Community Colleges
Posted on April 8, 2010
Filed Under Community Colleges | 1 Comment
Today, spread of adult education has been made possible largely through the presence and contribution of community colleges. The type of an educational institution, depends on where it is. For example, in the United States of America, community colleges are often identified as the junior colleges or technical training institutes or are sometimes even referred to as the city college. They award certificates, degrees or diplomas after completion of up to two years of either higher education or lower level tertiary education. These often prove to be the stepping stone for many to move on to pursue bachelors or master’s degree. The community colleges in the US are mostly public-funded and have the support of the local tax collectors.
In the United Kingdom, community college refers to secondary school, imparting adult education through technical or vocational training. The courses are known as General Certificates of Secondary Education. In Canada, there is more value attached to these colleges and the degrees, diplomas and certificates they award. The community colleges there were established in the 1960s to fulfill the demand for skilled labor as the economy in the country took giant strides post World War II.
In Australia, the purpose of community colleges rests in promoting their Technical and Further Education (TAFE) program. Education in these colleges, could last for several years and is supported by Australia’s National Training System and the Vocational Education Training (VET) system. The country has the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) which has a curriculum devised by the states of the country and the Commonwealth Government make available Registered Training Organizations (RTO) where students are taught and their level of competence is assessed by a set of standards.
The American Association of Community Colleges run various innovative programs to promote technical and mainstream education among the various colleges. There is great emphasis on providing education, that could help people by improving their prospects in jobs if they are already employed, or to get the best opportunity when they go out looking for their first job after completing a course in a community college. As part of their course completion, the candidates are groomed even in writing applications, presenting themselves and on how to appear for an interview.
Community colleges are serving a very important purpose of upholding every individual’s right to education. They are helping remove illiteracy and making the world a better place to live with the light of learning. The students are helped in attaining dignity through education and confidence by way of being awarded a degree and qualification and thus a new lease of hope in career.
In developing nations and in third world countries, the role of community colleges has been commendable and the governments have given all-out support in their upkeep. In education alone lies the hope of a society, community, nation and the world at large for a better tomorrow. Considering this one must not deny the fact that community colleges are doing a reassuring job in this direction.
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