Career Training

Cosmetology has traditionally been the realm of trade schools that specialize in training and licensing hair stylists, nail technicians and skin care specialists. Many of the current trade schools are directly tied to a specific product brand, such as the Aveda chain of training institutes. However, the face of cosmetology is changing - and not just with new makeup skills. Today, cosmetology programs are expanding into community colleges that recognize a background in basic business principles, as well as cosmetology training, will help graduates move into and advance in the field of cosmetology.

Career Outlook for Cosmetology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general job outlook for the field of cosmetology is favorable, with employment expected to grow at a faster than average rate in this industry. The industry is also considered one of the few recession-proof areas in which to work today. Cosmetology may incorporate the following positions:

• Barbers who are responsible for cutting and styling men's hair
• Hairdressers and stylists who cut, shampoo and style hair
• Manicurists and pedicurists that work specifically with polishing nails and applying extensions
• Estheticians or skin care specialists that offer facials and full body treatments

Nearly all of these positions will require licensure by the state in which the individual will work, although specific requirements vary by location and position.

This video explains the pros and cons of being a cosmetologist.

Bringing Business to Cosmetology

For many high school graduates interested in the armed services, enlisting right after graduation is the obvious option. However, the decreasing numbers in our armed services today have left many of the divisions ill-equipped for the training regimen of new recruits coming into the programs.

Community colleges across the country have stepped up to shoulder some of the additional load, offering courses specifically geared to military personnel in all armed services branches.

It is not unusual for community colleges to answer the occupational calls of our country today. Many colleges are now providing training in industries that need more employees, filling the needs of companies while giving individuals opportunities to step into recession-proof careers. However, the idea of providing military training is catching on, as community colleges offer the specialized training new recruits need to handle the responsibilities of the armed services today.

This video explains how you can do your military training and go to college.

Training in San Diego

San Diego City College is at the forefront of military training in an academic setting. According to a report at Sign on San Diego, this college received a very humble start in training military personnel in the 1970s, offering them math and English classes to supplement their military training. Today, the college offers a nationwide network that employs nearly 500 instructors, many of whom were former service members

Despite the economic slowdown that has hit the country, and especially areas of the Midwest, there are jobs available for those with experience in the manufacturing industry. The secret to gainful employment may be as easy as honing your skills at a local community college with up-to-date programs in green manufacturing.

One of the brightest spots in the industry currently appears to be in composite technology, the manufacturing of composite materials for a variety of uses. Community colleges across the country are heeding the call for composite technicians by offering specialized programs to prepare students for entry into the industry.

What is a Composite Technician?

According to the website for the Miller Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College, a composite technician fabricates "lightweight, structurally strong parts and assembly for a variety of job applications."

Some of the industries using composite technicians today include aerospace, wind turbines, automobiles, and marine vessels. In addition to manufacturing, composite technicians may also work in quality control and testing, as well as research and development.

To work in the area of composite technology, many employers want applicants to have a minimum of an associate's degree in Materials Science. However, there are employers working directly with community colleges to create a training program specific to their industry that may be completed in just a few weeks' time. These programs may offer the opportunity to go to work with the employer directly after completion of the program, making

The field of horticulture opens up a wealth of career opportunities, ranging from education and public service to landscape design and nursery management. Many community colleges have tuned into the value of offering a comprehensive horticulture program to students, providing plenty of educational options.

Grow interested in just a few examples of the many horticulture programs available across the country, as well as the career opportunities you can explore with a two-year degree or certification in this field.

This video describes the Horticulture Technology program at Alamance Community College.

Careers in Horticulture

According to the website for the American Society for Horticulture Science, there are many possible career paths to pursue a degree or training in the field of horticulture. Some of the possibilities include:

• Education – Teach at the community college or university level.
• Research – Conduct research through universities or companies involved in horticulture.
• Entrepreneur – Own your own nursery, landscape design company or winery.
• Parks – Become a part of botanical gardens, learning gardens or public parks and museums.
• Public Service – Work in non-profit organizations or extension offices.
• Golf and Sports – Design or manage golf courses, athletic fields or country clubs.
• Production – Create an inventory for nurseries or landscape companies.
• Landscape Design – Create beautiful outdoor spaces for commercial and residential properties.
• Communication – Educate others about horticulture through mass media like radio and print publications.
• Marketing – Promote nurseries, landscape companies or

As our country looks to more green energy solutions, biodiesel production has come to the forefront of higher education today. Community colleges are hopping onboard the biodiesel bandwagon, offering a variety of programs to teach students how to create, test and market biodiesel fuel to a wide range of industries today.

If you are looking for a green career that will offer stable work opportunities and help the environment at the same time, perhaps a career in biodiesel technology is for you.

What is a Biodiesel Fuel Specialist?

According to Green Careers Guide, a biodiesel fuel specialist is involved with the conversion of renewable oilseed crops into fuel that can be used to power engines and machinery. The creation of biodiesels creates a cleaner environment and will alleviate our dependency on foreign oil in the future. Biodiesel technicians work in a variety of settings, but often spend much of their time in a laboratory.

To become a biodiesel fuel specialist, it is good to have the following qualities or skills:

• An aptitude for mathematics and science
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work as a member of the team
• Meticulous record-keeping skills

Green Careers Guide estimates that the outlook for biodiesel careers is good, with an average hourly rate of around $15-$20.

Where to Find Training

Biodiesel training programs are cropping up around the country, and we have a few examples to get you started in your research:

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

This Minnesota school recently received