As part of our ongoing efforts to share information, the UET Online Magazine features important announcements on events and learning opportunities for bargaining unit employees. Listed below are links to specific timely information for UET Members. Create or update your User Profile by clicking MyUET to receive program updates and the UET Online Magazine by e-mail.
The new programs offered by the Union Education Trust can benefit everyone. However for you to get the most from the educational assistance offered through the UET, you must become a wise consumer of education products.
Members’ needs are the primary focus of the Union Education Trust. And the key to that is good customer service and developing features that help members achieve their career goals. Already, the UET has rolled out several important programs that are the foundation of the education benefit.
But before you sign up for your first class, consider if you’re using your UET benefit in the best way possible. Often the best place to start is with the Career Development Counseling. The career counselors are knowledgeable resources for information on how to develop career goals and what is the best approach to attain them.
“We try to educate people how to be a wise consumer of education services,” said Gail Michalski, coordinator of the career counseling program. “Certainly, when you have a limited amount of dollars, you want to maximize them.”
“It’s important to consider ‘What is the appropriate education or training for my career goal?’”
Perhaps you need a four-year degree. Or perhaps a technical certificate will get you where you want to go. It is less expensive and quicker to complete.
For those members, who take a college-credit course or vocational training with a degree or certification in mind, the Career Improvement Program offers up to $2,000 annually. If this is the right program for you, consider the costs of the school you are considering and its convenience. Generally speaking, public-assisted state schools offer college-credit programs cheaper than private colleges, although both are raising tuition costs every year. Some schools offer distance learning, which may cut down on commuting time, school fees and childcare expenses.
Many people are actually over-educated. They could have saved time and money getting training in a more direct way.
“Maybe a technical certification will get you where you want to go,” Michalski said. “Align your training – and your knowledge – to the career goal you’ve identified.”
Vocational schools offer computer training classes cheaper than for-profit training vendors. Most jobs today require a rudimentary understanding and use of computers. And technology changes and improves so quickly that everyone can use a computer course to stay current with new systems and updated software. The Computer Applications Training feature offers $750 annually for non-college credit computer training.
If you are unsure about going back to college or taking a college-credit course, consider enrolling in a computer class to ease back into continuing your schooling, but only if the training meets your career goals or personal interest.
The Career Development counselors offer phone or e-mail consultations on subjects ranging from determining your job skills and advising you on the tuition benefits and how to manage the cost of going to school, to assisting you as you prepare for an interview and write your resume. You can learn more about this feature by clicking on the “career counseling” button on the toolbar on the left of this page.
As UET helps you achieve your career goals, we hope you’ll help us – and you’ll be encouraging fellow members too. Submit your successful experiences with UET and your continuing education to: support@UedTrust.org.