Community colleges flourish as demand for specialized degrees grows - Mike Watkins, Omaha World-Herald

Today, a two-year degree and community college education don’t come with the same stigma that they once had. Specialized two-year degree careers in health care, advanced mechanics, construction and other programs and trades are high-paying and in high demand — and community colleges such as Metro and Iowa Western are jumping at the opportunity to educate and supply the workforce for them. “There’s no doubt demand for these specialized types of jobs are there; we’re working hard to make sure educated candidates are available for hire,” said Kirk Ahrends, dean of the Applied Technology program — which includes 16 different fields from civil engineering to architecture — at Metropolitan Community College. http://www.omaha.com/special_sections/outlook/community-colleges-flourish-as-demand-for-specialized-degrees-grows/article_e2db414e-c909-5b9a-ae2b-fa78fe2f841a.html