Certifications

As we have come to rely more and more on computer systems for our daily lives, the issue of security has become a more widespread problem. From the original fear over a "Y2K" bug that could wipe out entire financial records when the calendar changed to the rising concern over a variety of terror threats, our country is on the search for highly trained cyber-experts that protect our precious computers from whatever ills might befall. The result is a growing demand for cyber-security training – a challenge that many community colleges across the country have been more than happy to accept.

The Role of Community Colleges

According to a blog on Bank Info Security last year, community colleges are beginning to offer cyber-security training in hopes of tapping into funds President Obama has released to spend on strengthening IT security. While this blog has voiced concern over the quality of training some students may receive, other reports are attesting to the fact that community college education in this area can be high quality, affordable and practical.

Finding the Best Schools

To help students find the best schools for their needs, the National Security Agency has designated a few institutions as National Centers for Academic Excellence, according to a report in the Baltimore Business Journal. When an institution boasts this label, students can rest assured the cyber-security training program has been sanctioned by federal agencies.

Currently, there are 106 colleges and universities across the

The past decade has seen an explosion of hybrid cars powered by alternative fuels, rather than traditional gasoline. What once seemed a science fiction dream – powering cars with energy other than petroleum – is quickly becoming a reality. However, alternative fuels don’t stop with hybrid engines; experts are working on creating vehicles that can be powered by compressed natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, and propane.

As the landscape of the American auto industry shifts to include more alternative fuel vehicles, there is an emerging market for auto technicians who are trained to service and repair these next-generation cars. For those looking for a career in the auto industry with definite growth potential, a new training program for alternative fuel technicians available at community colleges could be an excellent investment.

This video offers a brief overview of the alternative fuels training at the Santa Fe Community Colleges.

Alternative Fuels Training Centers

West Virginia University started the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) in 1992 to address the lack of technicians who were trained to work with the then-new Alternative Fuel Vehicles. In 1995, the NAFTC added six technical training centers to the existing West Virginia University center. Since then, the program has grown to include 42 members: 41 national training centers and 1 associate training center.

The training centers are located in community colleges and other institutes of higher education from California to Maine.

For those who are artistically inclined, creative, and motivated, there are rewarding career options in the field of jewelry design. According to reports, a jewelry designer earns an average income of just under $29,000 in the first year of work! After just five years of work, a jewelry designer can begin to earn an average of approximately $54,000 per year—and potentially more. To begin an exciting and imaginative pathway in the field of jewelry design, students can start with programs at their local community college.

Jewelry Design Programs and Opportunities

Although many believe that the art of jewelry design simply involves aesthetic skills and training, this career actually incorporates technical understanding. For example, as inexperienced designers begin to craft their first pieces of jewelry, some of the pieces may be too heavy, may feel cumbersome to the wearer, or may not be made of a sustainable and durable material. Furthermore, some jewelry designers have learned to specialize in the creation of allergy-free jewelry, which is created with specific non-irritating materials.

Due to the industry’s technical demands, designers are often more successful when they have a trained background. With the rising interest in jewelry design careers, community colleges across the country are now offering both degree programs and individual courses to provide students with the essential skills to become successful in this field.

North Seattle Community College

Offering a Certificate in Jewelry Design, North Seattle Community College (NSCC) in Washington enjoys reputable

According to statistics from the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, the field of cosmetology contributed to over 825,000 jobs in 2006, and these job numbers continue to grow. In fact, this study concluded that the employment rate of cosmetologists will grow at a faster rate than all other occupations’ averages throughout the year 2016.

As jobs in cosmetology are on the rise, community colleges are implementing more cosmetology programs to provide students with the necessary skills, education, and background to succeed in the field.

What are a Cosmetologist’s Job Duties?

A cosmetologist is an individual who is certified to provide services to clients, which may include:

• Hair Cutting
• Hair Styling
• Hair Coloring
• Makeup Application
• Nail Treatments / Manicures
• Body / Skin Treatments

How Do I Become a Certified Cosmetologist?

In order to work as a cosmetologist, you must be state-licensed. To achieve this licensing, you typically must graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology program and pass an examination. Many community colleges across the country provide students with convenient and accredited programs to help students become licensed and certified practitioners.

How Do I Take the Certification Test?

As the requirements and certifications for cosmetologists vary from state to state, community college advisors can help students prepare and find the appropriate resources for state testing. For example, as the Houston Community College Systems explains, “Students who successfully complete the entire curriculum, and have met the required clock hours are qualified to take the examination for licensing given by the Texas Department