Brewster

In Tampa, there are four adult technical training centers run by the Hillsborough County School Ddistrict. For years.. they've been helping people launch new careers.

In our Assignment: Education report: Bill Ratliff says now they are playing a more urgent role. Bill?

Bob.. with the new welfare reform law in place.. These schools are needed more than ever. For example.. Brewster Technical Center, in Tampa, is using school dollars to help people get off welfare.

--[Instructor Carolina Hammond says:] "You need to find people who are interested in your success."--

Carolina Hammond is teaching a special class at Brewster Technical Center called 'Job Club.'

--[Instructor Hammond says:] "One of the things you need to know is that you always need to have a goal."--

The importance of goal setting, motivation, communication, personal presentation, and stress management are key to this course. Why? Many of these people have never had a job and all are either receiving welfare or have applied for it.. But it only lasts two-years now. For them the clock is ticking..

--[Student Charita Pryor says:] "This program will help me get off of it as soon as possible, because I know with these skills I can go out and find a job."--

--[Student Jacqueline Firlow says:] "And by me being a single mom you know I want to make sure that he has a great education too. So, if I can go higher up the ladder that's what I want to do."--

Hammond, a former welfare recipient herself, says looking for a job is a scary proposition for people who have been out of the job market. She says self-esteem issues are at play. That's why so much emphasis is put on attitude and motivation in brewster's job club class.

--[Hammond says:] "I would say in being motivated enough to go out and do it for yourself and know that you can.. You might have some hard times along the way, but you're the one who is in charge. You're at the controls of the wheel. This is your obligation."--

An obligation many here are embracing with enthusiasm, because they have high hopes for their futures.

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