Free job training on Long Island: Hempstead district offering health care, pharmaceutical and machinery courses
Jean Rameau, pictured at Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School in Hempstead, recently completed a home health aide course and is working toward earning his GED. Credit: Morgan Campbell
When Jean Rameau found out he was going to be a first-time parent, he dropped out of high school to work. Now after three-plus decades, he's back in the classroom in Hempstead and forging a new path forward as a certified health care worker.
This summer, Rameau completed a home health aide program through the Hempstead school district, one of several tuition-free initiatives offered for adults and teenagers interested in jumpstarting their careers. He is now working toward his general education development diploma, also through the district.
“These days you need a diploma ... I didn't graduate high school, so I think it’s necessary for me to get back to school," said Rameau, 53, of Hempstead.
At a time when higher education costs are soaring, and affordability — especially on Long Island — remains a concern, the Hempstead district's adult education program has launched a new menu of free job training opportunities. Additional classes are set to start in January.
Since taking over as the district's director of adult education in February, Audrey A. Gottlieb said she has teamed with community groups, academic institutions and industry experts to provide students with “high-demand technical skills" in growing fields.
“Our goal is not to give them a job, but a career,” she said.
Audrey A. Gottlieb is the Hempstead school district's director of adult education. Credit: Morgan Campbell
In addition to the state-certified home health aide program, which includes clinical hours, the district also offers a program for personal care assistants, health care professionals who help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and eating.
An advanced machinery program, which will teach “precision machining and advanced manufacturing," is slated to start in January, Gottlieb said. A pharmaceutical technician program is also anticipated to start next year.
Gottlieb said she views the courses, which are open to all Long Islanders, as “stackable credentials,” meaning students can obtain overlapping certificates or licenses. There are also literacy courses to help people who might not otherwise be ready to start a certificate or licensing program.
Saniyah Wyche, 22, of Hempstead, said she was selected to participate in the district's clinical medical technician program, which, according to Gottlieb, prepares students to conduct clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, drawing blood and performing laboratory functions. Wyche said she is following in the footsteps of her mother, a certified nursing assistant.
“I’m really excited,” she said.
Saniyah Wyche Credit: Morgan Campbell
Rameau said he was also inspired by a family member — his sister, who is a nurse — to enter the health care field.
“I figure it's something that’s not going to just benefit me, it also benefits other people,” said Rameau, who can now provide basic medical assistance under supervision.
He hopes opportunities afforded to him through the program could also extend to others.
"I'm trying to take full advantage of it. The programs can help me and help others that are in need, who are willing to do something for their lives or help others," Rameau said.
Anyone who wants to apply for one of the district's adult education programs or learn more about its offerings can call Gottlieb at 516-434-4347.
Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.
