Career Training

Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs

As a classical musician, teacher, and writer, I've always been fascinated by the intricate symphony of airport activity. Indeed, as I write this, I have the live cam at Midway Airport in Chicago streaming dozens of Boeing 737s in Southwest Airlines fleet being deiced. Also, there's a team of runway sweepers called "brooms" sweeping the snow off the active runway and taxiways and planes taking off and landing. Yes, I am an unabashed Av Geek!

In any case, I want to highlight some of the jobs essential to the smooth operation of the more than 5100 airports with commercial airline service in the U.S.A. It's not just the planes that keep things moving; the hardworking individuals on the ground ensure everything runs smoothly. As you can see from the list below, there is a job at an airport for anyone with any background, experience, and training. If you've been laid off or are just starting your career, check out what your local airport offers.

Canva generated this photo of a refueling technician refueling a passenger jet.

From the moment you step into the airport until your plane takes off, countless professionals work behind the scenes to make your journey possible.

• These unsung heroes include check-in agents who greet you with a smile (and lightning-fast keyboard skills).
• These baggage handlers ensure your luggage reaches your destination, and

Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills

In today's rapidly changing job market, staying competitive means upgrading your skills. But for many adults juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, the idea of going back to school can seem daunting. The good news? There are now more accessible and affordable options than ever before. These learning options are designed with busy adult learners like you in mind.

Let's explore how you can enhance your skills and boost your career prospects without breaking the bank or disrupting your life. First, we'll show you why upgrading your skills matters. Then, we'll show you some pathways to skill development. Finally, we'll show you where AI fits in because it's transforming the workplace.

Part I: Why Skill Upgrading Matters

The job market is evolving faster than ever. Technologies that didn't exist a decade ago are now commonplace in many industries. Employers are looking for workers who can adapt and bring new skills to the table. By upgrading your skills, you're not just keeping up – you're setting yourself up for better job security, higher pay, and more opportunities for advancement.

Jeff Bezos is quoted as saying, “In business, what’s dangerous is not to evolve.” Seems pretty spot-on for the founder of a $1.2 trillion company that is constantly evolving and innovating. Source: Forbes

Community Colleges: Your Local Skills Hub

Community colleges have transformed into powerhouses of workforce development. They offer a wide range of programs designed to get

Healthcare Careers Hub

As you know, healthcare is a huge industry in the United States. Since there have been significant layoffs in other sectors of the economy, whether you've been laid off or are just beginning your career, I suggest you explore healthcare. You and I think of healthcare as the domain of medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. That's only partly true. Healthcare has dozens of positions and roles, one or two of which might suit your requirements.

U.S. health care spending grew 4.1 percent in 2022, reaching $4.5 trillion or $13,493 per person. As a share of the nation's Gross Domestic Product, health spending accounted for 17.3 percent. Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

So, to help you explore the field, I've compiled a list of some of the positions in the healthcare field, ranging from supporting roles to paraprofessional and professional roles. Healthcare offers a variety of jobs at several levels. In other words, you can earn a certificate to become a member of the profession. In fact, you don't need a four-year degree for many well-paying positions. Your community college will offer foundation courses and certifications for select positions. Contact it for more information.

We'll start with the positions requiring four or more years of education in the field.

Degreed Professionals:

Physician Assistant (PA)

Physician Assistants (PAs) work alongside physicians to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication. They provide essential medical care in

Discover the promising world of sustainable agriculture and explore the diverse careers it offers for those passionate about building a greener future. From eco-friendly farming practices and cutting-edge agri-tech to impactful roles in supply chain management and impact investment, this article sheds light on how professionals in sustainable agriculture are shaping a more sustainable and resilient global food system.

The Rise of Sustainable Agriculture

The global agricultural industry has come under increased scrutiny in recent years due to its significant environmental impacts. Soil degradation, water pollution, and deforestation are some pressing issues that conventional farming practices have exacerbated. As a response to these challenges, sustainable agriculture has emerged as a holistic and eco-friendly approach to farming. By integrating ecological principles and social responsibility, sustainable agriculture seeks to maintain and improve the health of ecosystems while ensuring a reliable and equitable food supply. With growing awareness and demand for environmentally conscious products, sustainable agriculture is gaining momentum worldwide, attracting attention from governments, organizations, and individuals committed to building a greener future.

Farmers can now reshape the food they bring to life through new ways that bring low carbon footprints and the conservation of natural resources. Sustainable farming ensures an environment fit for a living and the long-term viability of continued farming practices, not to mention improved health and wellbeing for us all. Source: Wander

Sustainable Farming Techniques and Innovations

Various farming techniques and innovations are adopted in sustainable agriculture to minimize environmental

Did you know you don't have to have a four-year or two-year degree to qualify for a lucrative job? What you do need is a micro-credential. Micro-credentials offer a unique opportunity for adult learners to tailor their learning journeys to their specific needs and career aspirations. This personalized approach to skill development empowers individuals to acquire targeted knowledge and expertise efficiently.

I know this is true because I took courses decades after graduating from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned several Microsoft and Cisco micro-credentials. Did it require effort? Yes! Was it worth it? Yes!

So, let's dig deeper into how micro-credentials enable learners to create customized paths to success.

What are micro-credentials?

By their very nature, micro-credentials focus on specific skills or knowledge areas. They allow learners to choose from various offerings that align with their career goals and interests. This flexibility enables individuals to target areas where they seek to enhance their expertise, whether in data analysis, project management, or digital marketing.

Research conducted by the Stanford Graduate School of Education emphasizes the importance of learner agency in the educational process. Micro-credentials provide learners with the agency to select courses or programs that resonate with their passions and professional goals. This ensures their learning experiences are highly relevant and motivating, leading to greater engagement and success. Once again, I can attest to that because personal computers were only a gleam in the inventors' eyes when I attended university. If