San Jacinto College’s English as a second language (ESL) program is playing a role in strengthening the local workforce. Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical is partnering with the Texas college so the company’s new employees can receive vital language skills, fostering career advancement and community impact. The 10-week course, developed and led by San […]
Skills Gap Articles
Investing in the future of public safety
In Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Bristol Community College, announced on Feb. 4 the launch of the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) scholarship program. The program is designed to expand access to careers in law enforcement by providing financial assistance to self-sponsored individuals seeking to attend a police academy. This recruitment program will […]
Sparking interest in energy jobs
There are a growing number of jobs in the energy industry – jobs with good wages and benefits. In 2023, clean energy jobs alone grew at more than double the rate (4.9%) of job growth in the rest of the economy (2.0%), adding 149,000 new jobs, according to a U.S. Department of Energy report. “But […]
The trades’ growing appeal
Community colleges appear to be benefiting from shifting attitudes with Gen Z about the value of a traditional four-year degree and their concerns about prospects in an evolving job market where technology is both disrupting traditional careers and offering new opportunities. Those are the conclusions from a mix of research and analysis pointing to what […]
A new pathway to teaching
Seminole State College of Florida and Seminole County Public Schools are launching a new state-approved hands-on teacher apprenticeship program. Seminole County Public Schools is the number one public school district in Florida based on Niche reports. The new program prioritizes classroom experience over university-based learning and is part of the State of Florida’s effort to […]
Partnership revs up skills training program
The road to success for aspiring motorcycle technicians in New England runs through Great Bay Community College. Since 2018, Great Bay has partnered with Seacoast Harley-Davidson to teach the 24-credit Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair certificate program, which prepares students for careers in service, repair and maintenance of motorcycles. The field of motorcycle technology has become […]
Mobile Welding Outreach and Training Center paying dividends for students
Living in Columbia County, Ruben Gonzalez wanted to train for a career in welding. To do it, he did not have to go to Portland Community College because PCC came to him. Last June, the college’s PCC Mobile Welding Outreach and Training Center, in partnership with Union Pacific, visited Gonzalez’s high school in Scappoose. Within […]
Moving STEM ideas forward
The six community college teams in the 2024-2026 MentorLinks cohort met their mentors in October in Washington, D.C., and quickly fell into discussions about the details of their plans for improving a STEM technician education program. In between those conversations, the mentees attended professional development sessions organized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) […]
Community colleges teach by example in times of crisis
On the evening of September 26, Hurricane Helene was barreling toward Western North Carolina. Our Blue Ridge Community College campuses were uncharacteristically dark and, to be frank, no one expected what our entire region was about to encounter. Just hours earlier, our campus chief of police and communications team issued a statement urging students, staff […]
Data analytics program empowers students, drives success for women in in-demand careers
Sinclair Community College continues to raise the bar in data analytics education by empowering more students with critical skills for in demand, living wage careers. By leveraging grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Ohio college has expanded its data analytics programs and increased enrollment and completion for female students. In 2021, Sinclair […]