New Year, New Career

If you are looking to advance your career goals in the New Year, Quinsigamond Community College has announced a new initiative that offers FREE nurse assistant, home health aide and administrative medical programs. The free nurse assistant and home health aide training programs involve a 120-hour course commitment and will prepare students for positions in long-term care and acute care facilities or to work for a home health agency. QCC courses will be held remotely for Spring 2021. To learn more, please visit the college's website by clicking here.

The Power of Code

Learning how to program – or code – can be the pathway into a great career, earn you a promotion, give you an incredibly flexible and powerful tool for problem solving, and be the source of significant personal satisfaction.

How can the library help you to learn to code? 

 We offer classes in Python, CSS and Wordpress to help you get started.

• Register for the CSS class here: CSS
• Register for the Python class here: Python
• Register for the Wordpress class here: Wordpress

 We have a large collection of books and e-books you can borrow to help you on your way. 

Here are some of the programming languages our books cover:

• Python • C • C# • C++ • SQL Server • Oracle • ASP.Net • VB • Javascript • JQuery • Scratch • Ruby • Objective-C • Java • Perl • PHP • Scala • Swift • Raspberry Pi • Assembler • Clojure • Rust • Postscript • Pascal • COBOL • Arduino

And these technologies:

• HTML • CSS • XML • Regular Expressions • Linux • Networking • Windows • Mac OS

And these applications:

• Microsoft Office; Excel, WORD, Powerpoint • Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, Elements • iPhone and iPad apps • Alexa

Explore WPL's Resources for Remote Learning

Worcester Public Library offers online resources to aid you in remote learning including databases, test prep and tutoring.  To access, go to mywpl.org, hover the mouse over “Resources,” and select “Online Databases.” This will bring you to an alphabetical list of all our databases.  You can also switch to a list organized by subject.  Select the "Home" option for remote access with your Worcester Public Library card number and PIN.  

Here's a sampling of available databases . . .

• Encyclopedia Britannica (includes Leaning Zone - Kids, School Edition, & Spanish Reference Center)
• Gale databases: Academic Onefile, Biography, Elementary, Global Issues, Opposing Viewpoints, Science, U.S. & World History, Literature Resource Center, Environmental Studies & Policy, Health & Medicine, High School Edition, Nursing & Allied Health
• Infobase eBooks
• KANOPY (documentaries & educational videos)
• Learning Express
• Mango Languages
• Oxford Dictionaires
• Peterson's Career Prep
• TeenBook Cloud (includes National Geographic videos, classic literature & other eBooks)

Test Prep: Learning Express

Get help preparing for a variety of exams including GED, HiSET, ACT SAT, AP tests, and more.  Includes career prep and skill building resources for classroom and homework success for students in elementary through college.  Also includes exam prep for Nursing, Allied Health, Teaching and many other licenses and certificates. 

Click here to create an account with your Worcester Public Library card

Live Online Tutoring Service: HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow eLearning is a service that provides online tutoring services and a variety of tools for students of all ages and levels. Get online help from expert tutors 7 days a week: 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. 

HelpNow offers:

• Academic assistance in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science, social studies)
• Live homework help
• 24/7 Writing Lab & essay feedback/assistance
• Academic content and practice tests for skills-building (including SAT preparation)
• Spanish language tutoring
• Make your own flashcards
• Much more!

Click here to create an account with your Worcester Public Library card.

Intro to Coding: Python for Beginners

So you are techy enough to use your smart phone, you often share memes on Facebook, and you post cute pics to Instagram…but have you ever wondered about the software that runs those platforms?

What is software anyway? How do all those cool apps work?

Coding – or programming – is the process of creating software. 

Did you know that the library offers a free class called Intro to Coding: Python for Beginners?  

Python is just one of scores of programming languages. What is a programming language? Like English or Mandarin or Spanish, it's a way of communicating with others. And just as English looks different from Swedish or Hindi, programming languages each have their own syntax and vocabulary.

But in this case, instead of communicating with other people, a programming language is used to create programs. And programs communicate the coder's instructions to the computer. 

Those instructions could be your instructions!

Intro to Coding: Python for Beginners is a 6-session class which meets on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Our next class begins on September 22. No prior coding experience is assumed.

Students will learn the basics of programming, including about variables, datatypes, loops, and logic. They will also learn the vocabulary of software development and best practices for writing code. 

And did I mention fun? Yup – this class is fun, and might even help you get a job or be promoted at your current employer.

Interested? Maybe?  You will also get a 90-page manual!

No grades, but if you attend all 6 sessions and do the homework, the library will give you a personalized Certificate of Completion.

(Yes, there's homework, but you do need to practice what you've learned, right?  😉  You'll get lots of feedback for your efforts!)

This class is offered once per season and we have a few spots left in our Fall class. Due to COVID, the class now meets online. You will need to be able to download software to your computer. 

You can register here - make sure you use an email address you will check at least daily:

Zoom registration link

Career Transitions Database

As you navigate the ever-changing workforce, you may find yourself in need of guidance on resume building and interview practices. Career Transitions Database is a free database that you can access with your WPL card. Here you’ll be able to search for a job, get interview tips, prepare yourself for a career change, and more.

How to access Career Transitions Database

1. Visit mywpl.org
2. Click “resources.”
3. Under “research” (third column), click “online databases.”
4. Under “by subject”, click “jobs & career.” You will see the link for Career Transitions.
5. Click the house icon. You’ll be required to enter your library card number and pin.

Before getting started, be sure to create a Career Transitions account if you haven’t already done so. It is not required, but you will be able to save your work this way.

Jobs, Resumes, & Interviews

1. Find a job: Look for new jobs by title, keyword and location. You can also search for internships if you’re new to the workforce and need experience.

2. Write a resume: View resume samples, articles, and videos for tips on resume writing.

3. Write a cover letter: Like resume help, this gives you step-by-step assistance with writing a cover letter.

4. Tips & Advice: Get advice on networking, interviewing, and career strategies. These tips will help you develop a well-rounded process when job searching.

5. Interview Simulation: Practice answering interview questions and learn about pre-interview preparation.

Career Search

If you’re interested in changing careers, you can use these resources to find other job fields of interest to you.

1. Assess your career interests: Take a survey to be matched with various careers.

2. Browse career paths: Explore how to become qualified for a certain job.

3. Match your experience to new careers: Search for new careers to which you can apply your current level of experience.

4. Search schools & programs: Search for programs available based on cost, type of school, & type of program.

The Daily Leap Blog: Read articles & watch videos from career experts.

Occupational Outlook Handbook 2020-2021

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020-2021 Edition
United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bernan Press
ISBN:  9781641433945
Call #:  371.425 Occupati 2020
What do you want to be when you grow up?  A photogrammetrist? Geoscientist? Herpetologist? Librarian?

What do these occupations consist of? What do they pay? What type of education and training do they require?  To find the answers to these questions and learn more, take a look at this indispensable handbook.

As the federal government’s premier career guide, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, has been used by millions of people since the 1940s. This edition reflects the latest employment projections to 2028 that have been developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  It includes information on the fastest-growing occupations, number of new jobs, and a summary of the highest-paying occupations.

The OOH is the nationally recognized source for career information. Especially designed to provide valuable up-to-date information, the Handbook is great for all individuals making decisions about their future including students about to graduate from high school or college, recent graduates, individuals returning to the workforce after an absence, or anyone looking for a career change.
Contains numerous occupations profiles and includes:

• Duties required by the occupation
• Work environment
• Education and training needed
• Median pay
• Important qualities for the job
• Licenses, certification, and registrations needed
• Contact information to learn more
• Job outlook

Special features include:

• Projections data
• Comprehensive appendix summarizing the occupations
• Employment projections
• Glossary of terms 
• Detailed index

Although the printed handbook is ideal for browsing and serendipitous discovery, an online version is also available:  OOH online

Preparing for a Career in Health Care? Check out WPL's Resources!

Worcester Public Library offers students who are studying and preparing for a career in health care a variety of resources to help them succeed on their education path.

Books

We have many study guides for various health care fields in our 2nd floor stacks at the Main Library. Check out this Reading List to see if we have what you are looking for. 

Databases

We have databases that health care students will find useful from preparing for entrance exams, to conducting research, to preparing for license or certificate exams.

Learning Express Library

This database can be found under the Education & Test Prep link on our Online Databases page. A Worcester Public Library Card and pin number are needed to create an account. 

Once the account is created, you have access to wide variety of test prep materials such as entrance exams for health occupations, nursing school entrance tests, allied health exams, nursing license and certificate exams, and emergency medical services certification exams.

Health & Nursing Gale Databases

The health related Gale databases can be found under the Health & Nursing link on our Online Databases page. They include Gale - Health and Wellness Resource Center, Gale - Health Reference Center Academic, Gale - Nursing and Allied Health Collection, and Gale - Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Collection. 

These databases offer access to academic journals, magazines, books, reference, images, and videos. Results can be refined by a variety of filters; peer-reviewed, full-text, images, publication dates, and so on. 

Gale databases allow users to sign in with their Google or Microsoft accounts. Once signed in, users can save articles and send them to their OneDrive™ or their Google Drive™. The database also offers citation tools and does the work for you!

If you need further help finding a study guide or accessing our databases, come to any reference desk at the Main Library or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3. 

Learning Online with Learning Express Library

Learning Express Library is an interactive online learning platform featuring over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation, HiSET exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math, for all ages. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results.You can save your work and return again to practice tests, tutorials, and more. Material is divided into the following centers:

Adult Learning Center:  Build Your Math Skills, Become a Better Reader, Improve Your Writing, Reading and Grammar, Become a Citizen

Career Center: Learn More About a Career, Prepare for an Entrance or Occupation Exam, Join the Military or Become an Officer, Job Search and Workplace Skills, WorkKeys Assessment and TOEIC

School Center: Practice, Lesson and Study Plans for Elementary, Middle and High School

College Preparation Center: Prepare for Your AP Exam, SAT, PSAT, NMSQT, TOEFL iBT Test, Improve College Essay Admissions Writing

College Center:  Math, Reading, Science, and Grammar and Writing Skills Review, Prepare for Graduate School Admissions Exams, College Placement Exams, and CLEP Exams

Recursos Para Hispanohablantes:  Mejore sus habilidades, Sea Mejor Lector, Desarolle sus habilidades matematicas, Preparese para su examen de GED, Sea ciudadano estadounisdense

High School Equivalency Center: Build Your Basic Skills, HiSET Preparation, Prepare for the TASC Test

All you need to begin is your Worcester Public Library card. Click here, select Learning Express Library from the alphabetical list, and create an account today!

LearningExpress Library

Need to brush up your math, grammar or science skills? Eager to practice for the HiSET, SAT, GRE or LSAT exam? Preparing to become a U.S citizen? Need information about a career? Try LearningExpress Library! This online database provides a wide variety of career and educational resources that will help you build the necessary skills to achieve your goals. 

Here you will find practice tests, ebooks, interactive tools, strategies, advice and much much more, all designed by experts. Take a practice test, and review the results to see how you did. You can also create a personal portfolio page to review your progress. 

Check out the entire list of featured resources here: 
http://www.learningexpresshub.com/featured-resources

For convenience the database is broken into several centers depending on the topic of interest.

• Adult Learning Center – Math, Grammar, Writing, Citizenship Exam 
• Career Center – Occupation Exams, Entrance Exams, Information about careers 
• College Center – Advanced Placement, TOEFL, PSAT, SAT 
• High School Equivalency Center – Basic Skills, HiSET, GED 
• College Preparation Center – College Placement Exams, Graduate School Exams, Reading, Math and Science Skills 
• Recursos Para Hispanohablantes – Resources in Spanish 
• School Center – Elementary, Middle and High school skills 

For more assistance, you can navigate through the helpful User Guides section. Instructional videos are available here, if you are interested in learning more about the database.

Access: Go to our homepage, click on Online Databases, then select Education, K-12 & Test Prep. Click on LearningExpress Library. Create your free account with a Worcester Public Library card and email address. It's as easy as that!

Glassdoor

New! Worcester Public Library now has free unlimited access to Glassdoor, the popular career website. Through the Library Partnership Program, patrons have access to all career content on the site and do not need to set up an account. Use this website for the following career related topics:

Jobs: Search more than 15 million jobs and apply for specific ones. Set up job alerts to get new and relevant jobs sent to your inbox. In addition to full and part-time jobs you can also find internships, contract and temporary jobs.

Salaries: Found a company you are interested in working for? Browse company-specific salaries, bonuses, and other compensation details to see if this will be a good fit for you. 

Interview Questions: Research actual interview questions and details posted anonymously by employees.

Company Reviews: Read company overviews and ratings including pros and cons of working for a particular employer. Learn about employee ratings on culture, benefits, and other benchmarks of a particular company. 

For unlimited access to Glassdoor through the Library Partnership Program, go to Worcester Public Library's page on Employment resources and click on the Glassdoor image!

Tutor.com

The library is excited to offer a new service, Tutor.com. Tutor.com is two great study & career resources in one.

ONE Live tutors are available from 3 PM - midnight every day for one-on-one help, on any subject for students grades K-12 and for adults looking for resume assistance or career help. To start a session with a tutor, click here or start from our website, www.worcpublib.org, and click "Online Databases" then "Tutor.com." You can create an account which will allow you to login and save tutor sessions. All you need to create an account is your Worcester library card and an email address.

You will be asked to select a subject and grade level to start a tutoring session. While in the session, you can upload documents to work on with the tutor. They may also give you links to online resources which will be saved in your Tutor.com account.

TWO In addition to the live tutoring, there are other resources which are available 24/7. These include study resources such as flashcards, links and worksheets; test prep resources such as practice tests; and career resources.

PLUS - download the Tutor.com app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and receive free tutoring on the go.

Need help? Ask a librarian.

Employment & Training Resources in Worcester

The following is a list of agencies in Worcester that offer services to adults who are seeking employment. The agencies in the second half of the list cater to special populations. I have excluded any agencies, like the YWCA, that charge a fee.

Workforce Central Worcester
http://www.workforcecentralma.org/
340 Main Street, 4th Floor
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 799-1600 to register


Services Provided:
Career counseling & referrals to job openings.
Job search skill development (resume and online application help).
Computer training classes.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Empowerment Center
http://www.mlkj-bec.org/
237 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01609
(508)756-6330


Services Provided:
Resume and interview preparation.
Job search skills.
Computer training.


Worcester Public Library
http://www.mywpl.org
3 Salem Street
Worcester, MA 01608
(508)799-1655


Services Provided:
Resume help on Wednesday evenings, by appoint. Call 508-799-1655 x3.
Job & Career Accelerator database classes Wednesday evening and Friday morning.
The database provides a platform for creating a resume and cover letter, Internet job
searching, tutorials, and exam preparation.

Training Resources of America
332 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
(508)753-2991

Services Provided:
Provides assistance to persons aged 16-24 with career counseling and assistance in finding
work.


Worcester Community Action Council
Job and Education Center
484 Main Street, Denholm Building
Worcester, MA 01608
(508)754-1176

Services Provided:
Multiple service education, job skills and job placement for eligible out-of-school young adults
ages 16-24.

Dress for Success
484 Main Street Suite 101 Denholm Building
Worcester, MA 01608


Services Provided:
Provides clothing appropriate for job searching as well as career coaching.

Unemployment Benefits
Workforce Central
340 Main Street, 4th Floor
Worcester, MA 01608
(508)799-1600

You can apply in person or by phone. If applying by phone call the TeleClaim Center at
1-877-626-6800.

Looking for Work? Try Job & Career Accelerator!

The library launches Job & Career Accelerator, a comprehensive online job search tool providing job seekers everything they need to find their next job, all in one easy-to-use application. This online database is available to patrons of the Worcester Public Library at no charge with their library card and can be accessed at the library or from home. Job & Career Accelerator™:

• provides personalized, step-by-step assistance for job seekers at all experience and education levels—from exploring and matching suitable occupations from over 1,000 detailed occupation profiles to finding available jobs in their area from a database of over 5 million up-to-date job postings.
• With Job & Career Accelerator, users can easily create professional resumes and cover letters, master interviewing and networking techniques, improve work related skills, and prepare for occupation related exams.
• In addition, it helps job seekers plan, tailor, and track multiple job searches at the same time while providing expert advice and tips every step. The end result is the most efficient and effective job search possible.

To access Job & Career Accelerator:

1. You need to have a valid Worcester Public Library Card, then go to http://www.worcpublib.org/.
2. Click on Online Databases under Quick Links
3. Select Jobs & Career
4. Click Job & Career Accelerator

Note: As a new user, you need to register with username and password. The system will also save your resume for your convenience. To find out more about how you can access Job & Career Accelerator, please call 508-799-1655 x3 or stop by and ask any librarian for more information.