John Wood Community College sees increase in trade program enrollment

QUINCY (WGEM) - The John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center has seen a 34% increase in student population.

Just two days into the new school year, the JWCC Workforce Development Center has seen a noticeable rise in its enrollment.

“Last year, we had 147 unduplicated students at the workforce center. This year, we have 198,” said Dave Hetzler, dean of JWCC Workforce Development Center.

With programs in welding, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics, the rise in enrollment has come as no surprise to Hetzler.

“There’s still a shortage for skilled workers, especially in things like air conditioning, in heating, plumbing, in those kinds of areas,” he explained.

Wetzler explained there is a serious benefit to having trade schools in smaller communities, such as Quinc