Graduates learn more, earn more in today's economy

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - In today's changing economy, Three Rivers Community College graduates learn more, earn more, and in turn contribute more to the workplace and to the region.

"Today's economy means that employers are looking for workers who have more training, who can work smarter and are up-to-speed with new technology and trends," said Bud Joyner, Dean of Career Education and Workforce Development. "People who are going places in their careers start their journey to a successful career at Three Rivers."

Joyner said Three Rivers offers a wide variety of career development programs, all designed to help individuals be competitive in a market that calls for skilled, qualified workers.

"Now more than ever, it is important for a person to have every competitive edge they can when looking for a new job or when they are looking to improve their current job. Education is the key to success today - and Three Rivers is ready to help," Joyner said.

Joyner explained that over the course of working year, Three Rivers graduates can earn twice that of someone with a high school diploma. In addition, he said employers will give better evaluations to - and subsequently more promotions to - workers who have the extra education and training received at a community college.

"We respond to the needs of workers in our region and to the needs of area employers. Three Rivers develops the programs the fit the needs of both the area's employers and workers," Joyner said.

Joyner said that in recent years Three Rivers has added a number of degree programs that were developed with local industry. Joyner pointed to the successful Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Forestry, Industrial Technology - Power Plant, and Drafting Technology.

"These degree programs were all developed in cooperation with area industry and are preparing students for good-paying jobs in our region," Joyner said.

Individuals planning to attend Three Rivers may register on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 12 and 13. Fall classes begin Thursday, Aug. 14, and the last day to add a class is Wednesday, Aug. 20. Registration will be held on the main college campus in Poplar Bluff, at the Three Rivers Centers in Malden, Kennett, Campbell, Sikeston and Portageville. Returning TRCC students may also register online at the college's Web site at www.trcc.edu beginning Aug. 9. All college offices will be closed on Monday, Aug. 11 for staff and faculty meetings.

People going places get started on their journey to success at Three Rivers Community College. Three Rivers offers courses in more than 80 different degree and certificate programs, as well as continuing education opportunities. At Three Rivers students can learn new skills, enhance opportunities, prepare to transfer to a university or pursue a special interest. Three Rivers offers courses on its main campus in Poplar Bluff, at its Centers and locations throughout the region, and through e-learning opportunities with Web-based study. For additional information on the Fall 2008 semester or about the programs offered, visit the college Web site at www.trcc.edu or contact the college at (573) 840-9600 or toll-free at 1-877-TRY-TRCC.