Adult Career Pathways

Preparing learners for family-sustaining work is a big part of adult education! We teach transitions or “soft” skills, digital literacy, and of course basic skills such as reading, writing, math and language. All of these key skills are defined in our content standards documents, and they are further detailed in our CCR Standards and the ACES resource libraries. In addition, in ABE programs throughout the state, these skills are often embedded in a specific career pathway, building students’ skills while preparing them for specific career advancement at the same time.

To address the many challenges in designing, implementing and sustaining effective adult career pathway (ACP) programs and partnerships, ATLAS provides professional development and resources for ABE managers and practitioners who are developing or strengthening career pathways for their students.

Adult Career Pathways Resource Library

The cornerstone of our ACP offerings is the ACP resource library, providing over 50 (and growing!) vetted ACP curricula as well as a multitude of ACP program development tools. If you are teaching students in preparation for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, etc. – don’t recreate the wheel!  You can start with an ACP curriculum from this collection and tweak for your context.

Additional Opportunities

Professional development activities for Adult Career Pathways includes webinars and workshops at regional and statewide events on a variety of topics. Keep up with all things ACP-related by joining the ACP Networking group; details are below.

Webinar Series

Adult Career Pathways Webinar Series

Based on input from the Adult Career Pathways Advisory Team, ATLAS offers a webinar series throughout the year to promote and support Adult Career Pathways (ACP) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) in Minnesota Adult Ed. Topics vary and are determined by the Advisory Team.

Online Groups

Adult Career Pathways Online Group

This online networking community of practice was established to connect administrators and instructors working on adult career pathways, and it serves as a forum for discussion among those working with ACPs statewide, as well as a hub announcements, resources, and webinar and in-person event information.

Advisory Teams

ACP PD Advisory Team

The ACP Professional Development (PD) Advisory Team is an ATLAS-sponsored team designed to strengthen Adult Career Pathways (ACP) work in Minnesota ABE through relevant, meaningful, and effective professional development for ABE teachers and managers.

The Team is responsible for visioning and implementing a long-term strategic plan for Adult Career Pathways PD in Minnesota, as well as specific tasks yearly to support current and forthcoming PD efforts such as offerings around establishing partnerships with local colleges and employers, reaching out to Local Workforce Development Boards, and recruiting ACP students.

New Adult Career Pathways Resources

TEST COURSE – Level 1 Interpreter Training Program

Career Field/Area: Human Services Adult Career Pathway: Community Interpreter NRS Levels Addressed: High Intermediate Basic Education Low Adult Secondary Education High Adult Secondary Education Part of an approved IET program? No Credentials the Course Prepares Students for: NONE Also Prepares Students for: Additional language interpreter training, then entering career field. Target…

Super Awesome Test Course

Career Field/Area: Healthcare Adult Career Pathway: CNA NRS Levels Addressed: Middle Intermediate Basic Education High Intermediate Basic Education Part of an approved IET program? IET: yes – approved FY23 Credentials the Course Prepares Students for: First Aid – CPR/AED – Bloodborne Pathogens Training Nursing Assistant Registered/Certified Nursing Assistant Also Prepares…

Guide for Advising Students with Foreign Degrees and Credentials

This guide from the National College Transition Network provides guiding questions and best practices for working with individuals with foreign credentials.
Adult Career Pathways

Adult Career Pathways Resource Library »

Newsletter Signup

Get MN ABE Connect—the official source for ABE events, activities, and resources!

Sign Up

PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

PD Catalog

Latest Adult Career Pathways Articles

Embracing Change: An Updated IET Approval Process

Teachers and administrators face many challenges when designing, implementing and sustaining career pathways. Particularly cumbersome is the Integrated Education and Training service model, commonly known as IET. Read on to learn more about the updated IET Approval Process with new documents and changes to the evaluation of Single Set of Learning Objectives. Read More

Unlocking Safe Food Handling: Navigating Minnesota’s Certified Food Protection Manager Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) oversees the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) program, setting rigorous standards to uphold food safety. Aspiring CFPMs must complete an accredited training course and pass an approved certification exam to earn the credential. Read more about this potential credential for your ACP. Read More

Upcoming ABE Events

July 22, 2024 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners

Online

Registration Deadline: MON. 7/22/24 Participants develop their personal cultural awareness and learn how expectations around school culture shape how people teach and learn. Guiding principles for effectively delivering instruction to adults are also covered. Finally, participants increase their sensitivity to the challenges of learning English and developing literacy… Learn More

Online
July 23, 2024 1:30 pm–2:30 pm
Minnesota Department of Education
Online

HSE Testing Coffee Talk Series

Online

Registration Deadline: Register up to the date of each Coffee Talk. This past year, we have added a new option to our testing services, making us a two-test state. We have had and continue to need help with connectivity issues, online proctoring, scheduling availability, student identifications, accommodation issues,… Learn More

Online
August 6, 2024 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Racial Equity 101 Presented by Jimmie Heags

Online

Registration Deadline: TUE. 8/6/24 Join presenter Jimmie Heags, Jr., MA, LSC, LPCC, LADC, ACS, for this session that exposes how race is defined and how racism impacts individuals and institutions. The session will provide learners with a framework for understanding and disrupting the attitudes and structures that perpetuate… Learn More

Online