LEWISTON – Lewiston Adult Education is offering numerous career-readiness programs this semester. From medical professions to skilled trades, LAE has classes and certificate programs to help area residents stand out in a competitive job market.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course will begin Tuesday, Feb. 5. The class will meet from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Others interested in a medical career may take the medical office certificate course. The certificate supplements the general office skills with a knowledge of medical terminology, billing and coding. LAE will also offer a course in dental terminology for anyone interested in billing, assisting or working as a dental hygienist.

The clerical certificate class will continue to be available. The class develops skills that will make graduates competitive candidates for many kinds of office positions. The coursework develops the computer, communication and accounting skills needed to be successful in a professional environment.

The accounting certificate class will expand the skills acquired in the clerical certificate program to include those essential in an accounting department. Accounting assistant students will learn to use Quickbooks and MS Excel to their advantage and gain experience doing more in-depth accounting.

For anyone looking to break into a welding trade, LAE is offering two levels of welding this semester.

“Welding I” will cover the basics of welding theory and safety. Lab work will begin with stick electrodes in a flat position and progress to welding vertically with E6011 and E7018 type electrodes.

“Welding II” will have a more intense focus on the industrial applications such as MIG, TIG and Flux Cored welding used professionally.

Any student completing both levels will receive a certificate documenting his or her lab hours spent working with each welding type. The certificate is issued so the student’s potential employers may see an official record of his or her welding experience.

Additional introductory courses such as “Automotive Repair,” “Computer Aided Drafting” and “Woodworking” will also be offered to allow residents to explore any of these trades. Each of the courses will be taught with an emphasis on hands-on experience to prepare for professional work.

All of the trades/certificate courses will be offered weekday evenings beginning as early as Monday, Feb. 4. Registration is open. For more information, visit www.lewistionadulted.org or call 795-4141.

Evening child care will be available at the YWCA from 5 to 10 p.m. for children age 2 to 12 at $12 an evening. For more information, contact Pam Murphy at 795-4050, ext. 101.