News Summary
Trident Technical College is broadening its Future Ready Certificate program to include more high school students from Charleston and Dorchester counties. This initiative addresses workforce needs in manufacturing and technical fields by guiding students toward promising career pathways. The program’s initial success is evident, with many participants securing apprenticeships and pursuing further education. With community support and hands-on training, this expansion aims to equip young individuals for high-demand careers, ultimately strengthening the local economy.
Columbia, SC – Trident Technical College Expands Future Ready Certificate Program to Prepare High School Students for Careers in Trades and Technical Fields
Trident Technical College is broadening its Future Ready Certificate program to include more high school juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties. The initiative aims to direct students toward promising careers in manufacturing, trades, and technical fields, addressing a significant workforce need in the area.
Successful Beginning with Positive Outcomes
The program has already seen success with its initial group of high school students from Berkeley County. Since completing the intensive 18-week courses in May, nine out of ten participants have chosen specific career pathways. This notable engagement illustrates the program’s effectiveness in guiding students toward practical professions.
Among the recent graduates, one secured an apprenticeship opportunity with Boeing, a leading aerospace manufacturer, highlighting industry interest in developing skilled labor through the program. Another student plans to further their education in air conditioning and refrigeration, while a third enlisted in the military to receive training in mechanical assembly. These outcomes demonstrate the program’s potential to serve as a stepping stone for various career routes, including military service and advanced technical training.
Program Details and Curriculum Focus
The Future Ready Certificate program runs for 18 weeks and offers four courses emphasizing essential STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts. The curriculum also emphasizes problem-solving and communication skills—competencies crucial in today’s workplace.
Students participate in hands-on projects such as building a go-kart, which allows them to practice skills including precision measuring, circuit understanding, electricity basics, assembly, and data collection. These practical experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, preparing them for technical positions or further education.
Academic Benefits and Workforce Alignment
Completing the program grants participating high school students academic credits applicable toward both their high school graduation requirements and a South Carolina technical college degree. This integration provides a streamlined pathway to post-secondary education and employment.
The program is designed to spark interest among students who may lack clear direction after high school. The dean of manufacturing and maintenance, responsible for the initiative, highlights the importance of motivating students to explore careers in industry sectors experiencing high demand for skilled workers.
Community Engagement and Industry Support
In addition to classroom instruction, students gain exposure to the manufacturing environment through tours of local employers such as Mercedes-Benz. These visits demonstrate real-world applications of their studies and inspire students to pursue further education and training, including programs at institutions like Wofford College focusing on automation.
The program’s funding originates from major partners including the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing. This sponsorship allows students to participate at no cost, eliminating financial barriers and encouraging broader engagement.
Industry Perspectives and Future Expansion
Representatives from participating companies, including Scott Stocker, general manager of Boeing’s 787 program in South Carolina, underscore their commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled workers through hands-on training and industry engagement. Their involvement signals the program’s alignment with local workforce development goals.
An upcoming information session will be held to introduce parents and students to the program’s benefits and enrollment procedures. The program will officially open for various schools in early August, coinciding with the start of the new school year across the tri-county region.
Background Context and Workforce Needs
Last year, Trident Tech identified over 4,000 high school graduates in the tri-county area who did not pursue further education at public colleges, representing more than half of all public school seniors. This data emphasizes the importance of programs like Future Ready, which aim to provide alternative pathways into meaningful careers and reduce workforce shortages in manufacturing and technical industries.
Through continued expansion and industry partnerships, Trident Technical College seeks to equip more young people with the skills necessary for high-demand careers, thereby strengthening the local economy and supporting industry growth.
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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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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
