Workforce Development at Community and Technical Colleges

Workforce development programs are reshaping the mission of community and technical colleges across the U.S. Traditionally focused on providing affordable, transferable education through credit-bearing courses. These institutions are now expanding workforce training to meet evolving labor market demands. By offering industry-relevant skills, certifications, and credentials, these programs help students enter the workforce faster and address the growing need for skilled talent.

This Workforce Insight covers

• Growth of workforce development programs
• Shift from credit to non-credit offerings
• Industry partnerships and collaborations
• Rising demand for skilled workers
• Flexibility and accessibility of non-credit programs

The growth of workforce development programs in community and technical colleges is driven by several important factors. These programs are designed to address the growing need for skilled workers in rapidly expanding industries. Colleges are collaborating with businesses to develop training programs that meet specific workforce requirements. The key factors contributing to this expansion include:

• Rising demand for skilled workers in sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and renewable energy.
• Many high-growth jobs require training that can be completed in two years or less, which aligns well with community college offerings.
• Partnerships with industries play a critical role in creating curricula that address current labor market needs.
• Changing student demographics have led to increased interest in short-term, skills-based training programs.

Key Statistics:

• 94% of community college leaders report increased demand for workforce training programs since 2015. (AACC).
• 60% of new programs developed at community colleges are workforce-focused. (CCRC, 2023).
• There are over 950,000 unique credentials offered in the U.S., many through non-credit workforce programs. (Credential Engine).

The move from credit-bearing courses to non-credit offerings is a key shift in workforce development programs. Non-credit programs are gaining popularity due to their flexibility, shorter completion times, and lower costs. These programs are often designed with employers, offering industry-recognized certifications instead of degrees, making them an appealing option for students seeking rapid career entry.

• Flexibility: Non-credit programs allow colleges to respond quickly to industry needs with less regulatory oversight, making course design and delivery more agile.
• Accessibility: For students, non-credit courses offer a faster, more affordable path to job readiness, particularly for adult learners seeking to reskill.
• Financial Stability: Non-credit programs provide new revenue streams through public-private partnerships, grants, and industry funding, making colleges more financially sustainable while delivering targeted training that meets labor market demands.

Wake Technical Community College, North Carolina

Wake Tech has become a leader in workforce development by collaborating with local industries to develop customized training programs. Its IT Workforce Development program offers short-term, non-credit cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics courses. Over 85% of students who complete these programs receive job offers within six months.

Miami Dade College, Florida

Miami Dade College’s Health Sciences Workforce Program offers a variety of short-term certifications in fields like medical assisting, phlebotomy, and patient care. The college partners with local hospitals and healthcare providers to ensure that students receive hands-on experience during their training. Since the program’s inception, job placement rates for graduates have consistently exceeded 90%.

Dallas College, Texas

Dallas College’s Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Program is a successful partnership program between a college and local industries. Collaborating with manufacturers, the college offers non-credit programs focused on CNC machining, robotics, and welding. These programs have led to a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the region’s booming manufacturing sector.

As workforce development programs continue to grow, community and technical colleges play a vital role in addressing the skills gap in today’s labor market. The shift from traditional credit-bearing courses to flexible, non-credit offerings is not only meeting the needs of students but also ensuring that colleges remain financially sustainable in an ever-changing education landscape. By fostering industry partnerships and developing targeted training programs, these institutions are helping to build the workforce of the future.

1. American Association of Community Colleges. (2022). **Community Colleges and Workforce Development: Trends and Innovations**. AACC Research Brief.
2. Community College Research Center. (2023). **Workforce Programs at Community Colleges: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities**. CCRC Working Paper No. 119.
3. Credential Engine. (2023). **The Credential Landscape in the United States**. Credential Engine Report.
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). **Occupational Outlook Handbook**. Bureau of Labor Statistics Report.
5. Wake Technical Community College. (2023). **IT Workforce Development Program Overview**.
6. Miami Dade College. (2023). **Health Sciences Workforce Program Fact Sheet**.
7. Dallas College. (2023). **Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Program Annual Report**.