According to research done by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, more than half of Kentucky jobs are projected to require some kind of postsecondary training by 2018. Students looking to update their resume to compete in this new economy can take advantage of flexible training offered at Kentucky online schools.
Living and working in Kentucky
Kentucky ranks sixth lowest on the latest Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) report for cost of living across the U.S. Furthermore, according to Moody's Analytics, the area's affordable prices and low cost of doing business could help attract new businesses to the state.
The Kentucky economy has traditionally been based heavily on agriculture, mining and manufacturing. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development reports that the state is home to two major air cargo hubs, making the state a leader in cargo, and produces more than 11 percent of all cars and trucks nationwide.
While manufacturing has been a strong hold, Kentucky is also investing in innovation. The state has created the Kentucky Innovation and Commercialization Center Program, which supports 13 centers throughout the state. Additionally, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is focusing on five growth areas:
According to research done by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, more than half of Kentucky jobs are projected to require some kind of postsecondary training by 2018. Students looking to update their resume to compete in this new economy can take advantage of flexible training offered at Kentucky online schools.
Living and working in Kentucky
Kentucky ranks sixth lowest on the latest Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) report for cost of living across the U.S. Furthermore, according to Moody's Analytics, the area's affordable prices and low cost of doing business could help attract new businesses to the state.
The Kentucky economy has traditionally been based heavily on agriculture, mining and manufacturing. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development reports that the state is home to two major air cargo hubs, making the state a leader in cargo, and produces more than 11 percent of all cars and trucks nationwide.
While manufacturing has been a strong hold, Kentucky is also investing in innovation. The state has created the Kentucky Innovation and Commercialization Center Program, which supports 13 centers throughout the state. Additionally, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is focusing on five growth areas:
- Human health and development
- Information technology and communications
- Biosciences
- Energy and environmental technologies
- Materials science and advanced manufacturing
As the state seeks to grow business in these fields, graduates with high tech skills may see rising demand in Kentucky.
Training at Kentucky online schools
According to the 2010 Annual Report of the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and the Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation, the state distributed $193 million in financial aid to students in the 2009-2010 academic year. Despite these grant and loan funds, however, the report goes on to describe the impact of the recent economic crisis and the limitations that financial need has placed on students.
As a result of the current economic strain, Kentucky students may need new ways to fund their education or help make ends meet. Kentucky online schools offer a flexible way to juggle a work schedule or support a family, while making time for education and career training.
Growing careers in Kentucky
Kentucky's economy is founded on mining, automobiles and farming, but developments in health care and computing are beginning to outstrip these entrenched industries in terms of current growth. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some of the fastest-growing job fields in Kentucky, along with their mean annual salaries for 2010:
- Network systems and data communications analysts: A staggering 52 percent growth is predicted in this occupation. The mean income in 2010 for computer systems analysts in Kentucky was $72,040. Required education: Associate or bachelor's degree or higher
- Medical assistants: Earning a mean annual salary of $26,450 in 2010, medical assistants are on the rise in Kentucky. The BLS expects 29 percent job growth between 2008 and 2018. Required education: Associate degree or two-year career college
- Mining and geological engineers: This mining field is expected to experience 21 percent growth by 2018. The mean income was $77,890 in 2010. Required education: Bachelor's degree or higher.
Students looking for job opportunities that can provide for them in the future may find that Kentucky online degrees are the first step towards a fulfilling career.
