Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state’s largest college is growing rapidly, and not just among students thought to be of typical “college age.”

Portland Community College is reporting a 19 percent increase in the number of people over 50 taking classes this term.

PCC spokesman, Dana Haynes, says older students are enrolling in career-technical programs, with an eye on the job market.

Dana Haynes: “I think a lot of folks hoped to retire early, and now they’re seeing their 401k’s effectively wiped out, and are thinking I need a backup plan. And that backup plan doesn’t work with my old skill set, so I need a brand new skill set, in an area where I know there are jobs. For instance, right now in this recession, welders can get jobs, machinists can get jobs.”

Earlier this year, PCC reported double-digit enrollment growth, particularly for career-oriented classes. But Haynes says the school was “surprised” to see such high demand for classes from older students.