LIBERTY, NY — Building upon the popularity and success of construction and welding courses offered last year, Sullivan County’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and Sullivan BOCES have teamed up once again to offer a free course—this time in automotive mechanics—to up to 15 local residents.

“I thank the legislature for devoting funding to a third initiative to provide local workers with practical, career-building skills,” said CWD director Loreen Gebelein. “Graduates of this program will earn ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification as automotive technicians and be immediately employable.”

The eight-week program is being administered by the CWD, part of the Division of Community Resources. Open to county residents who are 18 or older and have reliable transportation, classes start April 9 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rubin Pollack Education Center on Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

“This is hands-on training at BOCES’ classrooms and shops in Liberty, and graduates of this program will be ready to work in a field full of employers eager to hire them,” said community resources commissioner Laura Quigley. “I encourage anyone interested to contact us right away, as only 15 spots are available for this course.”

To find out more or to apply, contact the Center for Workforce Development at 845/794-3340 or email linda.kalman@sullivanny.us.

Contributed by the Sullivan County Government Center.