The Vocational Education & Training Council

In an article for the Culpeper (VA) Star Exponent (3/2), community columnist Jim Charapich writes that while "it may seem counter intuitive to discuss work force development considering the state of the economy," in reality "it takes time to identify and develop job training programs that will deliver skills that are in demand," as well as "time to go through the training as job seekers in preparation for job opportunities." As a result, it is important to determine "what skills will the employees need in order to fill the jobs" and "which jobs will be in demand." Charapich notes that "the Germanna Daniel Technology Center works closely with business and industry to identify and develop those job skills that will be in demand," and has developed several new programs as a result. Among them are "a Manufacturing Technician training program...that offers a curriculum addressing areas of manufacturing such as computer skills, quality control skills, learn manufacturing skills, and...soft skills relating to interpersonal skills in the work place." Healthcare, IT, and customer service certification programs are also being offered.

The Indianapolis Star (3/1, Hunsinger) reported on the "thousands of recently unemployed Hoosiers who think that heading back to school is the best way to re-enter the work force -- a trend that is pushing enrollment up by as much as 25 percent at union training programs, technical schools and associate degree programs." According to the article, "many general educational development programs have waiting lists. And there also is increased interest in traditional four-year colleges." Among "the more popular programs at Ivy Tech for those seeking a short-term upgrade is the Patient Access Fundamentals program, which teaches medical billing and insurance, medical terminology and customer service skills." Meanwhile, even those currently employed are seeking to broaden their skill areas to become more competitive. The article also included at list of jobs that can be trained for in under two years, including automotive technology, cosmetology, machine tool technology, nursing and radiologic technology.

The Battle Creek (MI) Enquirer (3/1) reported on "the thousands of Michigan residents taking advantage of worker retraining programs, which have seen a big boost in the past several years through the state's No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative." The initiative "is Michigan's attempt to cover the costs of re-educating 100,000 displaced workers. Workers who sign up for courses on a state-approved list are eligible for up to $10,000 a year in tuition costs and job placement assistance." Under the program, "training can be done in a classroom or at an employer's location and encompasses dozens of professions, including medical assisting, business management, corrections, computer technicians and cosmetology." Local community colleges, universities, and businesses are participating in the initiative, which to date has enrolled "51,742 displaced workers...in training courses."

Noting "a Portland, Ore., company called Vocation Vacations" that "offers a chance to 'test-drive your dream job,'" the Toledo (OH) Blade (3/1, Voight) reported that "the concept has wider potential. Reviving a deferred dream, finding a way to link interests with a paying job, or transferring existing skills to a new field...could lead, eventually, to financial stability for people who are lost in debt and out of hope." Company officials say that customers, or "vocationers," come from all backgrounds and age groups. Unlike customers in the past, those today "are looking for career change in the short term, not dreaming of a day when," and although "the company still offers the same spectrum of more than 150 job mentorships, more people are thinking practical over pie in the sky," and seeking "whatever is the most pragmatic and can be done in a turnaround time of months versus years." The article notes that the company offers "career-immersion trips" that "last one to three days, enough time to judge whether a new direction is worth pursuing," company officials say.

The Kansas City Star (3/3, Stafford) reports that "many of the jobs predicted to be the most available between now and 2016 require specialized skills," and "given the high cost of a four-year college degree, the good news is that many of the high-growth occupations call for only a two-year associate's degree, [technical] training, or an apprenticeship." The article provides a list of the "top jobs" that do not require a four-year degree. The list includes "environmental science and protection technicians," as well as "environmental engineering technicians" and postsecondary technical education teachers. The Kansas City Star adds, "As President Barack Obama noted in his first big address to the joint session of Congress, the nation's community colleges and trade schools have the available courses to prepare workers for jobs that are needed to rebuild the U.S. economy."

NetworkWorld (3/3, Dubie) reports, "IT professionals have strong opinions about choosing a career in engineering over other fields, and many think parents could be doing children a disservice by not encouraging advanced studies in math and science and instead suggesting acting." The article notes a recent study that "revealed that more than 85% of students aren't considering careers in engineering and that parents didn't promote engineering as a viable career option to their children. The results also showed that some parents suggested to their daughters careers in acting over exploring math, sciences and other high-tech paths." Some professionals pointed to the recent IBM layoffs and job relocations as proof that "there is not 'shortage' of skilled workers in the US." Others, however, "argue a successful career in engineering depends on the skills an individual acquires," and noted that while companies "might slash IT left and right...R&D is usually the last to get the ax."