Lenape Tech, a comprehensive vocational school in Ford City, 30 minutes from Butler, has been in existence since 1965 serving the needs of the community and industry.

The Adult and Continuing Education program serves many people. Evening and Saturday classes offer a variety of learning opportunities.

Courses include licensed practical nursing (LPN), trades and industry, computers, medical, business and alternative therapies.

Lenape can meet a person's needs if he/she is interested in improving his/her skills in the workplace, wants to explore a new career or personal direction, or just to have fun. The majority of our instructors bring real-life experiences to the classroom because of their current or past employment in the field.

Classes can lead to industry recognized certification or give the student the opportunity to explore a new career without a significant cost. Lenape classes have assisted many students in deciding to continue with their education at a community, technical or a four-year college. Act 48 credits can be awarded for certain programs.

Businesses often need classes customized for their employees. Whether upgrading workers' skills or preparing workers for entry-level positions, Lenape will address their training needs.

Several courses in trade and industry have been added, expanded or redesigned to meet the needs of the students. Introduction to Solid-State Motor Control/3 Phase Distribution has been expanded, and AC and DC Electronics Circuit Analysis I is being offered for the first time. Architectural Blueprint Reading class has been introduced as a new class, and Blueprint Reading for Welding and Machine Trades has been redesigned.

Automobile and Motorcycle State Inspection classes are offered and Enhanced Vehicle Inspection, Category 4 has been added.

In addition, Lenape is offering three classes for the Young at Heart who are 60 years or older. The classes are from 4 to 5 p.m., and a person can take a craft class, computer class and/or Yoga on Chairs.

Lenape also offers a new classes in alternative health therapies — Tai Chi for Health, Managing Your Stress, Breathing Techniques and Meditation, Therapeutic Touch, Hatha Yoga and Pilates.

Also there is landscaping, grilling, cake decorating I and II and printmaking.

Why not share the gas and take a class with a friend at Lenape?

The LPN program is celebrating 25 years. It was accredited in 1984 and is the only program in Butler and Armstrong counties.

The demand for LPNs remains strong. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job outlook through 2012 is good with a projected increase of 10 to 20 percent.

There are benefits to the full-time and part-time programs. The full-time program enables the student to enter the workforce after a year of clinical and classroom training. The part-time program provides the student the opportunity to maintain a job while obtaining a degree.

For information about the Practical Nursing Program, call 724-545-7311.

Check the Web site for updates throughout the year because adult education is continually changing. If you do not see a class that you need or want, just call at 724-763-7116, Ext. 316 or Ext. 332.

Our staff is willing to answer any questions that you may have.