By Angela Hatton
Paducah, KY – West Kentucky Community and Technical College is looking to create and grow degree programs, despite budget cuts over the past several years. Officials say they are trying to respond to community needs. WKCTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Tena Payne says the school will launch an automotive training program in fall 2011. College officials are also working with the marine industry to develop a program in marine technology. Payne says the new programs are part of a growing trend toward a more educated workforce.
"Years ago you could graduate from high school and go work in one of the plants, just walk in the door and get a job. Nowadays you have to have some sort of education, training, and a lot of plants are asking for at least an Associate's Degree in a particular area."
Payne says the college has sought out grants and other alternative funding sources to finance new degree options. She says enrollment in applied technology, electronic health records, and nursing have increased significantly as more people seek degrees that will lead to jobs. The college has grown 14 percent this year to nearly 7,500 students.