Q&A talks job training with Melanie Haber, dean of continuing education, and Joanne Russell, dean of academic affairs, at Manchester Community College.
Q: What programs are being instituted by Manchester CC that provide training for 21st century jobs?
A: Jobs in “green” technologies and environmental science, healthcare, entrepreneurship, engineering, computer technology and criminal justice are growing fields. We have degree and credit certificate programs in all of these areas. We also have noncredit offerings in many of these areas. Depending upon the subject matter, students can choose from traditional classroom instruction or opt for online or hybrid courses.
Q: How does the college decide what new careers to focus on and how do new programs (credit and non-credit) evolve?
A: To make sure that the programs the college offers meet the needs of students and of potential employers, MCC carefully studies data indicating where opportunity lies and then creates programs that prepare students to fill those job openings. If an employer has immediate needs, MCC is able to develop non-credit custom training for existing or potential employees through the Business and Industry Services Department in the Continuing Education Division. Some of this training will develop into credit bearing certificate and degree programs through the Academic Affairs Division.
We always look for career preparation that will lead to jobs right now and jobs in the future in Connecticut. Some of our programs are career focused and lead to immediate employment following graduation. However, after earning an associate degree, many of our students will need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in their chosen field, which will require successful transfer to a four-year university. For those looking for career enhancement, we offer both credit and non-credit programs.
It is important to note that we have advisory committees for each of our degree and certificate programs that are comprised of employers and representatives from transfer institutions. Faculty and administrators meet with them regularly to discuss the status of programs and seek advice on current and emerging trends in their respective fields.
Q: What are the challenges faced in starting new training programs?
A: The challenges are primarily finding the necessary resources for excellent instructors, required technologies and adequate instructional space.
Q: How does a college like MCC respond to the need for training for film production jobs with the creation of a new studio coming in South Windsor and the burgeoning film industry in the state?
A: MCC already has credit and non-credit offerings in many fields that will be needed for new studio employees such as a wide variety of computer technology, game design, graphics, hospitality, business, writing and acting courses and programs. In addition, as soon as we became aware of the preliminary negotiations to attract the studio, we developed a series of non-credit, short courses in video production, screenwriting and special effects. As is our practice, we will discuss the workforce needs of the company with the stakeholders and begin to develop and offer additional programs that are also needed.
Q: Will the 21st century find community colleges to be more focused on job training and less on academic programs like communications and liberal arts?
A: Community colleges have always balanced providing course work so students can get jobs right away with degree programs so students can move ahead and get better jobs tomorrow. We will continue to respond to the needs of Connecticut’s citizens to provide both. Along with opening career doors to students, the college also provides those academic programs that can help students both in and outside of the workplace.
MCC does not believe that students are faced only with an either/or choice when it comes to non-credit job programs and those fields of studies that lead to an academic degree. In fact, employers list communication skills as one of the top skills they look for when hiring. And a liberal arts degree can provide an individual with the sort of broad knowledge base that supports later specialization and adaptation — two strengths that are all-important in this quickly evolving world and ever-changing workplace.
