Covid causing poor enrollment at trade schools

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - Despite the need for trained workers, enrollment at community colleges is down heavily in the United States.

Pandemic-related declines in enrollment, particularly in hands-on skilled trades courses, have impacted underfunded schools.

From the fall of 2019 through the fall of 2021, enrollment at public two-year schools fell 14.8%.

By comparison, undergraduate enrollment declined by just 4% at public four-year institutions.

That's according to National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data.

While Covid relief money has helped financially strapped community colleges -- administrators say those one-time funds are depleting.

Instructors say hands-on courses have also suffered because they could not meet in person.