Find the right training program, find a new path

McQueen is enrolled in an 18-week culinary program at the Jewish Vocational Service, a nonprofit organization focused on career development. The program will help McQueen prepare for a career as a chef - something she has always been interested in.

"I always loved food and cooking, but now I wanted to learn the right way to do everything and broaden my horizons in the kitchen," she said. "And anytime I was looking through job listings, there were always ads for chefs and line cooks. Now with this training, I'll be able to do what I want to do and what's needed."

Many laid off workers, like McQueen, are now seeking training and continuing education opportunities. With the US unemployment rate at 8.5 percent in March, many hope re-training will help them stand out in the overcrowded job market.

There are a variety of re-training opportunities to be found in Greater Boston, from nonprofit organizations to colleges and universities, as well as online programs.

McQueen discovered the culinary program while seeking guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. She said she was immediately interested in the program, and was set on attending once she found out the state would finance her participation.

"I couldn't have afforded it on my own, and it's giving me the chance to start a whole new career and whole new direction in my life," McQueen said.

For those with economic barriers, such as McQueen, nonprofit programs may be the best route for re-training, as their courses are often offered free of charge or with financing options. Many career centers and state job assistance services are affiliated with nonprofit organizations and can point career changers to the right program, said J.D. Garcia, director of vocational services at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries.

Most nonprofit programs are focused on developing soft job skills or industry-specific skills. For example, Goodwill offers training for the retail, food services, and hospitality industries, as well as programs that develop soft skills such as computer, office, and interviewing skills, Garcia said.

Traditional higher education programs are more ideal for those looking to earn a degree or certification, but tend to be pricier.

Most colleges and universities offer professional education programs geared toward busy adults looking to further their current career or enter a new field, so "you really have to do your research to find the right continued education opportunity for you," said Dawna Levenson, associate director for MIT's Professional Education-Career Reengineering Program. To learn more about a specific program, Levenson suggests scanning the institute's website, requesting a brochure, or attending an information session.

Many schools have also gone online - making continuing education more convenient.

"The great thing about online programs is that you can do the work whenever you have the time to breathe," said Russell Annis, who is enrolled in the University of Massachusetts at Amherst's University Without Walls program, which offers a variety of online, live, and blended adult-education classes. "You can log on day or night, whenever's convenient for you, and earn a degree. It works well if you work or have other things going on in life."

The Belchertown resident went back to his educational roots at UMass to earn a bachelor's degree in public history, after being laid off from a music store where he had held a management position for 27 years. Annis, who is now 51, said he went to UMass as an undergraduate but never finished his degree due to a lack of focus.

"I've encountered that there is a real need for a B.A. in order to get a job in this job market," he said. "There are just so many people looking for jobs out there. A degree is just one more thing to make you more attractive to potential employers."

But not everyone seeking training and continuing education has been laid off.

After spending about three years out of the workforce as a stay-at-home mom, Rachelle Berk, 34, of Northborough enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Career Reengineering Program to help re-launch her career.

MIT offers four unique part-time programs, including the Career Reengineering Program, which entails 10 months of coursework, individual research, projects, internships, and professional development seminars.

Berk said she felt this was an opportune time to return to school and work since the science and technology fields are faring OK in the current economy. Some science and technology companies are receiving funds from the federal economic stimulus plan.

"Stimulus plan or not, though, continuing education was a great way to revamp my skills and get into a new field," Berk said. "Anyone seeking new opportunities should seek out education and training, keep an open mind, and you'll definitely grow personally and professionally."