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SALT LAKE CITY — Many people who are not happy with their job or job prospects have been going back to school during the Great Recession. President Barack Obama and business leaders are pushing community college to help the economy.
"The thing that is very clear, is that to make it, to have a good-paying job, these days you have to have something beyond high school," said Dave Buhler, Utah's commissioner for higher education.
Many parents think a four-year degree is the natural next step for their high school student. But politicians and business leaders suggest considering the option of community college. They said a one-year certificate or two-year program may be the fastest way for someone to enter a career field.
Community college could also be the only way to keep up with workforce demands. The president has said "jobs requiring at least an associate degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience."
Buhler said even the "hot" tech jobs in Utah's growing companies can be achieved through the community college level.
"They do technology jobs. Biotech is big at Salt Lake Community College," he said. "There are a number of technician-type jobs at community college programs."
Buhler said community colleges fit into the state's goal of having 66 percent of Utahns with a degree or certificate by 2020.
"That certificate could be a one-year certificate training you for a skill trade, or it could be an associate degree or above," Buhler said.
He said Salt Lake Community College is a great option, but Utah is unique in having regional colleges and universities with a community college program on the same campus, like Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Dixie State University and Utah State University.