MHCC Brings HOPE to Those Who are Looking for a New Career

Kevin Berg received a devastating blow several months ago when he found himself in the same boat as almost 10 percent of the Oregon population: unemployed and looking for that next great opportunity n life.

The former marketing professional turned to MHCC and WorkSource Portland Metro East for help. He qualified for a federal “green” training grant that helps workers become certified in a number of relatively new professions in the construction industry. Often, the grant covers the full cost of training.

Training Leads to a Job

Berg received funds for two eight-week programs, then secured employment as a certified energy auditor and building science expert. A third grant-funded program prepares students for careers as certified weatherization technicians.

“The grant and the MHCC program enabled me to pursue my dream of working in the energy field, and doing something good for the environment,” Berg says. “The training opened doors for me.”

Opening doors and bringing hope to workers who are unemployed or underemployed is a primary mission at MHCC.

Actually that’s HOPE, as in Healthcare Oregon Pathways to Employment Project, a community-based job training program from the U.S. Department of Labor. As with “green” grants, HOPE makes it possible for qualified individuals to gain education and training in several high growth and emerging fields – often at no cost to the students.

MHCC Opens Up a World of Opportunity

At MHCC, HOPE-funded courses enable students to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs), emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and medical customer service providers.

Students interested in applying for funding through “green” grants or HOPE are asked to complete the welcome process at WorkSource Portland Metro East, 19421 S.E. Stark St., Portland Ore., 97233. Allow two-three hours, weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., no appointment necessary.

For more information, check out the schedule of community education and non-credit classes on pages 20 – 22 in the fall issue of College + Community magazine/course schedule.