Beaufort County Community College is currently looking for instructors for its community service program, which is quite interesting if one were to really think about the potential behind the idea.

This fall, the college will offer sewing and small engine repair courses and will only charge students the cost of registration fees. Based on a high demand in the college’s service area, instructors are wanted to teach a wide range of courses, including Adobe Photoshop, iPad and iPhone operations, drawing, digital photography, floor covering and tile installation, French and Spanish conversation, painting, piano, pet grooming, stock market basics, self defense, guitar, minor hope repair and many more, according to BCCC Division of Continuing Education Vice President Stacey Gerard.

The concept of an individual being proficient or even an expert in something as simple, or complicated, in some cases, as operating an iPhone and having a way to pass that knowledge on to a dozen or more other individuals without having a degree or being certified by some test is a unique opportunity. These personal interest courses are a great tool — for students and instructors.

Take small engine repair, for example — an individual could want to work at a small engine shop or wish to be a freelance lawn mower and weed eater repairman and lack enough experience or knowledge to be able to do so. By taking the small engine repair course and receiving a certificate of completion, that individual may well have opened the door to be able to get that job or pick up those clients.

Now, from an instructor’s point of view, not only do the positions offer part-time, paid employment, but these courses could allow that instructor to pass on a specific gift or hobby he or she has acquired over the years without having to possess a teaching degree.

And the possibilities are endless. The instructor comes up with a lesson plan, more or less, and proposes the coursework to Clay Carter, director of Community Services at BCCC. As long as there is a demand for something an instructor wants to teach, then the course is berthed.

The idea of having personal interest courses at the local college is ultimately an invaluable community networking tool that opens up the “If I know something, I will teach you, and if you know something, you teach me,” philosophy.