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Beyond Degrees: How Wake Tech is Redefining Continuing Education for the Modern Workforce

Entrinsik, Inc. Dec 02, 2025
Beyond Degrees: How Wake Tech is Redefining Continuing Education for the Modern Workforce

Beyond Degrees: How Wake Tech is Redefining Continuing Education for the Modern Workforce

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The Shift is Real. And It’s Reshaping Higher Ed. 

Higher education is undergoing a structural shift. Traditional degree pathways alone are no longer enough to meet the demands of students, employers, or the economy. Learners today are seeking fast, flexible, skills-based options that align with workforce needs and career advancement. 

According to Lumina Foundation and Gallup, nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults without a college degree say certificates are “extremely” or “very” valuable for their careers.¹ In parallel, a 2023 University of Illinois survey of 500 organizational leaders found that 95% see benefits when employees earn microcredentials—nearly half offer raises, promotions, or other incentives.² 

Meanwhile, policy momentum is building. In July 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will expand Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term workforce programs.³ This isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation. 

The challenge for colleges? Building the infrastructure to meet it. 

Continuing Education Isn’t a Side Door. It’s the Front Line. 

As workforce needs accelerate and learners demand more targeted outcomes, continuing education (CE) and workforce development (WFD) are stepping into the spotlight. Once seen as auxiliary, these programs are now strategic. They enable access, support regional economies, and help institutions stay relevant in a rapidly changing educational market. 

In fact, Gartner’s 2024 CIO Survey found that 41% of higher education technology leaders plan to invest in CE and WFD systems in the next 1–3 years to remain competitive.4 

The question is no longer whether CE matters. It’s how institutions will build the infrastructure to deliver and sustain it. 

Wake Tech’s Approach: Mission, Scale, and Community Impact 

Few institutions have embraced this challenge more completely than Wake Technical Community College. As North Carolina’s largest community college, Wake Tech serves more than 37,000 CE learners annually—many of whom are fee-waived, working adults, or underserved populations seeking a fresh start. 

Their CE division includes: 

  • Public Safety Training for firefighters, law enforcement, and EMS personnel 
  • Human Resource Development (HRD) courses for unemployed or underemployed individuals 
  • Customized Training Programs for regional businesses and workforce partners 


“We provide educational services to more than 12,000 fee-waivered, unduplicated students per academic year,” said Dr. Karen Holding-Jordan, Dean of Continuing Education.5 

 “We were in dire need of an innovative ERP system that could not only meet the demands of our fee waiver community but also promote and increase enrollment.” 

Dr. Holding-Jordan oversees the operational systems that support student and employer enrollment access to continuing education and workforce development programs. These programs are designed for learners whose lives and livelihoods depend on easy, flexible and barrier-free access.  

Infrastructure Matters. Because Scale Without Stability Fails. 

While Wake Tech’s vision was clear, their previous systems weren’t built to support the complexity or scale of their mission. 

Manual processes. Inconsistent data. Compliance headaches. Lack of employer-facing functionality. These weren’t just inefficiencies—they were roadblocks to impact. 

To address this, Wake Tech partnered with Entrinsik to implement Enrole, a CE and workforce platform designed to handle the unique requirements of non-credit programs. Unlike retrofitted SIS add-ons, Enrole integrates directly with Ellucian Colleague via Ethos API, ensuring real-time accuracy without a direct UniData connection. 

Key capabilities include: 

  • Seamless course and section sync with Colleague 
  • Self-service enrollment via PINs for employer training coordinators 
  • Fee-waiver verification and custom data capture for compliance 
  • Integration with Informer 5 for reporting and analytics 
  • Real-time enrollment sync and registration notifications 
  • Safeguards for duplicate records and registration conflicts 


And perhaps most importantly: Wake Tech went live in just eight weeks. 

What it Enabled: Not Just Efficiency—Access at Scale 

In the first six months post-launch, Wake Tech processed over 4,000 fee-waived CE registrations through Enrole—paving the way for a 19% year-over-year increase in overall CE enrollment.5

But the numbers only tell part of the story. 

Behind every registration is a public safety officer staying certified. An unemployed adult gaining workforce readiness. A training coordinator enrolling 30 employees in industry-specific skills development—without needing to call the registrar. 

Wake Tech’s CE division isn’t just keeping up. It’s pushing forward. And doing so without sacrificing accuracy, student experience, or compliance. 

“The system verifies fee waiver eligibility, supports PIN-based access for employer coordinators, and integrates seamlessly with Colleague,” said Dr. Holding-Jordan. “It’s helped us ensure compliance while increasing revenue and access.” 

Why Federal Policy Makes This Urgent 

In July 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will launch the Workforce Pell Grant program, expanding aid eligibility to short-term, high-demand workforce training programs that are 8 to 15 weeks in length.3 

This change is a turning point. For institutions, it opens the door to funding streams that were previously unavailable. For learners, especially working adults and underserved populations, it means unprecedented access to education that’s fast, focused, and affordable. 

UPCEA emphasizes that the expansion of Workforce Pell is a major step forward in aligning federal aid with modern workforce needs, especially for adult learners and short-term programs.6 

Wake Tech is ready. With infrastructure already in place, they’re well-positioned to scale and support even more learners the moment this policy goes live. 

The Bigger Picture: What Institutions Can Learn from Wake Tech 

There’s a reason Dr. Holding-Jordan wants her peers to take note: 

“I would like my colleagues at the other 57 community colleges throughout North Carolina to have a comprehensive understanding of just how much Enrole allowed us to move forward in terms of enhancing enrollment and generating revenue.” 

This isn’t about software. It’s about building the right foundation for a mission that’s expanding fast, and about delivering educational access with efficiency, precision, and purpose. 

For CE leaders grappling with manual processes, disconnected systems, or under-resourced programs, Wake Tech’s example offers a practical blueprint for change.  

Continuing Education Is Rising. Will You Lead? 

Wake Tech isn’t an outlier. It’s a signal. 

As colleges and universities look to adapt to today’s learners, continuing education will play an increasingly central role. It will be the on-ramp to postsecondary access, the partner to local industry, and the engine of regional workforce readiness. 

But it can’t do that on spreadsheets. 

Wake Tech’s approach, grounded in community need, enabled by scalable infrastructure, is one that institutions of all sizes can learn from. 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going 

Whether you’re scaling an employer partnership initiative, preparing for Workforce Pell expansion, or just starting to modernize CE operations, we’d love to share what we’re learning. 

📚 Sources 
  1. Lumina Foundation and Gallup (2024). Adults Strongly Interested in Short-Term Credentials
    https://www.ccdaily.com/2024/05/adults-strongly-interested-in-short-term-credentials 
  2. University of Illinois (2025). Innovations in Online Graduate Education: The Rise of Microcredentials
    https://publish.illinois.edu/online-grad-innovation/innovations-in-online-graduate-education-the-rise-of-microcredentials 
  3. America Forward (2025). Effective Implementation of Workforce Pell: America Forward Recommendations
    https://www.americaforward.org/effective-implementation-of-workforce-pell-america-forward-recommendations 
  4. Gartner (2024). Market Guide for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Solutions, Grace Farrell & Robert Yanckello https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/5765415  
  5. Entrinsik (2025). Powering North Carolina’s Largest CE Program: Wake Tech’s Path to Scalable Enrollment
    https://entrinsik.com/enrole/wake-tech-ce-enrollment-enrole/ 
  6. UPCEA (2025). Workforce Pell Is Now Law Under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)
    https://upcea.edu/workforce-pell-is-now-law-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb 
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Building Pathways: How Pell Grants Are Transforming Continuing Education and Workforce Development

Simone McGrath Oct 16, 2025
Building Pathways: How Pell Grants Are Transforming Continuing Education and Workforce Development

Building Pathways: How Pell Grants Are Transforming Continuing Education and Workforce Development

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As higher education continues to evolve, one of the most significant and recent developments has been the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to include workforce development programs. With the implementation of "Workforce Pell" set for July 2026, institutions across the country are preparing for a fundamental shift in how federal financial aid supports continuing education and career advancement.  

For continuing education leaders, understanding these changes isn't just about policy compliance—it's about recognizing a transformative opportunity to serve new populations of learners while addressing critical workforce needs in their communities.
 

The Evolution of Pell Grant Eligibility 

Traditionally, Pell Grants have been reserved for students pursuing degrees in credit-bearing programs. However, recognizing the growing demand for skilled workers and the need for accessible pathways to career advancement, federal policy has evolved to include short-term workforce training programs.
 

What's New for 2025 and Beyond 

The current academic year has already introduced several important changes:  

Enhanced Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Students must now be enrolled at least half-time (minimum 9 credit hours) to qualify 
  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) cap has been set at approximately $17,000, ensuring aid reaches those with the greatest financial need 
  • Stricter asset considerations prevent high-net-worth families from qualifying based solely on income 

 

Workforce Pell Preview:  

Starting in July 2026, eligible workforce development programs will include: 

  • Programs lasting 8-15 weeks with at least 150 clock hours of instruction 
  • Training aligned with high-demand, high-wage sectors 
  • Programs that combine classroom instruction with paid work experience 
  • Pathways leading to recognized industry credentials 

The Opportunity for Continuing Education Programs 

This expansion represents more than policy change—it's a recognition of the critical role that continuing education plays in economic mobility and workforce development. For institutions offering non-credit programs, professional development courses, and career training, Workforce Pell opens doors to serve populations who previously couldn't access federal financial aid. 

Key Benefits for Learners 

  • Financial Accessibility: Many working adults and career changers who cannot afford traditional degree programs now have access to federal funding for shorter-term training that can immediately impact their earning potential.  
  • Reduced Time to Employment: Programs lasting 8-15 weeks offer a faster pathway to new careers or career advancement compared to traditional degree programs.  
  • Industry Alignment: The focus on high-demand sectors ensures that learners are preparing for jobs that actually exist in their local markets.  
  • Stackable Credentials: These programs can serve as building blocks toward longer-term educational goals, creating pathways for lifelong learning.

 

Preparing for Implementation: A Strategic Approach 

Institutions looking to participate in Workforce Pell should begin preparation now. Success will require careful planning, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to accountability.  

Here's where to focus your efforts: 

1. Program Audit, Alignment & Compliance

Begin by conducting a comprehensive review of existing continuing education offerings: 

  • Identify qualifying programs: Which current programs meet the 8-15 week, 150-hour criteria? 
  • Assess industry alignment: Do your programs address high-demand occupations in your regional labor market? 
  • Evaluate outcomes: What data do you currently collect on job placement rates, earnings gains, and credential attainment? 
  • Quality assurance: Develop processes to ensure programs meet both federal and state quality standards. 
  • Documentation systems: Create comprehensive records of program content, instructor qualifications, and student progress. 

2. Strengthen Industry Partnerships

Success in workforce development requires authentic employer engagement: 

  • Labor market validation: Work with local workforce boards, chamber of commerce, and economic development agencies to identify true skill gaps. 
  • Curriculum collaboration: Involve employers in program design to ensure relevance and currency. 
  • Hiring commitments: Develop pathways from program completion to employment opportunities. 

3. Marketing and Outreach Strategy

Workforce Pell will serve different populations than traditional college programs: 

  • Adult learners: Develop messaging that addresses the concerns of working adults, including scheduling flexibility and career advancement potential. 
  • Career changers: Highlight success stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned careers through short-term training. 
  • Incumbent workers: Partner with employers to offer upskilling opportunities for current employees. 

The Broader Impact on Higher Education 

Workforce Pell represents more than just an expansion of financial aid—it signals a broader recognition of the diverse pathways through which individuals can access education and improve their economic prospects. For the continuing education sector, this creates both opportunity and responsibility in three important ways: 

  1. Diversifying Revenue Streams
    Institutions facing enrollment pressures in traditional programs may find new stability through workforce development offerings. However, success will require genuine commitment to serving adult learners and meeting employer needs, not simply repackaging existing offerings. 
  2. Enhancing Community Relevance
    By aligning programs with local labor market needs, institutions can strengthen their role as economic drivers in their communities. This can lead to enhanced relationships with employers, government agencies, and community organizations. 
  3. Advancing Equity and Access
    Perhaps most importantly, Workforce Pell has the potential to advance educational equity by providing accessible pathways to economic mobility for populations traditionally underserved by higher education.
     

Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Action 

As we move toward the 2026 implementation date, continuing education leaders should: 

  • Start Planning Now: Use the lead time to build relationships, develop programs, and create necessary infrastructure for applications, evaluations and registration. 
  • Focus on Quality: Resist the temptation to rush programs to market. Success will depend on delivering genuine value to students and employers 
  • Embrace Collaboration: Work with other institutions, employers, and community organizations to create a robust workforce development ecosystem 
  • Invest in Student Success: Develop support services appropriate for adult learners, including flexible scheduling, career services, and wrap-around support 
  • Evaluate Your Enrollment & Data Systems: Ensure your technology can support the unique demands of non-traditional learners and short-term workforce programs. 

 

Conclusion 

The expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to workforce development programs represents a historic opportunity to serve new populations of learners while addressing critical economic needs. For continuing education programs, success will require strategic thinking, authentic partnerships, and a commitment to accountability.  

As we prepare for this new era, it's important to remember that Workforce Pell isn't just about accessing federal funding—it's about reimagining the role of continuing education in creating pathways to economic opportunity. Institutions that embrace this opportunity with intentionality and commitment to student success will not only benefit from new revenue streams but will also strengthen their vital role in community and economic development. The future of continuing education is bright, and Workforce Pell provides the tools to make quality education and training accessible to those who need it most. The time to prepare is now.

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Enrole provides a registration and course management solution with comprehensive reporting and dashboards designed specifically for continuing education and workforce development programs. With an integrated student e-commerce site, contract training management, attendance portal, and more, Enrole streamlines operations so you can focus on serving learners.  
Contact us to learn how we can support your Workforce Pell implementation strategy. 
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Building Sustainable Growth Models in Continuing & Workforce Education

Simone McGrath Oct 06, 2025
Building Sustainable Growth Models in Continuing & Workforce Education

Building Sustainable Growth Models in Continuing & Workforce Education

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Continuing Education (CE) and Workforce Development (WFD) programs have never been more important, or more complex than now. Institutions are expected to serve non-traditional learners, strengthen employer partnerships, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and operate efficiently while managing constrained budgets. 

The challenge for CE leaders is not just keeping programs running. The real priority is building sustainable business models that ensure long-term growth, impact, and resilience. 

Here are four strategies successful institutions are using today, backed by real-world results with the Enrole registration and reporting platform. 

1. Diversify Income Streams to Build Stability

CE programs that rely on a single revenue source face risk when funding changes or enrollment drops. Leading institutions are: 

  • Driving online self-service adoption. Registration rates reach 83% at Northwestern Health Sciences University and 60% at the University of Richmond, reducing administrative overhead and capturing revenue around the clock. 
  • Expanding into corporate partnerships. Contract training portals strengthen employer relationships and create new workforce development revenue streams. 
  • Scaling enrollment strategically. Governors State University grew from 164 to more than 1,700 students annually, a tenfold increase after implementing Enrole to streamline operations. 
  • Managing ROI at the class level. Real-time reporting identifies profitable programs and flags those that underperform. 

2. Demonstrate Educational Impact with Evidence

CE and Workforce Development leaders must prove value to stakeholders, funders, and employers. That means demonstrating outcomes, not just enrollments: 

  • Analytics and dashboards show completion rates, employment outcomes, and student satisfaction. 
  • Certification tracking validates skill development through certificate program management. 
  • Responsive program creation ensures course offerings keep pace with industry demand. 

 

3. Adapt Operations Without Sacrificing Standards

Regulatory and funding requirements are non-negotiable, but compliance should not slow innovation. CE programs are maintaining standards while adapting quickly through: 

  • Automated compliance reporting that ensures accuracy for state requirements and simplifies audits. 
  • Flexible cloud technology that supports institutional growth without large infrastructure costs. 
  • Seamless SIS integrations with systems like Banner and Colleague, keeping CE operations aligned with the broader institution.

 

4. Empower Staff and Maximize Limited Resources

Behind every successful CE program is a team that feels empowered to deliver. Institutions are boosting staff capacity by: 

  • Decentralizing program management, giving each department ownership of its programs. 
  • Automating routine tasks. At Wake Tech Community College, automation saves staff more than three hours per week, and Enrole processed 4,000+ fee-waiver registrations in six months. 
  • Leveraging student self-service portals for payments, registrations, and certificate downloads, reducing staff workload. 

Why This Matters Now 

The impact is measurable and immediate: 

  • Wake Tech has processed almost 10,000 fee-waiver registrations since implementation. 
  • Governors State University documented a 925% enrollment increase since adopting Enrole. 
  • University of Richmond reduced course creation time by 50%, freeing staff for higher-value work. 

 

These results show that modern Continuing Education software, like Enrole, allows programs to move beyond survival mode and become engines of institutional growth and community impact. 

Final Thought 

Continuing and Workforce Education has always been about meeting learners where they are. The next era will be defined by meeting institutions where they need to be: sustainable, adaptable, and impactful. 

Leaders who adopt data-driven strategies and modern platforms like Enrole will be the ones shaping the future of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. 

Want to see these strategies in action? Explore how Wake Tech, Governors State, and others are scaling CE programs with Enrole. 

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Governors State University Streamlines Enrollment and Expands Training Partnerships with Entrinsik’s Enrole

Lindsay Moran Jun 19, 2025
Governors State University Streamlines Enrollment and Expands Training Partnerships with Entrinsik’s Enrole

Governors State University Streamlines Enrollment and Expands Training Partnerships with Entrinsik’s Enrole

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Pain Points

  • Manual enrollment processes created bottlenecks and staff dependency
  • Disconnected systems made it difficult to track student data and manage finances
  • Limited team bandwidth constrained program development and responsiveness
  • Managing training partnerships was time-consuming without dedicated tools

Results

  • Scaled from 164 to over 1,700 annual enrollments, driving significant revenue growth
  • Increased operational capacity by shifting program management to a team-based model
  • Boosted staff engagement through greater autonomy and simplified tools
  • Improved data access and accuracy with centralized historical record-keeping
  • Eliminated manual transfers with seamless integration to Colleague and Blackboard
  • Enhanced student experience with intuitive, self-service registration and re-access

Entrinsik’s Enrole has transformed how we operate. Before Enrole, registration and program setup relied heavily on a single person. Now, those responsibilities are shared across our team, saving time, increasing satisfaction, and giving us the capacity to grow. Students love the shopping-cart feel, and our staff appreciate the autonomy. Enrole is a foundational part of our success.

Michelle Sebasco

Governors State University

Ready to Simplify Non-Credit Registration?

Whether you're facing manual enrollment challenges, disconnected systems, or growing demand for external partnerships,
Entrinsik’s Enrole can help.

Learn how other institutions like Governors State University are streamlining operations and expanding their impact
with a centralized, integrated solution.

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Powering North Carolina’s Largest CE Program: Wake Tech’s Path to Scalable Enrollment

Lindsay Moran Jun 16, 2025
Powering North Carolina’s Largest CE Program: Wake Tech’s Path to Scalable Enrollment

Powering North Carolina’s Largest CE Program: Wake Tech’s Path to Scalable Enrollment

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Pain Points

  • Inefficient, manual enrollment processes
  • Limited communication with prospective and returning students
  • Lack of employer support tools
  • Poor user experience leading to student confusion
  • No clear insight into failed registrations or duplicate entries

Results

  • 4,000+ fee-waived registrations processed in the first six months
  • 8-week implementation timeline
  • Seamless integration with Colleague via Ethos
  • Self-service for corporate partners
  • CRM and reporting capabilities included out of the box
  • Streamlined operations across staff, students, and industry partners

Entrinsik understood the complexity of non-credit education. Enrole gave us the modern infrastructure we needed to scale efficiently while delivering a student experience that truly reflects the Wake Tech standard.

Dr. Karen Holding-Jordan

Wake Technical Community College

Deliver a Seamless CE Experience at Scale

Wake Tech didn’t just implement a new system—they reimagined what continuing education could look like in the 21st century. By embracing a platform designed specifically for non-credit programs, the college delivered a frictionless experience for students, empowered staff, and expanded its reach. 

Want to see how your CE or workforce development program can achieve similar results?
Request a demo to explore how Enrole can streamline registration, support your staff, and elevate the learner experience.

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5 Common Pain Points That Could Impact Your CE & Workforce Development Programs’ Success

Simone McGrath Jun 16, 2025
5 Common Pain Points That Could Impact Your CE & Workforce Development Programs’ Success

5 Common Pain Points That Could Impact Your CE & Workforce Development Programs’ Success

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Continuing Education (CE) and Workforce Development (WFD) programs are vital for lifelong learning and career advancement. However, many institutions face recurring challenges that can limit program growth and participant engagement. Addressing these obstacles is critical for building a more seamless, scalable, and rewarding experience for both learners and staff. 

Here are five common pain points that could impact the success of your CE and WFD programs — and why overcoming them is essential. 

1. Fragmented Registration Processes Disrupt Enrollment
An exceptional experience is no longer optional. When registration systems are outdated, disconnected, or require multiple steps across different platforms, the entire enrollment journey becomes confusing and inefficient. This fragmentation leads to lost registrations, frustrated staff, and participants who give up before completing the process. Institutions that fail to unify and streamline their registration workflows risk losing prospective learners to more agile competitors.

How to solve this: Centralize your registration experience. A unified system that brings together enrollment, payment, and communication can eliminate confusion, reduce drop-offs, and improve efficiency for staff and learners alike. 

2. Poor User Interface Drives Frustration and Drop-Offs
A complex or non-intuitive interface is one of the most significant barriers to success. When participants and staff struggle to navigate the system, it leads to errors and abandoned registrations. This issue is compounded when the participant portal is hard to find, or the registration process requires too many clicks. A cumbersome user experience not only discourages registration but also increases support requests and administrative workload.

How to solve this: Adopt a platform with a modern, intuitive interface. Clear navigation, fewer clicks, and a mobile-friendly experience can make a big difference in participant satisfaction and registration completion rates. 

3. Manual Processes Drain Resources and Cause Errors
Many colleges still rely on staff to manually register participants using basic forms, after the student completed a registration online which is both time-consuming and prone to errors—especially during peak enrollment periods or for large groups. This inefficiency can slow down operations, making it difficult to scale programs or respond quickly to high demand.

How to solve this: Automate repetitive processes. Look for systems that support digital registration, waitlists, and communication workflows to help staff operate more efficiently and reduce human error. 

4. Disconnected Systems and Rigid Workflows Create Operational Silos
Customization and integration gaps also play a major role in limiting program effectiveness. When systems cannot be tailored to fit unique workflows or branding, there’s often a disconnect between institutional processes and participant expectations. Additionally, a lack of seamless integration with key systems, such as learning management systems (LMS), payment gateways, or communication tools, forces staff to rely on manual workarounds and can create data silos. These integration gaps decrease collaboration, complicate reporting, and limit the institution’s ability to deliver a cohesive learner experience.

How to solve this: Choose a solution that supports seamless integrations and flexible configurations. Connecting your systems reduces silos, simplifies collaboration, and provides a more cohesive experience for both staff and learners. 

5. Lack of Training, Reporting, and System Performance Undermine Success
Insufficient training and unreliable system performance can cause even the best platform to fall short. Without robust onboarding and ongoing support, users may underutilize system features. Without reliable reporting tools, it is difficult to access the insights needed for data-driven decision-making, while system errors or glitches can disrupt the participant’s experience and damage your reputation. 

How to solve this: Partner with a provider that offers strong onboarding and support. Built-in reporting, easy to create visualizations, and reliable performance are critical for informed decision-making and maintaining trust with participants and staff. 

Ready to Modernize Your CE & WFD Systems? 

If these challenges sound familiar, you're not alone. Many institutions are rethinking their tech stack in search of something purpose-built for continuing education and workforce programs. 

Enrole was designed with these exact challenges in mind—from streamlining registration and automating processes to integrating with your existing systems and supporting non-traditional learners. Whether you're aiming to reduce administrative burden, improve the participant experience, or scale your offerings, we’re here to help. 

Let’s talk about your goals and see how Enrole can support your success. 

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From Registration to Reporting: The End-to-End Value of a Modern CE Platform

Simone McGrath Jun 11, 2025
From Registration to Reporting: The End-to-End Value of a Modern CE Platform

From Registration to Reporting: The End-to-End Value of a Modern CE Platform

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Continuing Education (CE) and workforce development (WFD) programs are essential for colleges and universities seeking to diversify revenue streams, expand community engagement, and drive institutional growth. However, many institutions still rely on outdated, manual, or fragmented systems to manage the full student lifecycle—from registration to reporting. The result? Frustrated staff, missed enrollment opportunities, and limited insight into program performance.  

In this post, we’ll explore why a modern CE platform is essential for success, what features matter most, and how the right solution can transform operations from the first click to the final report. 

Why Modernize Your CE Platform? 

Today’s non-traditional learners expect a seamless, self-service experience. The 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition emphasizes the growing need for institutions to adopt flexible, learner-centered technologies and integrated digital solutions to meet evolving expectations. Students increasingly value ease of use, immediate access to their learning records, and tools that support self-directed education. 

Meanwhile, staff and administrators require modern platforms that automate manual tasks, integrate with institutional systems, and deliver actionable insights for decision-making. A modern, forward-thinking CE platform addresses these needs by: 

  • Streamlining registration and payment workflows 
  • Enabling self-service for learners and instructors 
  • Automating communications, billing, and credentialing 
  • Integrating with SIS, LMS, and payment gateways 
  • Delivering robust, real-time reporting and analytics 

 

As the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) notes in its Hallmarks of Excellence in Professional and Continuing Education, maintaining a technological environment that is "current, dependable, and capable of enhancing education, administration, and outreach" is essential to advancing CE program goals and institutional mission (UPCEA, 2025, p. 24).  

What to Look for in a Modern CE Platform 

To meet the demands of today’s learners and staff, CE and workforce development programs need more than just online registration—they need a system that connects the entire experience. From intuitive enrollment to real-time reporting, the right platform enables institutions to operate more efficiently, deliver better service, and scale with confidence. 

Here are the key capabilities that define a truly modern CE solution: 

1. Streamlined Registration and Payment
Modern CE platforms offer intuitive, mobile-friendly registration experiences that allow students to browse courses, enroll, and pay online—reducing administrative overhead. Integrated payment gateways ensure secure transactions and immediate confirmations, delivering a frictionless user experience. 

2. Self-Service Portals for Students and Instructors
Empower learners to manage their profiles, register for sessions, join waitlists, and access transcripts and certificates independently. Instructors benefit from tools that streamline attendance, grading, and communication—reducing administrative burdens. 

3. Flexible Program and Course Management
Support for diverse program structures is critical. Whether it’s contract training, workforce development, micro-credentials, or certificates, modern continuing education platforms enable easy course setup, duplication of sessions, and customizations if needed for varying learner needs.

4. Automated Communications and Credentialing
Save staff time and improve student satisfaction with automated communications, reminders, receipts, and invoices. Digital credentialing ensures that learners have quick access to certificates and transcripts—helping institutions meet evolving learner expectations.

5. Powerful Reporting and Analytics
Real-time reporting and customizable dashboards provide actionable insights into enrollment trends, revenue generation, learner outcomes, and compliance. Reporting tools like Informer enable institutions to demonstrate program impact to leadership, funders, and accrediting bodies.

6. Seamless Integration and Data Accuracy
Eliminate data silos and reduce manual entry errors with integrations to SIS, LMS, and payment systems. Seamless data flow improves operational efficiency, enhances compliance, and enables data-driven strategic planning. 

Real-World Results 

Institutions that have modernized their CE operations with Enrole report: 

  • Increased Enrollment and Revenue Generation
    Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech), the largest community college in North Carolina, processed over 4,000 fee-waived registrations within the first six months of go-live with Enrole. By replacing manual processes with a streamlined, student-first platform, Wake Tech unlocked new growth and strengthened workforce partnerships. 
  • Reduced Administrative Workload for Staff
    Governors State University (GSU) simplified registration, automated enrollment tracking, and improved workflows by integrating Enrole with Ellucian Colleague and Blackboard, significantly reducing staff workload and manual data entry. 
  • Improved Student Satisfaction and Retention
    With Enrole, Wake Tech delivered a modern, intuitive, self-service experience for students and employer partners, enhancing satisfaction and reinforcing their leadership in workforce development. 
  • Better Data for Grant Reporting and Accreditation
    GSU leveraged Enrole’s integrated reporting capabilities to improve data integrity, simplify grant reporting, and support better decision-making with real-time insights. 
  • Faster Rollout of New Programs to Meet Community and Workforce Needs
    Both Wake Tech and GSU benefited from Enrole’s flexible program management, allowing them to quickly launch new workforce and community education initiatives in response to evolving market demands. 

 

By focusing on streamlining operations, improving the learner experience, and supporting institutional goals, Enrole empowers continuing education and workforce development programs to grow and thrive. 

Why Enrole? 

Entrinsik’s Enrole is purpose-built for Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs. Unlike legacy systems, Enrole was designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of non-traditional learners and adult education programs. It provides: 

  • Streamlined, self-service registration and payment experiences 
  • Integrated reporting and analytics powered by Informer 
  • Seamless SIS, LMS, and payment systems integration 
  • Scalable, cloud-based architecture 
  • Flexibility to support diverse program types—from online learning to workforce training 
  • Native AI technology to help staff work more efficiently and serve students faster 

 

With proven success at institutions like Wake Technical Community College, Governors State University, and many others, Enrole simplifies CE operations while enhancing the learner experience. Supported by a responsive, higher-education experienced team, Enrole helps institutions increase enrollment, boost efficiency, and scale impact. 

Ready to Transform Your CE Operations? 

From registration to reporting, Enrole streamlines every step of the student lifecycle, empowers your staff, and delivers the data you need to grow. Ready to see Enrole in action?  

Schedule a discovery call with our team today! 

P.S. Curious how other institutions are succeeding with Enrole? Read our customer stories.

References 

EDUCAUSE. (2025). 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition. Retrieved from https://www.educause.edu/horizon-report-teaching-and-learning-2025 

University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). (2025). Hallmarks of Excellence in Professional and Continuing Education. Retrieved from https://upcea.edu/PCEHallmarks 

 

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How Enrole Solves Key Challenges in CE & Workforce Development Programs

Simone McGrath Dec 15, 2024
How Enrole Solves Key Challenges in CE & Workforce Development Programs

How Enrole Solves Key Challenges in CE & Workforce Development Programs

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Continuing Education (CE) departments in general face numerous challenges, often operating as underserved areas with outdated or limited tools to address their unique needs. Your potential students encounter barriers with overly complex enrollment processes and insufficient access to resources, making it difficult for them to take the next step in their education. Additionally, CE programs often struggle with integrating into existing institutional systems such as Colleague, Banner, and Peoplesoft, which can hinder effective management and communication. A lack of accessible data to identify patterns and trends further limits the potential of CE programs to become transformative educational pathways. This underscores the need for innovative solutions so you can focus on operational efficiency and strategic outcomes for your department.

Enrole: The Solution for CE & WFD Success
Enrole is a comprehensive platform that supports the growing shift towards Continuing Education (CE) and Workforce Development (WFD) as transformative alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. By offering hands-on education and essential new skills, Enrole helps institutions thrive while empowering students to achieve their goals. Here’s how Enrole addresses the top challenges faced by CE programs:


Operational Efficiency

1. Simplified Course Management
Enrole makes course management straightforward for staff, streamlines attendance tracking for faculty, and delivers a frictionless registration experience for students, ensuring everyone benefits from an intuitive system.

2.  Seamless Integration
Enrole integrates effortlessly with existing systems like Colleague, Banner, and Peoplesoft, creating an all-in-one solution for CE departments. Its support for Contract Training unlocks new business opportunities and enhances workforce readiness.

3. Quick Implementation
Enrole’s streamlined implementation process takes just 8 to 12 weeks. This includes aligning the e-commerce site with institutional branding and ensuring data consistency between systems, so institutions can get up and running with minimal disruption.

4. Centralized Processes
Enrole efficiently handles student communications, registrations, payments, invoices, and certifications within one system. Its mobile-friendly design ensures that students can engage with their education anytime, anywhere.

Strategic Outcomes 

5. Increased Revenue and Registrations
By following software best practices, Enrole helps institutions achieve a 20% increase in registrations and 30% higher revenue from premium courses. These results demonstrate Enrole’s value in driving institutional performance.

6. Reduced Administrative Workload
Enrole reduces administrative workload by up to 50%, allowing staff to focus on strategic activities like marketing and student acquisition. This makes it an ideal choice for institutions aiming for growth and efficiency.

7. Enhanced Data Analysis
Enrole’s robust reporting tools provide advanced data analysis capabilities, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical modeling. These tools enable institutions to forecast trends and make data-driven decisions.

8. Support for Growth and Innovation
By addressing the challenges of CE and WFD programs, Enrole transforms the student experience, fosters institutional growth, and supports innovation in continuing education.

Take the Next Step to Transform Your CE and WFD Programs
Ready to see real results? Learn more about Enrole Registration Management Software and start your journey toward saving time, boosting revenue, and transforming the way you deliver Continuing Education with Enrole! 

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Entrinsik’s Enrole Poised for Growing Continuing Education Market

Simone McGrath Aug 23, 2024
Entrinsik’s Enrole Poised for Growing Continuing Education Market

Entrinsik’s Enrole Poised for Growing Continuing Education Market

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A quick internet search shows there is a continuing education course for just about everything.

Southern Illinois University offers a continuing education program for crematory operators. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers continuing education in tickborne diseases like Lyme disease.
You get the point. Today’s world has something to offer to all these pursuits – and countless others.

Continuing education (CE) is a booming industry. One study showed the U.S. continuing education market would grow by an average of nearly 8% a year between 2022 and 2028, reaching more than $93 billion by 2028.

Why?

Unlike the olden days, learning today does not end with the traditional high school or college diploma. Ambitious workers choose to continue learning throughout their lives for many reasons:
• It helps them stand out in the job market and gives them a competitive advantage when pursuing new opportunities.
• It helps them advance in their careers.
• It helps them keep up with advancements in technology.

The University Professional and Continuing Education Association points out in its “Predictions 2024” that traditional residential college enrollments are declining at many colleges and universities, and that this will bring online learning and other alternative education formats to the forefront. Indeed, this is already happening at many institutions.

The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with skepticism about the value of traditional college education, is adding to the surge in interest in online learning. Experts predict that institutions that do not embrace adult learning and alternative credentials will struggle, if not be forced to shut down.

Susan Catron, UPCEA Strategic Advisor, puts it this way: “With increasing saturation of online programs, undergraduate enrollment declines, shifting learner demographics, deepening institutional financial challenges, and the movement toward credential stackability, online and professional continuing education units offer the agility and organizational competencies universities will rely on to navigate the coming revolution in higher education.”

Why Enrole?

At Entrinsik, we are ready for this revolution. If you offer continuing education, we offer Enrole registration and course management software. Continuing education is our sweet spot. Enrole staff have more than 150 combined years of experience working in and programming for the CE industry. We understand our clients’ needs and pain points. We have been there, and back.
Since Entrinsik launched Enrole in late 2014, our clients – primarily non-credit departments of colleges and universities offering workforce and professional development courses and certifications – have processed millions of registrations with Enrole. We take pride in each one, and we are ready for millions more.

Learn more about Enrole Registration Management Software.

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