Contract Education
NEW DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
AND CAREER PATHWAYS
Susan Sweeney
Susan Sweeney started with the college in
2004 and has worked in both the Disability
Resources and CalWORKs programs. She is
now leading exciting changes in Community
Education from the department’s new home
base at the Coyote Valley Center.
Do your employees need training? We can
provide classes at your site or ours, at a time
that is convenient for your business. From
biotech to customer service, leadership to
water treatment, we have industry experts
that can bring real world experience to your
organization. If your employees are too busy
or remotely located, our cutting edge online
classes can provide expert and assessable
training. Call 408-229-4206 or ssweeney@
gavilan.edu to fi nd out more.
From Just-for-Fun to Certificate and Degree Programs
C
ommunity Education offers not-for-credit, short-term classes and programs, based on community needs. In the past,
this has often meant just-for-fun classes, but in recent years, the program’s scope has expanded, with an emphasis on
short-term career training. One program, Water Resources Management, drew so much interest that it has transitioned
into a credit program offering both a Gavilan College certifi cate and AA degree.
Many career options remain: Phlebotomy for Medical Professionals has recently started up to great interest, joining existing
programs in Pharmacy Technician and Veterinary Assistant. This Fall, students can quickly gain the skills needed to work in
home health care. This course would also be valuable to family caregivers caring for a loved one at home. The weekend motor-
cycle skills class continues with solid enrollment, and an advanced class is in the plans for the future. Of course, there are still
plenty of options for fun and relaxation, such as cooking, art, yoga, and writing.
New classes this fall:
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YOUR Story Matters: Advanced Memoir Writing Workshop
Salmon: The Fish, The Food, The Future
My Edible Art
Introduction to Voiceovers
Forever Learning: How to Realign your Priorities After Retirement
Home Care Aide
Become a Certifi ed Scuba Diver (Ages 10 & Up)
Partnering with Businesses, Schools and Nonprofi ts
Sweeney is interested in hearing from employers about their training needs, and can work with businesses to create
customized classes, either at the business location or at the college. Technova, a Hollister company focused on products for
the molecular biology research market, has begun one such partnership. Students will receive biotech training at Technova
facilities, with the classes managed by Gavilan College.
Community Education is also developing partnerships with high schools in the district. This past summer a class in
Beginning Metal Repair and Welding, using the facilities at Christopher High School in Gilroy, was full with a waiting list.
Coyote Valley, a new location and new opportunities — while classes will continue to be offered throughout the district, the
Community Education staff and offices recently relocated to the new Coyote Valley Center, at 560 Bailey Avenue in San Jose.
The new phone number is 408.229.4201.
For the Fall 2017 Community Education Class Catalog go to gavilanCE.com.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
gmhtoday.com
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