A new
college/library partnership in Carson City, NV, could illustrate the type of
postsecondary program likely to become more common, as higher education
institutions attempt to overturn criticism about costs, length of time to
finish studies, and preparation for employment.
Working
with the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) in Richmond, VA, the Carson City
Public Library and Western Nevada College (WNC) recently launched a joint program for earning credentials in manufacturing technology. The Manufacturing
Technician I credential is endorsed by the National Association of
Manufacturers and the Nevada Manufacturers Association, so those who achieve it
are much more apt to get a good job.
The program
isn’t aimed at traditional college students—the target audience is recent high
school graduates, people returning from military service, and those already working
in lower-level manufacturing positions—but participants can earn 10 credit
hours in applied industrial technology from WNC as part of their studies. If
they want, they can continue to pursue courses at WNC while working.
The program
is conducted online, enabling students to fit studies around work hours. Students
can take assessment tests at any time during the semester so it’s possible to
speed up completion.
The library
serves as an assessment center and certified trainer, the first authorized by MSI.
Labs are held at the library to supplement the online classwork. The library
also provides computer training and instruction in the software applications
students must use in order to take the online courses.
Need-based
scholarships are available for those who can’t afford the fees.