Did you know that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients throughout the state of Connecticut may be eligible for free employment training and college courses? SNAP Employment and Training (often called E&T) is designed to make education and job training more accessible, so that even those who are struggling financially have the opportunity to launch successful, higher-paying careers.

Today, as many as 80 percent of jobs in the United States require some form of postsecondary training or education at the college level. That is why Goodwin College has partnered with the state, to offer short-term, career-focused certificate programs at no cost to SNAP recipients. Our goal is to prepare adults (of all economic backgrounds) for in-demand professions through skills-based, hands-on training.

There are six SNAP employment and training programs available at our campus in East Hartford, Connecticut — many of which can lead to national- or state- licensing credentials. After just a matter of weeks or months, you can find work in growing fields like security, healthcare, and manufacturing. Details regarding these programs (and more!) can be found below.

CNC Machining Program

If you are interested in a hands-on career in the advancing field of manufacturing, this 37-credit program may be for you. CNC machinists work with computer-controlled machinery to create parts and products that we use every day (such as a jet engine or your car door!) from metal and other materials. These professionals are highly valued in the manufacturing industry, and can expect a very successful career. In Connecticut, CNC machinists earn a median salary of $49,000 per year.

The CNC machinist training program at Goodwin is an accelerated program that takes just over 22 weeks to complete, and ends with a collegiate certificate in CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology. It may also end with a job placement at a local manufacturing facility. Goodwin College has partnerships with many manufacturers throughout the state, that often hire graduates upon program completion. After graduation, you’ll also be eligible to pursue the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credential as a certified CNC Operator.

Security Guard Certification Program

Do you picture yourself in a career that involves protecting others, or keeping people and places safe? As one of our free SNAP training programs, you have the option to become a certified Security Guard in Connecticut, in just a matter of days. The Security Guard training program at Goodwin is only two days long. Upon completion, you will be prepared to sit for the state’s “Guard Card” Certification Exam and find work in Connecticut.

Security Guards play an imperative role in society and in organizations, protecting people as well as property and important items (such as money, storefronts, or valuable equipment). Their jobs are to prevent theft, violence, and general civilian crime. The annual, average salary of Security Guards in Connecticut is almost $35,000.

Medical Office Administration Program

If you love the idea of working in healthcare, and being a part of a team whose main job is to help others, you might consider a career in a medical office. Through Goodwin’s SNAP E&T programs, you can become an administrative assistant in the medical office in just 15 weeks. In this program, you will take four free, college-level courses in subjects such as Medical Terminology and Medical Billing. You’ll also gain training on common medical office software, learning how to prepare medical reports, review medical histories, maintain patient records, and more. In Connecticut, medical office administrative assistants earn over $42,000 per year, on average.

Phlebotomist Certification Training

Perhaps you envision yourself in the healthcare field, but working directly with patients. Phlebotomy is a career path in healthcare that will allow you to do just this, without spending years in college. Through Goodwin’s SNAP-eligible phlebotomy program, you can become a Phlebotomist in just one semester of school – which includes a clinical internship and collegiate certificate — for free.

Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting blood samples that will later be tested and used to diagnose patients. Therefore, they play a key role in detecting and treating disease. Phlebotomists can work in medical laboratories, hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing homes, and even insurance companies. On average, they make just under $40,000 annually in the state of Connecticut.

Human Services Associate Degree

If you are interested in helping people in a non-medical setting, and you have more flexibility to commit to the college experience, you can pursue a Human Services degree at Goodwin College. Human services professionals’ main role is to help people in need — such as homeless people, troubled youth, or veterans — and enhance their quality of life. In some cases, this might mean assisting them in finding employment or quality healthcare. In others, it might mean helping them transition from prison, to parole, to a safe and crime-free life. This is a career path that matters, and that you can become a part of with the right training under your belt.

For SNAP participants, Goodwin College’s associate degree in Human Services is available at no cost. This includes a hands-on internship experience in an active workplace setting (which can lead to employment upon graduation).

Bookkeeping Certification Program

For the more analytical and mathematical minds, Goodwin offers a SNAP-funded Bookkeeping certification program. Bookkeepers are key professionals in all types of businesses, helping organize and manage a company’s financial data and payroll. Connecticut is among the top three, highest paying states in the U.S. for professional bookkeepers.

In Goodwin’s bookkeeper training program, you will learn the basics of accounting, including how to use accounting information systems and software. The training program includes four college-level courses, which can qualify you to pursue your Bookkeeping Certification upon graduation.

All of the programs at Goodwin College come with a lifetime of Career Services for those who graduate. Should you complete one of the above SNAP-eligible training programs, you will have full access to job search assistance, resume-writing, cover letter drafting, job interview practice, and more. To qualify for enrollment in a free SNAP education and training program at Goodwin, you will simply need to:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Receive SNAP benefits, but not money from Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
• Be able to pursue work upon completing your program

Goodwin’s SNAP employment and training programs are intended to connect people like you with the jobs they deserve — jobs that can bring stability, success, and self-sufficiency. For more information about our SNAP E&T programs, please do not hesitate to call 860-727-6936 or visit www.goodwin.edu/snap-education.