The downsizing at Collins Career Center is unfortunate not only for the 10 people who lost their jobs, but for Lawrence County as a whole.

Wednesday, November 28, 2001

The downsizing at Collins Career Center is unfortunate not only for the 10 people who lost their jobs, but for Lawrence County as a whole.

The school offers great programs, but falling enrollment is hurting its financial position. Since the state funds vocational schools based on enrollment, losing students cost the career center $331,000 in state funding. The only way to get that funding back is to attract more students – both high school and adult.

Competition from other technical

programs in the region is hurting the adult program. More people should be checking out the school to see whether the courses they want are offered there.

By the same token, more high school students should be using the programs that will train them for jobs in the future. The classes can be beneficial not only to students who do not plan to go to college, but also to those who will be continuing their education. In today’s competitive job market, the more training you have, the better.

If you are an adult planning on picking up continuing education courses, look into Collins Career Center. If you are a high school student and the school offers courses in a field that interests you, consider enrolling.

Lawrence County cannot afford to lose more jobs. Nor can it afford to lose students to institutions in other states when we have a fine one of our own right here.