West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Dr.Akin details how the college offers an Associate in the Arts degree fully online to accommodate marine workers’ schedules.The flexible online format allows students to pursue their education and complete their credentials on time, ensuring they do not miss academic opportunities due to work schedules. Burns elaborates on the program’s two tracks. The academic track enables students to earn certificates or associate degrees, providing a solid educational foundation for career advancement. Meanwhile, the workforce track focuses on practical, industry-specific training, such as radar training, marine firefighting, and CPR, tailored to meet the immediate needs of companies operating in the river industry. WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS WKCTC excels in delivering customized training solutions based on business requirements. For instance, the college has responded to the demand for deckhand training, collaborating with industry partners to offer courses that enhance employability and meet local workforce needs. The partnerships address immediate job market demands and prepare students for Coast Guard certifications integrated into the college’s certificates and degrees. Burns emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with local industries and businesses. “Listening to community needs is crucial; it allows us to tailor our programs to meet workforce demands effectively,” Burns states. The proactive approach enables WKCTC to offer relevant, high-quality training that benefits students and employers. STUDENT SUPPORT The Student Success Center is key in supporting students, particularly those enrolled in online programs.The center encompasses various academic supports, including success coaches who work closely with a select group of students, helping them navigate academic and non-academic barriers. The interaction with success coaches can occur in person or virtually, via email, or through platforms like Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility to meet students’ needs. Given that a significant portion of WKCTC’s student 4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06