News & Events

  • FREE Computer Basics Class!
    6 week course, Tues and Thurs 3-5pm. Enroll now! See the News page for more information.
  • Citizenship Class
    Citizenship classes available. Enroll now! See the News page for more information.
  • Learn English
    English as a Second Language classes are available. See the News page for more information.
  • AutoCAD and SolidWorks, Accounting, and QuickBooks Pro
    Learn to use AutoCAD and SolidWorks in these classes. Learn accounting skills in Accounting and QuickBooks Pro. See the News page for latest details on these classes.
  • ENCORE and WDA FREE Classes Now Available
    ENCORE offers basic computer and technology training for senior job seekers. The Workforce Development Academy (WDA) provides training to help job seekers improve existing skills and develop new ones. See the News page for more information.
  • NCCT Services
    Ventura Adult and Continuing Education provides Phlebotomy and Medical Assistant certification testing services through National Center for Competency Testing. See the News page for more information.

CARES Act

Click for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act)


Mission Statement

Ventura Adult and Continuing Education prepares diverse learners with academic, vocational, and technological competencies for the global workforce.

Program Philosophy and Purpose

VACE's Career Technical Education is founded on the belief that knowledge is a key element of life. The more that is known about a subject, the more it can be enjoyed, pursued, accepted or defended. Recognizing that adult learning patterns and needs must be addressed in a sensitive and responsible manner, the training programs have been designed to be comprehensive, supportive and flexible. The staff of VACE's Career Technical Education is dedicated to meeting each individual student’s vocational needs and to the development of self-worth through assets building and educational opportunities.

The purpose of the Career Technical Education programs is to provide learners with every educational opportunity necessary to develop their potential regardless of age, heritage, handicapping condition, or background.

Career Technical Education Offers:

• Designated Vocational Program of Excellence
• Open-entry/open-exit, year-round programs
• Individualized instruction
• Competency-based curriculum
• Dual accreditation by WASC and COE
• Recognition by America 2000 as 1 of 11 outstanding U.S. adult training programs
• Qualified, credentialed instructors
• Low student/teacher ratio
• Complete program customization, based on student need
• State-of-the-art computers and equipment
• Latest industry-based software
• Weekly employability workshops
• Optional externships
• Access to free basic academic skills, literacy and ESL instruction
• GED preparation at no cost
• Monthly progress reports
• Daily attendance reporting
• Student Support and Career Center
• Financial aid assistance (see Financial Aid Policies and Procedures below)
• Approved for veterans (see Education Benefit Programs Offered by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense below)
• Job placement assistance
• Professional certification

Programs Currently Offered Through Distance Education

PDF catalogs for each of the following programs are available for download:

ACCOUNTING PROGRAMS
• Accounting Clerk To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Computerized Financial Accounting To contact a Counselor, Click Here

BUSINESS PROGRAMS
• Administrative Assistant To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Business Administration To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Business Administration and Management To contact a Counselor, Click Here

COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING AND DESIGN
• 3D Modeling and Design Drafter To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Computer-Aided Design Drafter To contact a Counselor, Click Here

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS/GRAPHICS
• Graphics for Web and Print To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Microsoft Office Professional To contact a Counselor, Click Here

COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
• Computer Support Technician To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Network Security Technician To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Network Systems Technician To contact a Counselor, Click Here

DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMS
• Digital Multimedia Technician To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Studio Production Technician To contact a Counselor, Click Here
Visit TDCstudios website

MEDICAL FRONT AND BACK OFFICE
• Back Office Medical Assistant To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Front/Back Office Medical Assistant To contact a Counselor, Click Here
• Front Office Medical Assistant To contact a Counselor, Click Heree
• Pharmacy Technician To contact a Counselor, Click Here

VACE’s Career Technical Education Admission Policies

VACE will admit any Career Technical Education students who are at least 18 years of age, possess high school diplomas, GED®s, or equivalent, have career technical education objectives, and can benefit from training. Proof of high school diploma, General Equivalency Development (GED®), or equivalent is required at enrollment. Diplomas from foreign countries must be evaluated for equivalency before admission. Students aged 18 and under who are presently attending high school are not eligible for enrollment. Eligible students may enroll at any time during the year on a programmatic space-available basis. Students applying for financial aid must meet all federal requirements. VACE provides educational opportunities regardless of age, heritage, handicapping condition, or background.

Students who do not have high school diplomas, GED®, or other high school equivalent certificates may enroll in VACE’s high school diploma program or equivalency test preparation courses prior to enrollment in CTE programs. Ventura Adult and Continuing Education provides GED® and HiSET test preparation classes at no cost.

Prospective CTE students are required to meet with counselors or administrators prior to enrollment. Prospective students are shown the facilities, introduced to the staff and faculty members, and informed about how course content relates to future employment opportunities. All students must meet specific program prerequisites and complete all enrollment procedures prior to admission. (See specific information for the Pharmacy Technician and Todd Road Jail Programs on the program pages.)

VACE’s Attendance Policy

VACE/CTE is designed to instruct adult students in vocational training programs that will support the students job-related goals. One major factor in achieving this goal is attendance. VACE/CTE is a "clock hour'' program and does not function like a traditional school in relation to absenteeism. It functions like a place of employment. Thus, on the job, even one absence with or without an excuse can jeopardize your employment. Your training program commitment at VACE/CTE should reflect your commitment to a job.

Your attendance is critical to the success of your VACE/CTE program. The attendance policy requires you to be in class a minimum of 80% of your total program clock hours. Failure to maintain attendance above this level may result in being placed on attendance probation. VACE/CTE also requires attendance at all job placement workshops, resume appointments and a mock interview. Failure to complete these requirements by the end of your program may result in a delay in the issuing of your graduation certificate.

Financial Aid Policies and Procedures

Click to download the Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual for specific information about Ventura Adult and Continuing Education's Career Technical Program.

OPEID Number: 03084700

Net Price Calculator

Click to calculate the maximum cost of attending VACE's Career Technical Education using the Net Price Calculator.

Completion and Placement

Graduation, Job Placement and Licensure Rates
For Students Enrolled July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023
Reported December 2023

Outcomes

Each program must meet minimum benchmarks as required by the Council on Occupational Education: 60% graduation, 70% job placement, and 70% licensure. Licensure is only applicable when a license is required for employment.

1 As mandated by VACE’s accreditation agency, the Council on Occupational Education, the Job Placement rate is calculated as follows: The numerator consists of all graduates within the specified time period who got training-related jobs. The denominator consists of all graduates within the specified time period. Excluded from this calculation were graduates unavailable for employment because of pregnancy and other serious health-related issues, caring for ill family members, or death; and graduates who refused employment or enrolled in a program strictly for personal use.

Default Rate Disclosure

Click to see the VACE Career Technical Education Default Rate information.

Education Benefit Programs Offered by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense

If you served on Active Duty, you might be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for educational and housing expenses to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program. Check your eligibility status and the amount for which you qualify with your Service prior to enrolling.

If you are the spouse or child of a service member who is serving on active duty Title 10 orders in the paygrades of E1-E5, O1-O2, or W1-W2, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Department of Defense for education, training, and/or the occupational license and credentials necessary for a portable career.

If you are the spouse or child of a service member, you may be eligible for transfer of the service member’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to you.

Please contact Myra Nunley at (805) 289-1744 extension 1102 for further information.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Voter Registration

VACE makes a good faith effort to provide voter registration forms for all students who are eligible to vote and haven’t yet registered or for students who have moved, changed names, or wish to change party affiliation and need to update their information.

Monthly student assemblies offer an opportunity to remind students to register to vote. At our Constitution Day celebration, we include representatives from such organizations as the League of Women Voters to encourage students to register. Requirements for voting in California and other helpful information such as registration deadlines are presented on the California Secretary of State’s website: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration.

Voter registration forms are available in the VACE office. Students can pick up forms at any time before the registration deadline for each election. For those who prefer to register electronically, California also offers online registration at http://registertovote.ca.gov.