[November 05, 2008] CCC offering two new programs: Electronic, computer skill said to be in high demand Tweet PLATTSBURGH, Nov 05, 2008 (The Press-Republican - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Clinton Community College is debuting two new technology programs designed to fill area employment needs and instill graduates with marketable skills. This spring, the college will offer associate degrees in electronics technology and computer technology. The State University of New York approved both programs. "Our biggest challenge will be to make sure we can get the word out so that people know they can come to Clinton Community College and get the skills they need for jobs that are out there," said Al Cordes, professor of math and science at CCC and coordinator for both programs. CCC offered electronics technology a few years ago, but the program was deactivated. "Ever since then, there has been a pretty good demand for people with electronic skills, and also computer skills from area industries," Cordes said. "So the college decided it would be in the best interest of students and the community to get this program going." College officials began discussing both programs about a year ago. ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY Electronics technology covers areas such as electronics, digital electronics, basic circuits, analog electronics and micro controllers. "Students will have the skills to be able to repair electronic equipment and do calibrations and troubleshooting," Cordes said. "When we offered the program before, we were finding we were getting close to 100-percent job placement. "In some instances, people were hiring students before they graduated, and that actually became a little bit of a problem because they wouldn't be able to finish their degrees." COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Computer technology blends computer science and electronics. "These students will have some skills in electronics and some skills in repairing computers and networking," Cordes said. Cordes pointed out that students must complete basic algebra before starting either program. People interested in the programs can apply up until the first day of classes in January 2009. Cordes didn't know how many students were applying for the program thus far. "It is kind of hard to tell because we just put the courses on the schedule, and they just got approved a week or two ago. So it's not like we have been able to go out and do a lot of advertising, though we have done a little bit around campus to see if students who are undeclared or wanting to switch majors might be interested." Open House CCC is holding a technology open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Stafford Center. Those who attend will tour the campus and learn about both programs. Students who graduate from either program can immediately enter the work force or transfer to another educational institution to pursue bachelor degrees in electrical engineering technology or computer engineering technology. Cordes is overjoyed by the new offerings, which he said will fill a need in the area. "We hope with Nova Bus coming on board, we will be able to provide lots of employees with the skills they are going to need. "Both the Electronics Technology and Computer Technology programs will serve the needs of area industries by providing a pool of potential employees with much-needed technical skills." [email protected] TO LEARN MORE Anyone interested in more information on these two new programs should call the Clinton Community College Admissions Office at 562-4170 or 1-800-552-1160, or visit the Web site www.Clinton.edu. To see more of The Press-Republican or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pressrepublican.com/. Copyright (c) 2008, The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]