A new Central Texas College (CTC) initiative of quick career training programs can help those looking to jumpstart or change careers. Short-term credit certificates of completion and non-credit programs in a variety of fields of study can be earned and many in less than one year.
Both online and in-person training options are available through CTC in a variety of areas in six career clusters: arts and humanities; construction, manufacturing and transportation; business and business technology; health care; public service; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Many of the programs offer preparation for licensure, professional certifications and credentials that can be earned in one year or less. Some can be completed in as little as three months and will “stack” toward an associate of applied science degree with additional study.
With rising unemployment rates, training for in-demand careers can serve as a path to a better future for students in CTC’s service area. “Employer demand for trained workers and the high unemployment rate has elevated the importance of focusing on short-term skills training,” said Robin Garrett, CTC deputy chancellor – Academics and Student Success. “CTC is committed to quickly preparing students with the proper skills and education to meet that demand.”
In arts and humanities, a graphics and printing technology certificate of completion is available in either graphic design or press operations. Both programs are self-paced, open-entry which allow students to begin at any time and work at their own pace with convenient hours to fit their schedule.
Business and business technology encompass a wide range of programs in the areas of culinary arts, cloud computing architecture, business management accounting, computer systems technician, human resources management, logistics, web technologies, project management, network administrator, telecommunications technician, cybersecurity and more.
The construction, manufacturing and transportation cluster offers numerous hands-on career options with self-paced credit certificates in the areas of computer-aided drafting and design, diesel technology, craftsman trades, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, carpentry trades, automotive or diesel technology and welding.
Short-term non-credit training options in the health care cluster include massage therapy, pharmacy technician, veterinary assistant, EKG technician, clinical medical assistant, community health worker and administrative medical assistant certification. Credit certificates are offered in the fields of emergency medical technology, mental health, substance abuse prevention, medical offce technology, medical coding and billing and phlebotomy.
In the public service cluster, students can earn credit certificates of completion in the areas of child development administrator’s credentials, child development associate, child development instructional aide/teacher assistant, child and youth-serving professional, basic peace offcer, criminal justice studies-corrections or criminal justice specialization, emergency management, homeland security and paralegal/legal assistant.
Each field in the STEM cluster offers a credit certificate of completion which can be accomplished in one to two semesters. The areas of study are production technology (agriculture), web technologies and the new robotics technology.
“Our goal is to get students trained and ready for employment with these short-term programs,” said Garrett. “Advisors can assist students in evaluating their abilities, preferences and interests. This initiative helps students choose, enter and stay on a pathway starting with a certificate program to prepare for employment and continuing with additional certificates that stack toward a degree.”
Many of the CTC career cluster programs are eligible for financial aid or other financial assistance that could completely cover the cost of training. For information on available programs, visit <ctcd.edu/quick-training>.