Training Programs for Adult Learners
Need a quick way to get into the job market?
Wake Tech makes training for high-demand jobs simple. Start with a short-term course that leads to industry-recognized certification or licensure in a high-demand field where jobs are plentiful and wages are higher.
Scholarships may be available through Wake Tech's Propel program to cover the cost of registration, fees, books, supplies and credentialing exams. You may even qualify for a laptop if you need one.
Automotive technician
If you like fixing cars and trucks, a career as an automotive technician may be right for you. For the skills you need to get started in the industry, take the first step by enrolling in our Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair course.
The course teaches fundamentals such as performing basic maintenance and identifying and fixing shop hazards. It will prepare you for Automotive Service Excellence and National Coalition of Certification Centers tests.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping provides the necessary tools for students with little to no familiarity with QuickBooks to become proficient in using the Intuit accounting software. These courses will take you from the basics to becoming a Certified Bookkeeper, as recognized by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.
The certification also can provide course credits to propel you into Wake Tech's Accounting degree program.
Health care billing and coding specialist
Take your choice: Healthcare Billing or Healthcare Coding. Either way, you will gain an understanding of insurance cards and fee schedules, along with medical terminology, disease processes and pharmacology, coding systems and more. This program will prepare you for the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder exam or the National Healthcareer Association Certified Billing and Coding Specialist Exam.
Certifications also count toward course credit in Wake Tech's Medical Assisting degree program.
HVAC technician
Wake Tech offers three potential HVAC career pathways: Facility Maintenance Fundamentals, Heating & Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Operation, Installation and Service. All focus on the fundamentals – preparing you to work as a qualified HVAC technician while offering opportunities to continue your education.
IT support technician
This bundled program prepares you for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A 220-1001 and 2220-1002 certification exams. You will develop high-demand technical and customer service skills to kick-start a strong IT career.
Certifications count toward credit into Wake Tech's IT Service and Support and Network Management degree programs.
Wake Tech offers dozens of other free, fast training programs. To see what other programs have scholarships available, check out the Propel programs.
Need help selecting a career?
Need to finish high school first?
Frequently asked questions
A high school diploma or credential is required to enroll in the Healthcare Billing & Coding program and for the WakeWorks Apprenticeship program. It is not required for the other programs: HVAC Technician, IT Support Specialist and Bookkeeper. A high school diploma may be required for employment after course completion.
If you need to complete your high school credential, Wake Tech offers fee-waived preparation classes through the College & Career Readiness Division.
Course fees vary but typically range from $180 to $700 per class. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
For select programs, apprenticeship opportunities are available for those with a high school diploma or equivalency.
Course offerings may vary. The delivery of each course may be in person, online or a mix of the two. Details can be found in the course details and registration information, which is listed at the bottom of each program page.
Depending on the career, these training courses take three months to one year to complete and earn the industry credential. Students can also contact the Career Services team for employment assistance before, during or after course completion.
The WakeWorks Apprenticeship program is an option for those with immediate employment needs. WakeWorks hosts apprentice hiring events each fall and spring. While Wake Tech cannot guarantee the students will be hired, they will have the opportunity to meet with several participating business partners.
If you struggle with math, fee-waived math classes are available through the College & Career Readiness Adult Basic Education program. The number of classes you take will depend on your current skill level in math. Students in this program take a math assessment to determine where their starting point is and then, with the help of an advisor, they select a program that meets their needs and schedule.
Wake Tech campuses and centers are located on or near public transportation routes in Wake County. For bus routes in the broader Triangle region, visit GoTriangle.
For students who need assistance with technology, this can be requested as part of a scholarship application. For short-term lending, check out the services provided by the Wake Tech Library.
If you do not have access to the internet, there are subsidized internet service programs available through local internet providers. The Affordable Connectivity Program is a national program with applications available through the internet providers in or near your neighborhood.
If you need a computer to take your course, Wake Tech has a limited number of laptops available for loan through the Wake Tech Library, as well as open computer labs on campuses.
If English is not your first language, or you need to improve your English literacy or math skills, visit the College & Career Readiness Division (CCR), which offers fee-waived assistance for students who need to improve their skills before enrolling in career training. CCR also offers dual-enrollment options, so you can work on your academic and vocational skills at the same time.
