PITTSBURGH -- While the Pittsburgh region's unemployment rate rises, an increasing number of people are changing careers to help them through tough economic times in the current recession.
WTAE Channel 4's Michelle Wright reported that the
Pennsylvania Culinary Institute saw a 6 percent increase in enrollment this semester.
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Watch Michelle's ReportTami Dillon is among the new students. She tried a couple of different careers and checked out the possibilities before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming a chef.
"I really didn't think I'd be able to fit in. I'm not the traditional student right out of high school," she said.
Despite those worries, Dillon is "far from unique, really," said Michael Rainforth, dean of curriculum at the culinary institute.
"They read the reports and see that the hospitality industry, the national restaurant association, has earmarked for growth during the bad economy. Some other industries are not doing as well or are not projected to do as well," said Rainforth.
The Pittsburgh region's unemployment rate is 7.9 percent, up from 7.3 percent at the beginning of the year. Specifically, there are 7,600 fewer people working in the area since January.
"There are several other classmates of mine that have made career changes -- a couple from day care positions, nursing positions," said Dillon.
Related - State-By-State Unemployment RatesAfter a year of classes and a three-month externship, students get an associate's degree. PCI boasts of having job placement success in the mid-90s percentiles.
Dillon enrolled in May and will graduate in August, and she feels she will have a secure future. She hopes to have her externship at the White House and teach young people the importance of healthy eating.
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