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Oswego County is very fortunate to have quality educational institutions that offer continuous education opportunities for adults. SUNY Oswego, BOCES, and Cayuga Community College's Fulton Extension Center (which is celebrating its 10th anniversary) are helping adults increase their knowledge and remain competitive in the job market.

Nearly all economists agree that the economy of the U.S. is changing, evolving away from its dependence on manufacturing and relying more heavily on service industries. We've seen this trend locally in Oswego County with plant closures in the 1990s and growth in areas such as the health care professions.

People who want to remain employed and be able to provide for themselves and their families must change with the economy to remain a valuable asset to employers. That is why a commitment to lifelong learning is so important. County residents in the workforce need to continuously upgrade their skills, learn new skills, and take advantage of training and education opportunities.

I've learned this lesson myself. I graduated from Fulton's G. Ray Bodley High School in 1982 and went into law enforcement in 1985. During the past 19 years with the City of Fulton Police Department, I sought to improve my job skills by graduating from the FBI National Academy and became certified as an evidence technician, fire and arson investigator, and certified polygraphist.

As helpful to my law enforcement career as these courses were, I knew there would not be much demand for those skills in the private sector if my law enforcement career came to an end. Without a degree, my future would be limited. I began pursuing my bachelor's degree in public justice part-time to improve my options and my marketability to employers.

Our society and our economy value college degrees and certifications. Whether its vocational training or higher education, continuing your education as an adult does much more than simply expand your employment options. It's an enjoyable experience that exposes you to many subjects, helps you discover new interests, and helps many people avoid that common feeling of being in a going-nowhere mid-career rut.

In my case, lifelong education helped spur my interest in a political career. It helped me be a better public servant as a police officer and as a legislator. It has also given me some sense of security, knowing that I am better prepared to help ensure a happy future for my wife and for my miracle little daughter.

Marketability is the key to success in this economy. Individuals need diverse skills to market themselves to employers. Communities such as ours need a well-trained and talented workforce to attract new businesses to the area. Companies are less likely to set up shop in Oswego County if we don't have a local workforce that is trained to meet their needs.

One of the ways Oswego County government works to promote lifelong learning is by working in partnership with the Workforce Development Board to ensure training and education opportunities exist for people in the local workforce who are seeking job-related education or looking to upgrade their skills.

The board oversees publicly funded workforce development programs under the Workforce Development Act. Over 1,000 people and businesses use the workforce development system in Oswego County each year. Individuals range from public assistance recipients to dislocated workers to people looking for a different career. Businesses use the system for recruiting and screening new hires and obtaining training grants to upgrade the skills of their employees.

Our Division of Employment and Training, Oswego County helps residents access the tools they need to manage their careers. We help job seekers assess their current skill levels, develop resumes and get job referrals. Individuals already employed can use DET services to advance their careers or change jobs. We assist employers with on-the-job training programs and to develop training plans for workers. For more information on these services, call the Division of Employment and Training at 591-9000, or stop by the office at 200 N. Second St., Fulton.

If you are looking to change careers, having trouble finding work in your chosen profession or vocation, or just entering the workforce, I would recommend you consider continuous education opportunities. It takes dedication and commitment, but is well worth the investment of your time.

If you are still not convinced, consider this fact: 20 years ago the common expectation was to have one career and one job in your lifetime. Today, people entering the workforce can expect three careers and 10 or more jobs in their lifetime.