ACTC Offers High Skill Programs

Ashland Community and Technical College offers programs in high skill fields that can help area residents survive and thrive through economic downturns and upswings.

Government statistics show that higher education not only helps people get jobs but also helps them keep jobs during times of recession. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has defined some of the high-wage, high-growth programs offered at ACTC and the other KCTCS colleges.

These programs, with the 2009 mean wage for those working in the field, include:

Carpentry/Carpenter - $35,482

Computer and Information Sciences, General - $67,254

Criminal Justice/Police Science - $39,370

Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician - $37,264 to $67,254

Electrician - $44,199

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology - $45,499 to $67,229

Nursing - Registered Nurse Training (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN) - $57,872

Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist - $40,194 to $45,011

Starting salaries will be lower than the mean, but persistance in the field will pay off.

Spring semester is a good time to get started on a high-skill program. Classes begin January 10, and January 3 is the application deadline. New students must complete the admission process before registering, and application forms are on the web at: ashland.kctcs.edu. For questions about applications, call the Admissions Office, 606-326-2000.