News Summary
Trident Technical College is expanding its Future Ready Certificate program to accommodate more high school students from Charleston and Dorchester counties. The program’s capacity will grow from 10 to 20 students, helping them explore careers in trades and technical fields. The initiative has already seen success, with nine out of ten recent graduates securing career paths, including apprenticeships and military enlistment. Supported by funding from major companies, the program includes hands-on projects and industry tours to enhance students’ learning experiences.
Charleston, SC – Trident Technical College is set to expand its Future Ready Certificate program, which has proven instrumental in guiding high school students towards promising careers in trades and technical fields. The upcoming semester will see the program’s capacity increase from 10 to 20 students, welcoming both juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties, in addition to previously enrolled Berkeley County high school students.
The program aims to support students contemplating their post-graduation pathways. Recent data reveals that nine out of the first ten participants who completed the program in May have successfully chosen career paths. Notable outcomes include one graduate securing an apprenticeship with Boeing, another intending to study air conditioning and refrigeration, and a third enlisting in the military for mechanical assembly training.
Over the course of 18 weeks, students engage in four courses designed to enhance their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). They also develop essential skills in problem-solving and communication. The curriculum involves hands-on projects, such as building a go-kart, enabling learners to grasp critical concepts, including precision measuring, basic electricity, and data collection. Completing the program not only equips students with valuable skills but also provides them with academic credits that count toward high school graduation and can be applied to a South Carolina technical college degree.
With the increasing demand for skilled workers in industrial and manufacturing sectors, the Future Ready Certificate program plays a vital role in addressing workforce needs. Trident Technical College data highlights that over 4,000 high school graduates in the tri-county area last year opted not to continue their education at public colleges, representing more than half of public school seniors.
The program is supported by funding from organizations like the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing, enabling students to participate free of charge. To further enrich the experience, students also tour local employers, including Mercedes-Benz, to witness practical applications of their studies. This exposure has inspired some students to consider further educational pursuits, such as automation studies at Wofford College.
To inform interested students and their parents about the Future Ready Certificate program, an information session will be scheduled shortly before the school year begins in the tri-county area, coinciding with opening dates for various districts in early August. Robert Elliott, the dean of manufacturing and maintenance, emphasizes the program’s focus on igniting interest and motivation among students who may feel uncertain about their future.
Scott Stocker, general manager of Boeing’s 787 program in South Carolina, reaffirmed Boeing’s commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled laborers. Through a combination of engagement and hands-on training, partnerships like Boeing’s with educational programs help ensure a strong workforce in the years to come.
As Trident Technical College continues to enhance its Future Ready Certificate program, it stands as a beacon for high school students seeking direction and better opportunities in the workforce.
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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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