Abram Friedman Occupational Center

Academics

The academic programs offered at Abram Friedman Occupational Center include: Alternative Education and Work Center (AEWC), High School Diploma, GED Testing and Preparation, Adult Basic Education (ABE), and Adult Independent Study (AIS).

AEWC is a program available for students between the ages of 16 to 18 who have dropped out of high school. Through this program students are able to receive their high school diploma or equivalency as well as enroll in a career technical education-training program. Courses are assigned to a student based on the coursework they have not completed, which is determined by evaluating the student’s transcripts. Almost all of the coursework can be completed on an independent basis; however, coursework must be completed by the date assigned by the teacher. Independent study allows students to complete the program while continuing to have a job and/or care for children and family members. Students also have full access to the AEWC study centers when they are in need of assistance. Students are able to receive their high school diploma through classes offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. There are three different options for earning a high school diploma which include: Diploma + GED English, Diploma + GED Spanish, and Traditional Diploma. The AIS program allows adult students to complete their high school diploma in their homes, however they must still meet with their instructor on a weekly basis to pick up their course work.

There are also several vocational programs available including: Industrial Career, Business Education, Health Occupation, and Apprenticeship Program. The Industrial Career programs help prepare students pursue careers in computer repair, automotive mechanics, graphic arts, culinary arts, and the construction trade. Students are able to receive hands-on work experience through contracts with government funded organizations and private businesses. The Business Education program allows students to receive several different certificates including: Office Assistant Certificate, Computer Operator Certificate, Data Entry Certificate, Accounting Certificate, and Medical Record Certificate. A Pharmacy Technician program is offered for students through the Health Occupation Program. The Apprenticeship Program involves apprenticeships in construction, building, cosmetology, and barbering. Also AFOC offers ESL classes at all levels through the ESL Citizenship course.

The Pharmacy Technician Program allows students to become licensed by the California Board of Pharmacy. This program only takes students one semester to complete. The program begins in both August and March and lasts for a total of 6 months. Students must participate in an externship in order to gain the hands-on experience they need by working in a community pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Students are able to receive their smog license through the Automotive Smog Academy. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to receive their licensing in the California State Smog Check Program. This can either help the student find employment opportunities or help make them a superior technician. Classes are available during the day and at night. Night classes allow students to still be able to work and learn a new skill at the same time. Students enrolled in the night class have the option of attending the class on two different days each week. Both class days offered in the same week will be the same class and students are required to attend one of these classes every week. Students are also able to take basic or advanced courses depending on what skill level they wish to achieve. After students complete the program they can then submit an Application for Initial Smog Check Technician License along with a small application fee. Once the student’s application is accepted an examination service contractor will contact the student in order to schedule an examination. In order to be examined students must pay an examination fee.