Registration to Open for Vocational Classes

Open registration for fall classes at North Valley Occupational Center-Pacoima Skills Center will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, school officials said.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and students are encouraged to sign up early. The 20-week semester begins Sept. 3, and students may enroll any time during the term if space permits.

“This year we will be running more afternoon, Saturday and evening classes,” said spokesman Richard Wormus. “We’ve been expanding programs and trying to provide more opportunities to people who live in the Valley.”

Operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Division of Adult and Career Education, the occupational center offers more than 50 low-cost vocational programs to adults and some minors. In addition to training in industrial trades, business, child care and computers, the school teaches classes in graduate equivalency diploma preparation and English as a second language. Most classes cost from $5 to $45.

Wormus said new classes being offered this year include cosmetology, landscaping, real estate, computerized graphic design and evening GED courses. Computer classes are expected to be in high demand.

“What we give people is a low-cost way to upgrade their skills to find a better job, or even to keep the job they have if the technology is changing in their field,” said Wormus.

For information about fall registration, call (818) 365-9645.