By Karen Axelton
California, where I live, is beset by budget cuts and a really messed-up state government. Sometimes it seems like every night on the news we hear about more cutbacks in state education’s system—from elementary schools up to universities.
That’s why I was surprised to read this Los Angeles Times article about how, despite cutbacks in funding, the state’s community colleges are still a valuable source of help for small-business owners.
Now more than ever, small companies are struggling to find the funds to keep their staffs up to date on training. But employees need training like never before, what with changes in technology, business models and more threatening to make their skills obsolete as fast as they can learn them.
State grants fund the programs that enable most community colleges to offer free or low-cost training to employees at local small businesses. Programs can range from basic skills like English language or math (to help bring your work force up to par) to more complex training in fields such as design software, aerospace or agriculture.
The article highlights employees and entrepreneurs who have received training and how they’ve benefited. Wondering if your local community college can help you? It never hurts to ask.
