Career Training

Despite the economic slowdown that has hit the country, and especially areas of the Midwest, there are jobs available for those with experience in the manufacturing industry. The secret to gainful employment may be as easy as honing your skills at a local community college with up-to-date programs in green manufacturing.

One of the brightest spots in the industry currently appears to be in composite technology, the manufacturing of composite materials for a variety of uses. Community colleges across the country are heeding the call for composite technicians by offering specialized programs to prepare students for entry into the industry.

What is a Composite Technician?

According to the website for the Miller Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College, a composite technician fabricates "lightweight, structurally strong parts and assembly for a variety of job applications."

Some of the industries using composite technicians today include aerospace, wind turbines, automobiles, and marine vessels. In addition to manufacturing, composite technicians may also work in quality control and testing, as well as research and development.

To work in the area of composite technology, many employers want applicants to have a minimum of an associate's degree in Materials Science. However, there are employers working directly with community colleges to create a training program specific to their industry that may be completed in just a few weeks' time. These programs may offer the opportunity to go to work with the employer directly after completion of the program, making

The field of horticulture opens up a wealth of career opportunities, ranging from education and public service to landscape design and nursery management. Many community colleges have tuned into the value of offering a comprehensive horticulture program to students, providing plenty of educational options.

Grow interested in just a few examples of the many horticulture programs available across the country, as well as the career opportunities you can explore with a two-year degree or certification in this field.

This video describes the Horticulture Technology program at Alamance Community College.

Careers in Horticulture

According to the website for the American Society for Horticulture Science, there are many possible career paths to pursue a degree or training in the field of horticulture. Some of the possibilities include:

• Education – Teach at the community college or university level.
• Research – Conduct research through universities or companies involved in horticulture.
• Entrepreneur – Own your own nursery, landscape design company or winery.
• Parks – Become a part of botanical gardens, learning gardens or public parks and museums.
• Public Service – Work in non-profit organizations or extension offices.
• Golf and Sports – Design or manage golf courses, athletic fields or country clubs.
• Production – Create an inventory for nurseries or landscape companies.
• Landscape Design – Create beautiful outdoor spaces for commercial and residential properties.
• Communication – Educate others about horticulture through mass media like radio and print publications.
• Marketing – Promote nurseries, landscape companies or

As our country looks to more green energy solutions, biodiesel production has come to the forefront of higher education today. Community colleges are hopping onboard the biodiesel bandwagon, offering a variety of programs to teach students how to create, test and market biodiesel fuel to a wide range of industries today.

If you are looking for a green career that will offer stable work opportunities and help the environment at the same time, perhaps a career in biodiesel technology is for you.

What is a Biodiesel Fuel Specialist?

According to Green Careers Guide, a biodiesel fuel specialist is involved with the conversion of renewable oilseed crops into fuel that can be used to power engines and machinery. The creation of biodiesels creates a cleaner environment and will alleviate our dependency on foreign oil in the future. Biodiesel technicians work in a variety of settings, but often spend much of their time in a laboratory.

To become a biodiesel fuel specialist, it is good to have the following qualities or skills:

• An aptitude for mathematics and science
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work as a member of the team
• Meticulous record-keeping skills

Green Careers Guide estimates that the outlook for biodiesel careers is good, with an average hourly rate of around $15-$20.

Where to Find Training

Biodiesel training programs are cropping up around the country, and we have a few examples to get you started in your research:

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

This Minnesota school recently received

Step into the alluring world of community college training programs that pave the way to lucrative careers in the casino industry. In this captivating article, we explore how aspiring professionals are seizing the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and practical skills needed for success in one of the most dynamic and thrilling industries. Uncover the diverse range of casino-related programs offered at community colleges, from casino management and hospitality to gaming technology and entertainment. Delve into the immersive learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert faculty that ensure students are well-prepared to enter the glamorous realm of casinos. Join us on a journey of discovery as we unveil the secrets to securing a winning hand in the casino industry through top-notch community college training.

Casino jobs are expected to grow at an above-average pace over the next few years, which could translate into relatively stable career options. Fortunately, some community colleges are rising to the challenge, creating new training programs designed with casino dealers in mind. The training individuals receive from community colleges helps them land lucrative careers in the gaming industry, where tips and base salaries can provide a comfortable living.

The Life of a Casino Dealer

According to career information on StateUniversity.com, casino dealers:

• Explain and enforce the rules and wagering guidelines for games
• Ask patrons to place their bets
• Conduct the games
• Make payoffs to the winners
• Collect losing bets

This job involves plenty of diversity since most casino dealers fluctuate between games like blackjack, craps, roulette,

When people think of the music industry, they usually imagine the artists on stage as the bread and butter of the field. However, the real action in the music business takes place behind the scenes.

If you are interested in a career in the business side of music, there are plenty of community colleges offering degree programs that will get you out of the books and into the action much more quickly than the four-year degree route. Consider these opportunities waiting for you in the music business, as well as where you can obtain the training you need to jumpstart your entertainment career.

This video gives us an overview of the music industry.

Career Opportunities Behind the Scenes

Whether you have a head for numbers or fashion, you can find a job you love in the music industry. Below, we have listed just a few examples of music-related careers found at the Berklee College of Music website for your consideration:

• Artist Manager/Agent – This professional handles the career for a single musician or an entire band. The artist manager may be responsible for making both business and creative decisions to further the musician's career and hopefully guide him to the top of the charts.
• Concert Promoter – If you enjoy organizing and promoting large events, this is the job for you. The concert promoter will also secure the financial backing for