LAWRENCE, Kan. — A school in Lawrence is offering free classes to Douglas County residents who lost their job due to COVID-19.
The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center has created a free education program that new students like Bailey Greer are taking advantage of.
"Since I got laid off from my last job from COVID, it gave me the opportunity to go to school," Greer said, "which I've always wanted to do, I just have to pay bills."
The school set aside $200,000 in funding so anyone in Douglas County who lost their job due COVID-19, or lives in a low-income household, can take classes at no charge.
It's a partnership with the Lawrence Workforce Center, the Lawrence chapter of the NAACP, the Kansas Department of Children and Families and Lawrence Public Schools.
Many people are turning to a Plan B, C and D to get by in the middle of the pandemic. For Greer, opportunity came knocking when he applied for the program at Peaslee Tech.
"It really opens a lot of doors," Greer said, "and it's perfect timing because it's so hard for everyone right now."
Greer is working toward earning a Class A CDL license, which gives him many options after he completes his training.
Peaslee Tech CEO Kevin Kelley said there is a "huge demand" for skilled trades, such as auto mechanic, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders and commercial drivers."
The pandemic, according to Kelley, has only made it worse because those essential companies are continuing to work with a shortage.
Peaslee also trains pharmacy technicians and court reporters.
The new program currently has enough funding to send 70 people into the workforce.
"For some folks, it's really a big step because if they were working in the food industry and weren't making that good of a salary, to all of a sudden be making 18 to 20 dollars an hour is a big change in their lives," Kelley said.
The training takes anywhere from four to 40 weeks, depending on the career path chosen.
Greer will complete his training in about six weeks.
"So straight out the gate once I'm done with the class, I'm almost guaranteed different job opportunities," Greer said.
Kelley said if the school can secure more funding and donations, they will help more students because they anticipate several hundred jobs won't be coming back in Douglas County after the pandemic.
