Local trade schools are seeing a huge boost in enrollment The economy has forced many people to go back and learn new skills.

"We've seen people, perspective students come from the industries that have been affected by the poor economy," Remington College president Jerry Driskill said.

Some have lost their job, while others just want to become more marketable.

"I decided I needed to change careers and get into something that's going to remain here and possibly grow," student Traci McGuire.

Remington College in Shreveport teaches a variety of trades...from the medical field to business administration.

Cammie Mills is one of the school's success stories. Mills is a single mom who once drove trucks for a living. In the midst of her schedule, she decided to learn a new trade.

"I didn't have time to attend a four year college. With all the courses and stuff, I knew I wasn't gonna have the time and I needed to start off small," she said.

Mills made it through the program and is now a medical assistant. She says she knows her mom...who recently passed away from cancer..would be proud.

"This is the best decision I could have ever made. And I wouldn't trade it for nothing in the world. And my mom is up there cheering for me everyday," she continued with a smile.

Over at Louisiana Technical College, students are also learning new skills. Joseph Parsons was laid off from General Motors. He believes a new trade will get him back where he needs to be.

"I see myself furthering my portfolio as they say, after this class," he said.

For those who are thinking about getting re-trained, there are some affordable options. Ninety five percent of Remington's students receive financial aid, while LTC offers courses for Only about five hundred dollars a semester.