Dr. Akin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized WKCTC’s dedication to helping students transition smoothly into higher education. “Our mission is to create seamless pathways for students to advance their education and careers,” Dr. Akin explains. The college offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees designed for easy transfer to four-year institutions, enabling students to continue their education and earn bachelor’s degrees. ALIGNING WITH KEY INDUSTRIES WKCTC’s Associate in Fine Arts and Digital Arts degree is just one example of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of today’s job market. Ashley Burns, Director of Workforce Solutions, and Kate Senn, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, highlight the college’s technical programs, which focus on high-demand fields like allied health and nursing. The programs have seen strong enrollment and have successfully met local healthcare needs, showcasing the college’s effectiveness in addressing community demands. Beyond health sciences, WKCTC offers various technical programs, including welding, automotive technology, and collision repair. The programs equip students with practical skills directly applicable to the workforce, enhancing employability and supporting the local economy. “We are committed to aligning our programs with the top industries in Kentucky to ensure our graduates are workforce-ready,” Senn remarks. WKCTC aligns its programs with Kentucky’s top five industries: manufacturing, transportation, health sciences, information technology, and business, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in key economic sectors. MARINE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM One of WKCTC’s unique aspects is its marine technology program, the only one in the state. The program trains marine firefighters and other industry professionals, highlighting the college’s ability to offer specialized training that meets specific regional needs. The program fills a crucial niche and exemplifies WKCTC’s innovative education and workforce development approach. 117 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06 WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNI TY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
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