'Return to Learn' event helps working adults

Before landing a job, many applicants need a little extra help. That's what the "Return to Learn: Continuing Education Fair for Adult Learners" is all about.

Posted 7:42 p.m. Apr 28, 2015 — Updated 11:06 p.m. Apr 29, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — Upstairs at the Triangle Literacy Council in Raleigh, the search is on.

The location is one of the state's Joblink Career Center sites, which draws about 100 people a week who come into the office to browse through job openings and apply.

But before landing a job, many applicants need a little extra help. That’s what the “Return to Learn: Continuing Education Fair for Adult Learners” is all about.

The event runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University. More than 50 representatives from colleges, universities and training programs will be there to help applicants looking to transition in the workforce.

“We partnered with N.C. State and the McKimmon Center to offer a college fair that was catered to working adults,” said Evan Duff with the Triangle Literacy Council.

Paul Thompson can testify to the importance of adult learning. He was homeless and jobless two years ago, and the council helped him find a full-time job and a place to stay.

“I was born in the 50s. We didn't have computers back then. We didn't have computers in school,” he said. “Now, everything's computerized. Now, I can work on a computer.”

From learning basic computer skills to earning a Ph.D., the Return to Learn event can help job seekers take the next step, Duff said.

“They'll really get to learn about all the opportunities that allow them to fit school into their busy life,” he said.

WRAL is a proud sponsor of the event.

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