There has never been a better time to continue your education. These fields are hiring now!

Healthcare
Welding
Electrical
Green Industries
Trades

2008 was a memorable year. While most may remember it as a year of financial crisis, it was also the year that the nation invested their hopes in President Barack Obama and the year that saw the highest number of college applications in recent years. According to a Pew Research Center report released in October, almost 40 percent of the nations 18- to 24-year-olds were enrolled in college in 2008.

In an article on the report the New York Times credits community colleges for the surge in college enrollments. While traditional four year colleges remain the most popular choice for graduates, the recent increase in college enrollment is almost entirely credited to community colleges. Between 2007 and 2008 enrollment in community colleges has increased by around 3% while enrollment at four year colleges has remained virtually unchanged.

After High School, parents and students are now reevaluating their finances and are realizing that four year colleges are just too pricey. Community colleges are less expensive and offer similar programs to their students. Further to this, community colleges offer programs that vary in length and suit different schedules. Community colleges are also hugely important to mature students returning to school or those with other jobs or families.

The Career College Association offers regional trade schools, technical institutes and career colleges. Check out some of their most popular colleges:

Kaplan University
Strayer University
Berkeley College
University of Phoenix

Organizations like the Career College Association run a variety of educational institutes and programs, from universities to career specific programs, and their graduates account for approximately one half of skilled workers in the American workforce. These colleges offer Bachelor’s, Master’s and Associate’s degrees among others. Students can choose from countless subjects, from fashion to welding.

The American Association of Community Colleges says that some colleges have experienced increases of over 35%. President Obama has also pledged to execute a $12 billion plan to increase the number of community college graduates by five million by 2020.

According to the article adding to the increase in college applications, there has been a decrease in college drop outs, with an impressive 84.9% of 18 – 24 years olds completing High School.

The article acknowledges that the numbers may not be dramatically different, but still show positive progress: “While the year-to-year changes are not huge, the longer-term trends show significant shifts. In 1973, only 24 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds were enrolled in college, only 80.7 had completed high school, and 15.7 had dropped out of high school.”

The article also points out that college enrollment also varies by ethnicity: “Nearly 41 percent of white 18- to 24-year-olds were enrolled in college in 2008, compared with about 32 percent of black young adults and 26 percent of Hispanics in that age group.”

In a few years there will be an influx of skilled, educated workers ready to contribute to, and maintain a healthy economy. Competition for jobs will be tough but having a skill or degree will ensure that you have an edge. Demand for trained employees will also be high and so there has never been a better time to pursue your education and secure your future.