GROVE CITY — The New Year holiday has come and gone, and many people have made their resolutions with the best intentions of carrying them out in 2006.

For those making the resolution to find employment this year, the best advice may simply be "stick with it."

One agency that can help people become prepared to work is the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV that offers adult education, pre-employment classes at sites throughout Butler County.

"The best advice I can give to the students in our program is don't give up," said Lorinda Hess, director of continuing education at the intermediate unit. "Staying with the tasks you begin is the only way to be successful."

The pre-employment classes include an adult basic education program for those who have high school diplomas, but lack basic skills in either reading or math. There also are classes to prepare to take the G.E.D. test.

"The classes we offer teach students basic skills," Hess said. "We provide information for taking any test such as using graphs, maps and calculators."

The state-certified teachers at the intermediate unit work with counselors to prepare those people with little work background for the transition into a work environment.

"Everything here is personalized," said GED prep teacher Patricia Kriley. "We base what we do with each student on their interests and weaknesses."

The classes are free and are offered until the end of May. Persons interested in participating need only to attend a class to register.

Classes will take place at these sites:

- 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Family First Resource Center, 216 N. Washington St.

- 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the Butler County Children's Center, formerly Bon Aire School Elementary School, 131 Homewood Drive.

- Noon Tuesday and Thursday at the Slippery Rock Park Recreation Center, Slippery Rock.

For information, call 724-458-6700, Ext. 238.