Training and education organizations across the country are trying to appeal to the jobless masses with relevant course offerings and veiled promises of job placement.  Employers across the country are becoming more selective in who they will even interview, using qualifications, certifications, and education as the main sorting tools.  So it makes sense that these training organizations are offering more courses that are directly tied to the workforce.

I recieved a catalog in the mail today from a local community college.  They have dedicated an entire section of their course listings to workforce development.  I applaud their efforts to serve the community with relevant offerings, however, in some cases, I think they have missed the mark.  For example, under customized training, students can register for a course called "Rockstar Networking".  I understand that networking is a valuable tool in the business world, I am just not convinced that it can be taught in the classroom style.  And the instructor isn't even a rockstar!

It is good to see organizations getting on board with the idea of providing relevant training, certifications, and courses but folks run the risk of wasting what little money they may have on course that make a big promise but can't possibly have that much follow-thru.  My advice would be to stick to the courses that are specifically required for the field your are hoping to pursue.  There aren't many out of work adults who are still hoping to make it big as a rockstar.