News Summary
Trident Technical College is increasing its Future Ready Certificate program’s capacity from 10 to 20 students, targeting juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties. The 18-week program equips high school students with critical STEM skills and hands-on experience, successfully guiding participants toward career pathways in trades and technical fields, evidenced by a high post-program employment rate. With support from local companies, the initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers while offering students academic credits toward their high school graduation and potential college degrees.
North Charleston, SC – Trident Technical College is set to expand its Future Ready Certificate program for high school students, which has already shown promising results in guiding participants toward careers in trades and technical fields. Beginning in the upcoming semester, the program will increase its capacity from 10 to 20 eligible students, opening its doors to both juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties.
The Future Ready Certificate program, designed for students uncertain about their post-graduation career paths, runs for 18 weeks and includes four courses that emphasize critical science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts, as well as essential problem-solving and communication skills. Since its launch, the program has seen remarkable success, with nine out of ten participating students choosing career pathways after completing the courses in May.
One of the highlighted successes includes a recent graduate who secured an apprenticeship with Boeing. Another student has decided to pursue studies in air conditioning and refrigeration, while a third has enlisted in the military to receive mechanical assembly training. These outcomes underscore the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for future employment opportunities.
The demand for skilled workers in the industrial and manufacturing sectors is increasing, making the Future Ready program crucial in addressing workforce needs. David Perkins, the assistant dean of manufacturing and maintenance at Trident Technical College, emphasizes that the program plays a vital role in filling this gap and equipping students with relevant skills.
Hands-on projects are a cornerstone of the program, providing students with experiential learning opportunities. For instance, participants engage in activities such as building go-karts, which teach them valuable skills in precision measuring, circuits, basic electricity, assembly, and data collection. As a result, students not only acquire knowledge but also practical experience that is highly relevant in today’s job market.
Students who successfully complete the program earn academic credits that can be applied toward high school graduation and contribute to a South Carolina technical college degree. This dual benefit of receiving both academic recognition and career training enhances the program’s appeal to students seeking direction after high school.
Robert Elliott, the dean of manufacturing and maintenance, points out that a key objective of the Future Ready program is to ignite interest and motivation among students who feel adrift about their futures. Last year, Trident Technical College identified over 4,000 high school graduates in the tri-county area who did not pursue further education at public colleges, a statistic that accounted for more than half of all public school seniors in the region. This highlights the importance of initiatives like the Future Ready program in guiding students toward fulfilling career pathways.
To enhance the educational experience, students also have the opportunity to tour local employers, such as Mercedes-Benz. These tours allow students to observe real-world applications of their studies, further motivating them to consider additional education options, such as automation at Wofford College. Engagement with local industries serves to bridge the gap between academic theories and practical applications, enhancing students’ understanding of the job market.
Funding for the Future Ready program is generously provided by the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing, allowing students to participate in the program at no cost. This financial support facilitates accessibility and ensures that students from various backgrounds can benefit from the training offered.
In advance of the new academic year, an information session about the Future Ready Certificate program will be held for parents and students in the tri-county area. This session is intended to provide insights and details about the program, with opening dates for various school districts set for early August.
As the Future Ready Certificate program grows, it continues to fulfill its mission of guiding high school students toward valuable career opportunities, ultimately contributing to a stronger workforce in South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: Trident Tech Expanding STEM Program
- Wikipedia: Career Education
- Count On 2: Goose Creek High School Trade Skills
- Google Search: Trade Skills in High School
- Forbes: Dual Enrollment Education
- Google Scholar: Dual Enrollment Education
- Business Wire: ISACA Board of Directors Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
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