entry-level employment in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. This program explains typical HVAC systems followed by practical hands-on competencies for the three areas of HVAC: mechanical, electrical, and airflow systems, including extensive troubleshooting of each area. Students will have the opportunity to complete HVAC certifications, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Safety Certification and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Refrigerant Transition Certification.
The Wind Turbine Technician program provides students with the technical skills to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Students are introduced with the fundamentals of generating electrical power from wind energy. Areas of study include wind turbine safety, climbing wind towers, electrical theory, electrical circuits, electrical test equipment, alternating current and three-phase systems, circuits breakers and fuses, switching devices, wind turbine power distribution systems, fasteners and torquing, bearings, lubrication, and hydraulic systems associated with wind turbines. The program provides students the knowledge and skills to qualify for entry-level employment as a Wind Turbine Technician working in the manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and operation aspects of the wind industry. The program provides the opportunity to complete Maritime based certification(s), the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Introduction to Power Industry and Wind Turbine Maintenance Level I certification(s), and CPR/Basic Life Support.
For more information on Centura College’s programs, call 877.523.9528 or visit www.CenturaCollege.edu.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
As skilled trades employers in The Hampton Roads Area continue to face issues finding qualified technicians to fill open positions, Centura College is answering the call for help.
Written by Jul DeGeus
Centura College’s Norfolk campus is officially offering a Wind Turbine Technician training program. This joins the campus’s existing programs offered, including: Carpentry, Dental Assisting, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Construction Electrician and Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting with a Clinical Concentration.
The Wind Turbine Technician program provides students with the technical skills to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. The program provides students the knowledge and skills to qualify for entry-level employment as a Wind Turbine Technician working in the manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and operation aspects of the wind industry that is making a presence in The Hampton Roads Area.
“Centura College answered the call! We are proud to be the premier trainer for Wind Turbine Technicians to service what will be over 100 Wind Turbines off the coast of Norfolk. In partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy, our accredited program will train students in everything from basic and high voltage electricity, to hydraulics, climbing and rigging. I couldn’t be more excited about the future of this program and the impact of wind energy on our community,” said Aisha Newsome, Campus Executive Director.
Students are introduced with the fundamentals of generating electrical power from wind energy. Areas of study include wind turbine safety, climbing wind towers, electrical theory, electrical circuits and electrical test equipment. Education continues with courses focusing on alternating current and three-phase systems, circuits breakers and fuses, switching devices, wind turbine power distribution systems, fasteners and torquing, bearings, lubrication, and hydraulic systems associated with wind turbines.
“Centura College is very excited to be the first college in the area to have an accredited and state recognized Wind Turbine Technician program,” states Dr. Michael Lanouette, Centura College Regional Director. “We are also thrilled to be partnering with the Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy to allow graduates the maximum ability to be placed in the field.”
The program provides the opportunity to complete Maritime based certification(s), the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Introduction to Power Industry and Wind Turbine Maintenance Level I certification(s), and CPR/Basic Life Support. Additional certifications include: Level II Wind Turbine Technician, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), Advanced Rescue Training (ACT), High Voltage Safety and Basic Technical Safety Training.
For more information regarding Centura College’s Wind Turbine Technician Diploma program, contact the campus at (757) 853-2121.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
STEM Camp goers can test out skilled training programs in allied health or trades fields.
Written by Jul DeGeus
Centura College will be offering a glimpse into the world of allied health and skilled trades through its The Choice STEM Camp.
Camp participants will spend time in Centura’s classrooms, and labs, learning about the basics of the program of their choosing. This is the perfect opportunity for individuals who are interested in working with their hands. Allied Health professions campers have the opportunity to learn about dental assisting, medical assisting and health information technology. Skilled Trades training includes carpentry and construction electrician. Not all programs are offered at all locations.
The Choice STEM Camp dates and locations are as follows:
Norfolk – August 4-8; 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (medical assisting, carpentry, health information technology and construction electrician)
Centura College’s The Choice STEM Camp is free and open to the public. Individuals interested in enrolling into the camp should contact the appropriate campus.
Norfolk – (757) 835-2121 or admdircnor@centura.edu, 7020 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA 23518
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
You may have found yourself asking, “what exactly does financial literacy mean?” Understanding the topic of money sounds simple enough, but its complexity depends on our goals. For everyday life, we only need enough to pay our bills and not be overdrawn by payday, but we may be able to do better than that by paying more attention to the ongoing struggle between our wallets and our bank accounts.
The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, according to Mega Millions. Upon discovering this, most of us must find a different path to financial independence. The saying “spend less, save more” is a good start, but there’s so much more that we can do. We’re not going to go into the stock market here, but we’ll cover some easy things you can start doing today, tomorrow or next week.
Why is Financial Literacy Important
A basic understanding of your finances can help you set financial goals, manage your credit and even determine which bank you should be using. Obviously, the sooner you figure out your finances, the better. We can ruin our credit in a matter of months, but it takes years to rebuild.
Credit Scores and Credit Utilization Ratios
You never know how important your credit score is until you’re making a major purchase. Your credit score determines whether or not you qualify for that loan or financing; it also determines the interest rate you’ll be paying.
It’s a good idea to keep your credit use below 30% of your total available credit. That is your credit utilization ratio, and it is calculated by dividing the total amount on all your credit cards by your total available credit. For instance, if you’ve got a $1000 credit card, you’d want to keep your balance below $300. If your credit utilization ratio is above 30%, this can hurt your credit score, as this is the second biggest factor affecting your score next to payment history.
Setting a Budget
It’s also important to keep an eye on your accounts and track your spending because it’s easy to find your account overdrawn if you’re not careful. The best thing to do is create a budget. It doesn’t have to be too complex, but some way for you to see how much money you’ve got coming in and how much money you’ve got going out, and when. With this information, you’ll be able to plan how to use your money more efficiently. Once you see where your money is going, it’ll be easier to fine-tune your spending and set financial goals.
There are a lot of resources online for information and tools you can use. With these financial management tools, you will easily be able to manage your money, manage your debt, and manage your credit.
A good method to follow is the 50/30/20 budget rule. That is 50% for essentials, 30% for personal spending, and 20% for savings and other financial goals.
Financial Literacy for Saving
Be sure to make savings a part of your monthly budget, no matter how small the amount. It’s important to keep your savings out of your checking account. Also, don’t confuse your wants with your needs.
An emergency fund is another good idea, but only dip into it in case of emergency, such as job-loss, medical emergencies, emergency home repairs, vehicle repairs and things of that nature.
It really is never too early to start saving for retirement, so try to get into a 401(k) program as soon as you can. Ask your employer or your bank about getting started, and they will walk you through your options. It’s also recommended that when you get a raise, increase your retirement savings, too.
Other Things to Know
Be aware of interest rates for credit cards, loans, and even savings accounts, as some are better than others.
A good method for tackling debt is to pay off smaller bills first and getting them out of the way. Follow that up by attacking your higher interest credit cards or loans.
It might also be a good idea to adopt a cash-only diet. This curbs spending and makes your money a lot easier to track.
On a final note, it can’t be stressed enough that the more you learn about financial literacy, the closer you will be to reaching your goals.
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
Centura College’s Norfolk campus hosted their first Try a Trade Open House on Friday, January 10.
The Try a Trade campus event welcomed the public to try a trade for a day. The event mimicked a typical college shadow day, but with a twist. All attendees had the opportunity to explore a skilled trade of choice and received hands on training. Whether they selected the carpentry trade or construction electrician trade, attendees worked hands-on with professional assistance by experienced trade instructors.
The attendees learned how to safely use tools of the trade to assist with cutting, shaping, installing and much more, allowing them to gain experience immediately. Several instructors were on hand to talk about why they’re passionate about what they do and the opportunities that stem from hands-on learning. The attendees thoroughly enjoyed test-driving the actual equipment that will be available to them and were able to leave with hand crafted pieces of their work.
Centura College believes providing hands-on learning is the way to take what you’re learning in the classroom and apply it to real experiences.
Trade Programs
The Carpentry program at Centura Norfolk provides students with the technical skills to build, install and/or repair residential, commercial, and industrial structures such as floors, walls, roofing, windows, and doors as well as interior and exterior building structures. Students who graduate from this program will have learned how to construct, repair and install building framework and structures made from wood and other building materials.
The Construction Electrician program at Centura Norfolk provides students with the technical skills to setup, install, repair and maintain electrical systems that provide heating, cooling, lighting, communications, and power distribution for residential, commercial and industrial structures.
Centura College’s Norfolk campus offers training in the following career fields:
For more information regarding Centura College’s Norfolk campus program offerings, contact the campus at (757) 340-2121.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
As skilled trades employers continue to face issues finding qualified technicians to fill open positions, Centura College is answering the call for help.
Written by Jul DeGeus
Centura College’s Norfolk campus is now offering a Carpentry training program. This joins the campus’s existing programs offered, including Dental Assisting, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting and Constriction Electrician.
The Carpentry program provides students with the technical skills to build, install and/or repair residential, commercial, and industrial structures such as floors, walls, roofing, windows, and doors as well as interior and exterior building structures. Students who graduate from this program will have learned how to construct, repair and install building framework and structures made from wood and other building materials.
Students will learn how to safely use the tools of the trade to assist with cutting and shaping wood, plastic, fiberglass or drywall. Hands-on, and troubleshooting applications in a classroom and lab setting are also presented to include various angle cuts, assembling and aligning walls, building roof systems, blueprint reading, and the safe usage of various hand and power tools needed for this trade.
Areas of study include construction drawings, framing, floor systems, roofing, ceilings, moisture protection, rigging practices, drywall, cabinetry, concrete forms, interior and exterior finishes, site preparation, and crew leadership. Additionally, students will learn mathematical calculations necessary to plan and build structures, and soft skills to include communication skills, team work and professionalism.
Students will have the opportunity to complete the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour safety certification including the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Levels I, II, III and CPR/ Basic Life Support.
For more information regarding Centura College’s Carpentry program, contact the campus at (757) 853-2121.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
Written by Meagan Chappell
