If you have been laid off, perhaps you are considering a totally new field. But then you think again; "No, I don't have time. I have to find a job immediately!" Did you know that you can prepare for an in-demand career through short-term training at your local community college? Durham Technical Community College's Corporate and Continuing Education division offers training for numerous careers that can get you back to work in a relatively short time.

Biotechnology is a major industry in Treyburn Corporate Park and the Research Triangle Park. Students in Durham Tech's BioPharma and BioWork programs learn the skills to become trained process technicians and lab assistants for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical companies. After classroom instruction and laboratory work, they leave with the skills to enter the biotechnology workforce. The program includes basic math and science instruction, with career readiness and technical skills development. For those who are concerned that their academic skills are rusty, the BioPharma Boot Camp is an option.

Students acquire electrical, electrical construction, and plumbing skills through the Building Apprenticeship courses. In addition, the Project Super VISION course is an option for current and aspiring supervisors and foremen. Building maintenance jobs are still available during this down economy. Durham Tech's Industrial Maintenance Technician Certificate provides training in Industrial Maintenance, Electricity, Industrial Controls, Machining, HVAC, Pneumatics/Hydraulics, and Welding.

The Building-Related Trades include Building Level 1 Standard Inspection. This course is required for N.C.Code Enforcement Officials. As interest in green construction increases, you can learn about sustainable building through the Green Building Materials and Green Building Overview courses. There are other building-related courses that can boost your career, too. These include Home Inspector's Prep, Law and Administration for N.C. Code Enforcement Officials, N.C. Heating and Air Conditioning License Exam Preparation, Professional Home Inspector Training, Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning, Residential Builder's License Exam Preparation.

As Baby Boomers age, the health care industry expands. The growing field of Medical Coding pays career dividends after a relatively short training period. Students find coding positions in hospitals, outpatient facilities, physicians' offices, nursing facilities, home health care, and hospices. Students who meet the criteria may sit for certification examinations offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders or the American Health Information Management Association.

Through the Restaurant Management Certificate program, students learn the skills needed for management positions in restaurants and clubs. Courses include Introduction to Quality Food Service, Food Service Sanitation Safety, Human Resources Management, Nutrition and Menu Planning, and Team Leadership.

For more information about anyof these courses, call 536-7222, ext. 4011 or visit www. durhamtech.edu/html/corporate/corporate.htm.

Additionally, Durham Tech now offers JobsNOW, short-term training that can be completed in six months or less.Training is free for those who qualify. Choose from the following careers:Nursing Assistant/Health Unit Coordinator, Green Landscape Designers/Solar Energy Technicians, Phlebotomist, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Medical Coder, Under Car Care Technician, and Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Process Technician. For more information about JobsNOW, visit www.durhamtech.edu/JobsNOW/index.htm.