Credit is fast becoming an outdated concept. The stock market is tanking. Layoffs are out of control. There is one bright spot in this down market, however; many of those affected (or afraid of being affected) are taking a proactive approach to getting back on their feet via continuing, technical, or career education.

According to a New York Times article this week, applications are surging at New York’s community colleges, a sign that adults are seeking to improve their skills or learn new ones to make themselves more marketable.

And an increasing number of adults looking for a second income have been turning to the continuing education department at La Guardia Community College in Long Island City for classes in taxi driving and computer repair; enrollment in computerized bookkeeping for Windows is up 57 percent.

“This is unprecedented,” said Winston Yarde, Queensborough’s director of admissions. “When Circuit City lays off hundreds of employees, these are the students who are coming to Q.C.C. to prepare themselves for careers in electronic technology, not just jobs.”

… In some fields, like health services, the growth has been even more rapid, as much as 30 percent on some campuses.

The news is encouraging in the sense that people are not taking the impending recession lightly. They are trying to arm themselves with specialized career training so they can land jobs in secure fields, or avoid being laid off. It’s something to consider, no matter your industry or career level.

Have you been thinking about taking some courses?