WORKFORCE & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Workforce & Continuing Education courses offer short-term training for individuals through non-credit courses that vary in length from a few hours to several hundred hours, depending on their purpose and content.

Our current course offerings are available on the Fast Track Courses webpage.

The general objectives are to provide:

• Expanded educational opportunities for adults who would not otherwise continue their education
• Relatively inexpensive, convenient educational opportunities for adults, regardless of educational background
• Programs of vocational/technical education for employed and unemployed adults who need training or retraining
• Short courses that meet general adult and community needs
• Vocational and technical training programs for new and expanding industries in the Forsyth Tech service area
• Small business development, educational programs, and services for establishing prospective businesses
• A pathway to curriculum programs leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, and transfer to four-year institutions

Courses and seminars vary in length from a few hours to several hundred hours, depending on their purpose and content.

Courses for the public are developed to address a wide variety of interests and individual career needs and are routinely advertised on the Forsyth Tech website. Other courses are developed and customized specifically for the employee groups of client companies and, as a result, are not advertised to the public.  

Instruction typically involves a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and practical applications, and may be delivered in either a classroom or online setting.

To register and pay for these courses, please contact our CE Enrollment Team Monday through Friday at 336-734-7718, visit West Campus at 1300 Bolton Street in Winston-Salem, or visit the Fast Track Courses webpage. 

Workforce & Continuing Education courses are offered at the Main Campus, Northwest Forsyth Center, Grady P. Swisher Center, Stokes County Center, West Campus, Transportation Center, Mazie S. Woodruff Center, and Innovation Quarter. Classes are also conducted at other non-Forsyth Tech facilities throughout Forsyth and Stokes Counties.

Admissions Requirements
Workforce & Continuing Education courses are generally designed for individuals over the age of 18 or those who have already graduated from high school. High school students aged 16-17 may enroll in courses during evenings, weekends, and summers.  Elementary and middle school students are eligible to enroll in summer enrichment programs.

Students who want to earn their high school equivalency diploma and are under the age of 18 are required to provide a signed minor release form before admission to the College and Career Readiness program.

Prospective students should inquire about admission requirements for specific programs of interest. Inquiries can be made to the CE Enrollment Team at 336-734-7718.

Course Fees
Registration fees for Workforce & Continuing Education courses vary by course.

Students registering for Workforce & Continuing Education courses will be charged a $5 College Access, Parking, and Security (CAPS) fee for each course they enroll in.

Students registering for Occupational Extension courses (any Workforce & Continuing Education course that does not include CSP or SEF in its course code) will also be charged a $5 Technology fee for each course they register for.

Some Workforce & Continuing Education courses have additional associated fees, such as lab fees, testing fees, and insurance fees. The total fee for sections can be found on the Course Schedule page.

Some courses may require textbooks or supplies; these are not included in the total fee.

Some students are exempt from paying registration fees.  For example, courses requested by the following entities that support the organizations' training needs and are on a specialized course list approved by the State Board of Community Colleges may have their registration fees waived: volunteer fire departments; municipal, county, or state fire departments; volunteer EMS or rescue and lifesaving departments; municipal, county, or state EMS or rescue and lifesaving departments; and municipal, county, or state law enforcement agencies.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Occupational Extension courses provide instruction on specific occupational skills and are approved for continuing education units (CEUs).
CEU credit is based on the number of contact hours a course has. One CEU is awarded for every 10 hours a person attends class. For example, a course with 22 contact hours awards 2.2 CEUs.

Educational Career Center
The Educational Career Center helps continuing education students and the public to:

• Develop a personalized educational career plan
• Select workforce development courses and certification programs
• Obtain information and apply for certificate, diploma, and degree programs
• Review college admission requirements and financial aid applications
• Apply for scholarships, grants, and other special services
• Conduct job searches
• Prepare a resume
• Enroll in education and career preparation workshops
• Utilize the on-site services of partner agencies

The center is open Monday through Friday and is in Suite 102 on West Campus at 1300 Bolton Street, Winston-Salem. Call the center at 336.757.3701. Services are free of charge.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SERVICES
Whether an organization is interested in improving the hiring process, building leadership or workforce skills, providing exceptional customer service, or enhancing the management of employees’ day-to-day performance, Forsyth Tech’s Business & Industry Services can customize a training plan tailored to meet their specific educational needs.

Forsyth Tech’s Business & Industry Services partners with Development Dimensions International, Achieve Global, and Logical Operations, three leading educational providers known worldwide for their high-quality educational and development programs.  

Organizations can choose from a range of courses that, when taken together, enhance their workforce’s overall performance, or when taken selectively, allow the organization to pinpoint areas for improvement.  A needs analysis allows organizations to focus their program selection and tailor it to their needs.

• Basic Skill Assessments: It is often useful to determine the basic skill levels of employees before developing a customized training program. Validated assessment instruments are used to identify the math, reading, language, and spelling competence of employees. The information gained can be used to determine if the basic skill levels of employees need to be upgraded so that they can become fully job-ready. The basic skill assessments can be done in either English or Spanish, and classes to help employees improve their basic skills can be conducted on-site.
• Customized Training Program: The purpose of the Customized Training Program is to provide customized training assistance in support of full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State of North Carolina, enhancing the growth potential of companies located in the state while simultaneously preparing North Carolina’s workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries. The program is designed to react quickly to the needs of businesses and to respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those businesses.  Businesses that are expanding or making significant equipment purchases can call Dan Bryant at 336.734.7416 for more information.
• Employee Health and Safety: Forsyth Tech offers several courses in employee health and safety. Several courses are developed to specifically meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and/or occupational credentialing requirements.
• Pre-Employment Training: Forsyth Tech conducts pre-employment training programs for client companies to train a pool of qualified applicants for specific job vacancies. Companies can take applications and conduct interviews near the completion of the pre-employment program.
• Training Needs Assessments: Obtaining input from managers and different employee groups about what they perceive as their training needs is an important first step in developing customized training programs. The primary purpose of conducting a training-needs assessment is to identify gaps between the current and desired levels of employee performance, knowledge, and skills. The secondary purpose is to gain an understanding of strategies that can be used to close the gap.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS PROGRAMS
Our College and Career Readiness programs help students complete high school, prepare for college or employment, acquire computer skills, and enhance their reading, writing, and speaking English skills. 

Classes are free and offered in Forsyth and Stokes counties. We have day, night, and online classes. Students aged 16-17 must complete special forms before they can begin.

• Adult Basic Education (ABE): This program helps students improve reading, writing, and math skills. It also helps them prepare to join the High School Equivalency (HSE) program, attend college, or find employment.
• Adult High School (AHS): This program enables students to take high school classes and earn a diploma. Students who have already earned 15 high school credits can join and complete the remaining classes needed to graduate.
• High School Equivalency (HSE): This program helps students prepare to take the GED or HiSET tests. In the HSE classes, students learn the skills needed for these tests. The tests are not administered in class, but students can schedule them when they feel ready. Passing the tests earns a diploma from the state.
• Multiple Pathways to High School Equivalency (MPHSE): This program provides various pathways to earn a high school equivalency. Students can use old school credits, pass tests such as the GED or HiSET, or earn a digital skills certificate to fulfill the requirements.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): This program helps students learn to read, write, and speak the English language. It also teaches important life and job skills to help students succeed.

WORKFORCE & CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM AREAS
Community Service Programs
Community service courses and activities are designed to enhance the cultural, civic, and intellectual growth of the community. Popular offerings include foreign languages, picture framing, painting, crafts, digital photography, and retirement planning. Courses can be tailored to meet the community's interests and demands. For high school students, specialized classes such as ACT/SAT preparation, ACT/SAT math, and college essay writing are also available.

Computer Application Programs
A wide variety of computer courses are offered online and in the classroom.  Computer courses can also be customized to meet specific content and scheduling requirements of company employee groups.

Fast-Track Jobs Programs
Our fast-track job programs are specifically designed to support individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, seeking career advancement in their current field, or transitioning into a new career.  Their purpose is to prepare individuals for the workforce or to take advantage of career advancement opportunities.  For information, call 336.757.3701 or visit the Fast Track Courses webpage. 

Health Sciences Programs
Health science courses prepare individuals for entry-level careers in the healthcare field. All courses are conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the relevant state agency and meet the requirements for employment training, recertification, or licensing. Popular courses include Activity Director, Central Sterile Processing, Certified Nursing Assistant I and II, Community Health Worker, Interpreting in Health and Human Services, Medical Assisting, Medical Coding, Medication Aide, Medical Unit Secretary, Pharmacy Assisting, and Phlebotomy.

Human Resources Development (HRD) Programs
Human resources development courses strengthen the employment and educational opportunities of the county’s residents who are unemployed or underemployed. The primary goal is to help these individuals develop the essential soft skills needed for securing and maintaining employment.

Industrial Technology Programs
Industrial technology courses are continually updated to enable employees to learn the use of new equipment and processes. Courses are conducted in accordance with certification and federal or state guidelines to train company employees in specialized techniques, OSHA requirements, and/or systems operations.

Human Resource Management Programs
Human resource management courses offer several options for training, including HR management certificates, SHRM Exam Prep, and Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) recertification courses.

Language and Culture Programs
A variety of language courses, including occupational Spanish, English as a Second Language (ESL), conversational Italian, and Spanish, are offered to meet both professional and personal needs. Language courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a company or organization. Course content, schedule, methodology, class location, and duration of study are tailored to meet the needs and preferences of each student.

Online Courses through Ed2Go
Students can explore affordable and convenient online learning with Ed2Go, accessible from the comfort of their home or office. Our Continuing Education courses, offered through Ed2Go, are designed to fit students’ schedules and typically run for six weeks or longer. Students can choose from a wide variety of topics to enhance their skills and knowledge. Upon successful completion, students can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For a comprehensive list of courses, including pricing and start dates, visit the Ed2Go website. 

Public Safety Programs
Forsyth Tech offers certification courses in all levels of emergency medical services (EMS), ranging from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to Paramedic. For individuals with an EMS certification, the College offers continuing education and refresher courses, as well as the capability to conduct specialty courses for rescue squads.

In addition to offering fire and safety-related courses for business and industry, Forsyth Tech also offers a 27-week Fire Academy and conducts advanced training for firefighters and rescue personnel in Forsyth and Stokes counties. A wide range of continuing education fire services and specialty courses is also available.

To prepare individuals for careers in law enforcement, Forsyth Tech offers certification courses ranging from detention officer training to basic law enforcement training. The College also conducts law enforcement specialty and continuing education courses for private security agencies and city, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The college also offers an Electrical Lineworker program to prepare individuals for entry-level work with private and public utility companies and related employers. The program is approved for industry certification by T&D PowerSkills and for pre-apprentice credit by the NC Community College System and the Department of Labor

Small Business Center Programs
The Small Business Center (SBC) offers counseling, information resources, and educational programs to assist current and prospective business owners in starting or maintaining their businesses.  The Small Business Center also offers small business events and meetings with business counselors, as well as online training, written resources, and video resources. Please visit our website for more information and to register at the Small Business Center webpage. 

Technical Trades Programs
Technical trades courses are designed to equip students with practical, in-demand skills through short-term, hands-on training. These programs combine classroom instruction with real-world experience, preparing students to enter high-demand industries quickly and confidently. Students can choose from courses in HVAC, Welding, Construction, Electrical Installation, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, with program lengths ranging from one month to one semester.

For those pursuing a career in electrical work, Forsyth Tech offers a comprehensive four-year Electrical Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Forsyth County Electrical Contractors Association. Apprentices complete a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction each year, offered during the fall and spring semesters, along with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training annually. Upon completion, graduates earn a Journeyman’s Card through the North Carolina Department of Labor, opening the door to a rewarding career in the electrical trade.