News Summary
Trident Technical College is enhancing its Future Ready Certificate program, aimed at preparing high school students for careers in technical fields. With promising early outcomes from a pilot phase, the program is expanding to accommodate more students. It offers practical skills, academic credits, and real-world industry exposure, helping guide students toward rewarding careers while addressing local workforce challenges. The initiative is expected to motivate students to pursue various trades and technical careers, supported by industry funding and partnerships.
Columbia, SC – Trident Technical College Expands Program to Prepare High School Students for Trades Careers
Trident Technical College is increasing efforts to prepare high school students for careers in trades and technical fields with the expansion of its Future Ready Certificate program. The program aims to equip students with practical skills, relevant experience, and academic credits that can propel them into workforce opportunities or further education.
Successful Pilot Phase and Early Outcomes
The program, which first launched with a group of high school students from Berkeley County, has already demonstrated promising results. Of the initial ten participants, nine have chosen specific career pathways after completing the courses in May. This early success highlights the program’s potential to influence student decisions and career trajectories positively.
Among the program’s recent graduates, one secured an apprenticeship with Boeing, a major aerospace manufacturer, while another plans to study air conditioning and refrigeration. A third student enlisted in the military to undergo mechanical assembly training. These varied career choices reflect the program’s broad focus on various technical fields and trades essential to local industries.
Program Structure and Content
The Future Ready Certificate program lasts for 18 weeks and encompasses four courses that emphasize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. Students learn critical skills through hands-on projects, such as building go-karts, which teach precision measuring, basic electricity, circuit design, assembly, and data collection. These activities are designed to foster problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities vital for technical careers.
Participation in the program results in students earning academic credits that count toward their high school graduation requirements, as well as credits that can be applied toward a South Carolina technical college degree. This dual benefit encourages students to consider both immediate workforce entry and continued education.
Program Expansion and Broader Goals
Building on initial success, the college plans to expand the program for the upcoming semester. The number of eligible students will increase from 10 to 20, now including juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties. This expansion aims to reach more students who may lack clear direction after high school and motivate them toward rewarding careers in manufacturing and technical fields.
The program also involves students touring local employers such as Mercedes-Benz to observe real-world applications of their studies. Such exposure has inspired some students to pursue further education, like automation engineering at Wofford College, underscoring the program’s impact on student motivation and awareness of career pathways.
Funding and Industry Support
The Future Ready program is funded by organizations including the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing. This financial support enables the college to offer the program at no charge to students, removing financial barriers to participation.
Scott Stocker, general manager of Boeing’s 787 program in South Carolina, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled workers through engagement and hands-on training initiatives like this, reinforcing the program’s alignment with local workforce development needs.
Upcoming Information and Enrollment Opportunities
Looking ahead, Trident Technical College plans to host an information session for parents and students in the days before the new school year begins. The program’s opening dates for various districts are scheduled for early August, providing students with the opportunity to enroll and prepare for their careers in trades and technical fields.
Background Context
The initiative addresses a significant local workforce challenge, as last year, over 4,000 high school graduates across the tri-county area did not continue their education at public colleges. These students constitute over half of all public school seniors, highlighting the importance of programs like Future Ready in providing viable career pathways and reducing gaps in skilled labor supply.
By providing practical, STEM-based training and industry exposure, Trident Technical College’s expanded program endeavours to motivate students, fill workforce needs, and foster economic growth within the region’s trades and manufacturing sectors.
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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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