More potential and current students are looking for programs that allow them to more quickly get out into the business world in their career of choice. 

At Thursday’s State of the College address Northwest College President Lisa Watson said that nationwide trend is reflected at the Powell campus, so the college is working to meet that goal. 

In December the college board approved two programs with that objective in mind. That included a paramedic certificate that can provide adequate training for those not interested in the added time and expense to get a degree, and a software development associate associate’s degree for those looking to do more practical computer work and proceed to a bachelor’s degree at UW. The program is for people who want to avoid the more grueling and often more graduate level computer science programs.

Even better, the college is now preparing to reach out to the community and students for what other programs they’d like to see that would fill a need, while enlightening the public on what are the most popular programs at NWC. 

As someone who grew up in a time and place where only a four-year degree was seen as the way to advancement, it’s great to see this change to more directed programs that allow many people to learn what they really need and more quickly enter their chosen profession, or rise to a new level in it. 

Watson said area high schools, whose students have lately been a big assist to sometimes struggling enrollments through dual and concurrent enrollment classes, are also looking at certificates and other programs through the college that could give students a boost. 

As a parent of two kids in the Powell school system, all I can say is, “keep it coming.” Even if my boys want to pursue further education, why not have a good skill in hand or a jump start on a trade? I can tell you my brother doesn’t regret going back to school to be an electrician — and making good money already as an apprentice — even though he already has a bachelor’s degree in a different field. 

It’s a new age for education. Students and parents alike are looking at degrees much more practically (at least compared to me and my numerous choice of majors through three universities). It’s good to see NWC taking that cue and running with it.