As layoffs continue to happen in the Triangle, those in the high-tech field are looking for ways to keep themselves employed.

For some, that means going back to school to obtain new skills or certifications.

And In Durham, there’s a school that caters to those techies in the I.T. field.

“For the most part everyone who comes through our doors are career changers,” said Brett Kunkle, the career advisor at New Horizons Computer Learning Center.

On Thursday night, new students were  getting to know one another, because that's as crucial as learning new skills.

“Networking is everything. You have to know someone,’’ said  student Jason Brown.

Techies find that many of the jobs they're looking for are never advertised. As a result the networking At New Horizons, or the job placement services help them find the position they need.

“We do everything from writing and tweaking the resume to sitting down with intense interview coaching, to helping them with leads,” said Kunkle.

Many attending the classes are looking for a leg up on other applicants. And they find that through certification courses.

“It proves to employers that you have the ability to learn the skills you need to do the work on a daily basis,” said Brown.

And those who aren't in the workforce yet tend to stay away as NBC-17 found when we spoke to officials at N.C. State's engineering school.

“When the economy struggles, we do see many many undergraduates decide to go to graduate school when private sector jobs aren't as abundant as they are,” said Brian Koehler of the N.C. State engineering program.

Add to that the fact that this time of year is traditionally a slow period for hiring and you can see why folks are looking for ways to make themselves better applicants.