Events
Wake Tech’s First “Plus 50” Expo is a Success
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 7, 2014) - More than 200 people attended Wake Tech’s first Plus 50 Expo today at the Northern Wake Campus. The free event – open to all but designed especially for those 50 and over – featured a robust agenda of workshops on financial planning, retirement, computer training, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship, as well as previews of non-credit classes offered through Wake Tech’s Continuing Education Division.
“We’re extremely pleased with this first Plus 50 Expo,” said Anthony Caison, Wake Tech’s Vice President of Continuing Education Services. “It allowed us to showcase the many programs we offer for professional development and personal enrichment – and to highlight partner organizations that provide valuable resources for Wake County residents.”
The Expo attracted a variety of visitors. Riitta Virtaranta, from Raleigh, had attended Wake Tech years ago while employed as a computer programmer. Now, she says, “I’m ready to update my skills and learn something new.” Walter Seib, a Wake Forest jewelry maker who recently started selling his wares, attended an Expo session on starting a business. “This was a very educational event,” Seib said. “I can’t wait to get my business started!”
The Plus 50 Expo included sessions for older jobseekers interested in defining their own “brand” in order to find employment in the multi-generational workplace. Many classes like these, which are designed to get residents back into the workforce, are free for the unemployed and underemployed.
Keynote speaker Dr. Allen Mask, host of WRAL’s Health Team, spoke about sustainable health. ”The holy grail of good health lies within you,” he said. “Be a self-starter!” Other highlights included musical performances from Ruggero Piano and Wake Tech’s Inspirational Choir. Vendors were on site to offer a variety of services for seniors. Sponsors included CareerStep Online Education and Training Solutions, AARP, and Community Care of North Carolina.
For more information, visit plus50.waketech.edu or call the Plus 50 Lifelong Learning Coordinator at 919-532-5851.
