EAB, a research firm in the education sector, has calculated that 38 percent of undergraduates are considered adult learners — students older than 25. This study, completed in 2019, projected that this number would grow 21 percent by 2022. 

It’s becoming increasingly common for adults to return to school to finish degrees or add existing courses and certifications. With online education and new technologies, the benefits for students and colleges are significant. 

How can your community college attract these learners, and what are the benefits of supporting continued industrial education?

Benefits of Promoting Continued Education Programs

Recruiting employees in advanced manufacturing is an area of opportunity for community colleges. Many skilled technicians seek continuing education classes to refine their skills and get certified in additional areas of expertise. Your community college can discover several benefits by promoting your courses to this group of learners.

Boost Your Program Numbers

For many community colleges, continuing education students are an untapped market. Most schools look to recruit high school students nearing their graduation date. This is the majority demographic for most colleges, but millions of “adult learners” are looking for continuing education opportunities. Promoting continuing education courses to individuals currently working in advanced manufacturing can help your school boost its program numbers, especially in STEM-related fields. 

Attract More Dedicated Students

Returning students are advantageous to your school. Since they already have a career, they are more likely to fully commit to their education. Whether their motivation is to make more money in their current job or pursue a better job, they know what they want and what it will take to get it. Additionally, since they have experience in the field, this knowledge will make the practical applications of what they learn much more relatable and easier to comprehend. 

Career Benefits for Students

Why are advanced manufacturing employees seeking out continuing education courses? As we mentioned earlier, many students seek certifications and additional training to increase their salary or increase their chances of getting a better job. Other students may choose these courses because of their desire to become qualified for a particular promotion, equip themselves for a career transition, or devote time to personal development. 

However they want to leverage this learning, your school can provide what they need to make it happen. 

Advanced Manufacturing Certifications with Amatrol’s Skill Boss

Amatrol’s Skill Boss Manufacturing tool evaluates the skill levels and competencies of trainees learning to be machine operators. Skill Boss is a table-top system focused on modern manufacturing, including assembly and machine operation. 

Skill Boss trains for over 60 manufacturing skills, which fall into four categories:

• Safety
• Quality
• Production Processes
• Maintenance Awareness

Watch a video of this manufacturing training tool in action here!

Skill Boss is used by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) for its Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 certification, designed to raise the level of performance of production technicians for success in the high-skill, high-wage, in-demand manufacturing industry. 

Learn more about the benefits of Amatrol’s Skill Boss here!

How TTA Can Provide Support for Your School

Finding the right workers with the right skills is both a necessity and a challenge for companies in advanced manufacturing. Both employers and employees are looking to continuing education programs to meet these needs. Community colleges and universities can provide the learning and training tools needed for these skilled technicians to reach the next level in their career. 

TTA has supported colleges and technical schools with the resources they need to serve their customers well for over 50 years. If you have questions about training courses or other opportunities for your school, our representatives are here to help! Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation.