There are many FREE resources to be taken advantage of within Berks County and online. Many of these free services can help you in the job hunting process.
Resources
(1) Reading Public Library, Main Branch
(2) Reading Public Library, Northeast Branch
(3) Reading Area Community College (RACC)
(4) PA Career Link (CWDS)
(5) Hotlines & Other Social Services
(1) READING PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH
For Free Classes at RPL, Main Branch stop in at 100 S 5th Street, Reading, PA 19602
[Or call 610-655-6355]
Internet Class I (Beginner Computer & Internet)
No Computer Experience Required
1. Mouse & Keyboarding Basics - How to hold, move, and click a mouse;
how to scroll; online forms; practice using the mouse; major keyboard controls
2. Internet Searching - Introduction to the internet; using a web browser;
clicking on hyperlinks, and performing a basic Google search
3. Printing - How to print webpages
Internet Class II (Basic Internet Searching)
Basic Computer Experience Required*
1. Search Engine Use - Learn search methods, tips & tricks
2. Library Catalog Search - Using the library catalog, finding items, placing holds
3. Other Search Options - Alternate search tools, introduction to databases
Internet Class III (Email)
Basic Computer Experience Required*
Please Bring Cell Phone with Texting to This Class
1. Creating a Google Email Account - Setup and use a free Google email account
2. Using Your Email Account - Using Google email, Cc, Bcc, Attachments, Junk Mail
3. Other Google Tools - Learn what other free products Google has to offer
Beginner Word 2007 Class
Basic Computer Experience Required*
1. Create Documents - Create a brand new Word document
2. Edit Documents - Spellcheck, Fonts, Page Layout, Printing
3. Save & Retrieve Documents - Closing and saving new documents, opening old documents
Resume Class
1. Creating a Resume with Word 2007
2. Edit Resume
3. Save Resume
* “Basic Computer Experience” means beginner level proficiency with the mouse and basic knowledge of the keyboard.
(2) READING PUBLIC LIBRARY, NORTHEAST BRANCH (FREE CLASSES)
English as a Second Language Classes are being offered. Registration required. Call 610-655-6361 or ask at the desk for details.
Program designed for the introduction and practice of English
(3) READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (RACC)
For Classes at RACC, Contact Yrene Rodriguez, yrodriguez@racc.edu, 610-607-6227 (leave message)
Adult Basic Education (A.B.E.)
Adult Basic Education classes offer beginning reading and math instruction to adults functioning from a non-reader level to those reading on an eighth-grade level. All materials used in these classes are adult-oriented and deal with addressing pertinent daily skills. Classes are free.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (E.S.L.)
The English for Speakers of Other Languages Program offers speaking, reading and writing skills to non-English speaking adults. Classes are offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Classes are free.
General Educational Development Test (G.E.D.)
To prepare a student for the G.E.D. test of high school equivalency, the Reading Area Community College offers preparation classes, free of charge, to adults in our community. These classes meet both days and evenings, at a number of different locations throughout the county. An annual graduation is held in June. Tutors are available to help students achieve success in their class work. NOTE: Fee is still required for actual G.E.D. test
(4) PA Career Link (CWDS)
PA CareerLink - Berks County, 501 Crescent Ave, Reading, PA 19605, info@bccl.org, 610-988-1300
Website: https://www.cwds.state.pa.us
If you are interested in career assistance (finding a job, looking for a better job, improving job skills) or seeking vocational rehabilitation services, CWDS enables you to search for job openings, create a résumé, apply for jobs online, research career information or request vocational rehabilitation services.
(5) Hotlines & Other Social Services
Hotlines