HRD Fee Waiver Guidelines
Individuals enrolling in courses offered through the Job Preparedness (HRD) Program may be granted a waiver of registration fees if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Are unemployed;
- Have received notification of a pending layoff;
- Are working and are eligible for the federal earned income tax credit;
- Are working and earning wages at or below two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty guidelines.
Introduction to Composites
Composites are used extensively in aircraft as well as automobile, marine, and motorcycle manufacturing. This introduction class will give you one day of hands-on experience with composite ply layup, rapid ply cutter operation, bagging fundamentals, and autoclave operation. During this 8-hour class, you will lay up your own coaster and cook it in an autoclave. Not currently offered.
Introduction to Machining
Machining is a vital part of every product we use today. This introduction to machining will give you an overview of blueprint reading, precision measuring tools, and hands-on experience at the lathe. In this 8-hour project-based class, you will make a part you can take home for yourself. This will be a spinning top that you can enjoy as well as the children. Not currently offered.
Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing
In this one-day class, you will be given an introduction to the skills and concepts needed to succeed and progress in the modern-day manufacturing environment. Subjects include those covered in the MSSC Certified Production Technician class: workplace safety, quality control, manufacturing processes, and maintenance awareness, leading into an introduction to basic electrical, mechanical, and troubleshooting concepts. This will culminate in each student being able to build their own electrical motor in class to give hands-on experience of the concepts taught in the Industrial Maintenance Academy. Not currently offered.
Introduction to Industrial Maintenance
IMA courses individually cover three primary areas of industrial technology: Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation/Mechatronics. These courses provide an introduction to the basics of industrial technology and explore areas of expertise needed to service manufacturing in the high-demand position of maintenance technician. Not currently offered.
Keyboarding & Mouse Essentials
Learn to type with confidence, use essential keyboard shortcuts, and navigate with a mouse. Perfect for beginners or those needing a refresher.
File Explorer & Internet Basics
Understand how to organize, save, and locate your documents. Explore safe internet searching, file downloads, and password security.
Microsoft Office Suite Overview
Get hands-on with Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, and PowerPoint for presentations. Learn real-world applications used in the workplace.
Understanding the Computer
Explore computer components, storage devices, file structures, desktop navigation, and tips for keeping your files organized and accessible.
Email & Google Suite Essentials
Master Gmail, organize your inbox, attach files, and use Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Calendar for everyday productivity and teamwork.
Typing Practice & Skill Building
Increase your typing speed and accuracy. Learn how to use the numeric keypad, formatting tools, and AI typing assistance to improve productivity.
Essential Computer Skills: A Comprehensive 6-hour Course
This course will introduce the basics of the computer system, PC Windows, with an emphasis on job seeking. Students will get hands-on experience with keyboard and mouse applications that will improve proficiency in job searching & exploration, resume production & updating, and cover letter generating & updating. Attendees will gain knowledge of all the essential hardware components for proper use. Participants will gain experience and obtain knowledge of software programs, including Google, Microsoft Office, and internet safety and security, with emphasis on password construction & password safeguarding.
Smartphone Basics: Android
This course is designed for beginners who are new to Android smartphones or need a little help. Learn texting, email, apps, safety, calendar, notes, to-do, clock, and alarm features.
Career Connections
The Career Connections Lab is an open computer lab where participants can get assistance with every area of their career journey, including resume creation, interview practice, job applications, and career coaching. Support is provided at any stage of employment, whether you are unemployed and looking for work or employed but looking to improve your outlook. We are conveniently located on the bus line – accepting appointments and walk-ins are always welcome M-F from 9-4.
For more information, call Goodwill (828) 298-9023 ext 4. Located in the Goodwill Training Center at 1616 Patton Ave.
Career Lab
In this open employability lab, you receive individualized guidance for building a resume, performing a job search, completing online job applications, learning effective interview techniques, and developing essential employability skills. At the Career Lab at NCWorks in Asheville, you can work independently or with an A-B Tech instructor on job search and career development. Computers with internet access are available for all employment-related activities, including online job searches, online applications, and resumes. You must be registered with NCWorks to take advantage of this free class.
Please call (828) 920-6670 for more information. Located in the NC Works Asheville Career Center at 53 Ashland Ave STE 105.
WorkKeys Curriculum
Learn the work readiness skills you need to be successful in today's workplace. WorkKeys Curriculum is an easy-to-use free online course. Topics covered include job search skills, resumes, interviewing, workplace ethics, life management, and employer expectations. Students can strengthen applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace document skills in preparation for the national Career Readiness Certificate assessment. This online tutorial can be accessed from any computer, tablet, or mobile device with a browser that supports HTML5 and is designed to increase your skill levels quickly and efficiently. It is offered for free through a partnership with the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board and A-B Tech.
For more information, email jobpreparedness@abtech.edu.
Skills to Succeed
The Skills to Succeed Academy is a no-cost online interactive and engaging program designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's rapidly evolving professional landscape. This academy offers a series of bite-sized courses that focus on personal development, employability skills, and career advancement strategies. Whether you're a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or someone looking to re-enter the workforce, this academy will provide you with the tools you need to succeed. There are 3 main courses: You and Your Career, Getting a Job, and Success in Work. You can personalize the curriculum by taking the pre-assessment to tailor the curriculum to your needs.
For more information, email jobpreparedness@abtech.edu.
Guest Service Professional Hospitality
Guest Service Professional Hospitality is a comprehensive 6-hour program to train guest service-oriented line-level employees how to provide memorable customer service. Core components include invitational hospitality training which includes the seven key elements required to consistently deliver the very highest levels of guest service in all areas of the hospitality industry. Through class activities, students learn how to anticipate guest needs, deliver memorable experiences, and turn around difficult situations. No time in position is required for participation, giving students a marketable edge when applying for their first hospitality job.
Upon completion, the student will receive a certificate from A-B Tech and will qualify to sit for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Guest Service Gold Certification. This training will include introductions to networking and the benefits it offers in building your professional image as well as tips for unlocking exciting job prospects. These techniques will involve learning essential skills that will help you land your next job and build important relationships to open new career opportunities. It will examine interpersonal methods for in-person, email, and social media contacts. The class will include tutorials on setting up a LinkedIn account. Not currently offered.
Guest Service Professional Tourism
Just as one bad apple can spoil the bunch, one negative online review can spoil your business's chances of attracting new guests. And for tourism destinations, it can be even worse--negative feedback can impact an entire city or region. The reputations of hotels and museums, taxi companies, and restaurants, all contribute to a destination's profile. The Guest Service Gold® Tourism program features seven elements: Recovery: Turn It Around, Personalization: Provide an Individualized Experience, Knowledge: Be in the Know, Passion: Inspire Others, Commitment: Be All In, Inclusion: Include Everyone, and Personality: Be Yourself. Upon completion, the student will receive a certificate from A-B Tech and will qualify to sit for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Guest Service Gold Certification. Not currently offered.
Resume & Cover Letter Writing
Build a strong resume and cover letter that highlights your strengths. Learn what employers look for and how to tailor your application to the job.
Job Searching & Digital Portfolios
Find job opportunities, use online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, and build a professional portfolio that makes a strong first impression.