Trident Technical College Expands Future Ready Certificate Program

Students gain practical skills in a hands-on environment as part of the Future Ready Certificate Program.

News Summary

Trident Technical College is expanding its Future Ready Certificate program, which guides high school students towards trades and technical careers. The program will increase capacity from 10 to 20 students, targeting juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties. Emphasizing STEM education and hands-on training, students will learn essential skills and engage in practical projects, unveiling pathways to career opportunities in manufacturing. Funding from local businesses supports student participation at no cost, making this initiative a crucial step in shaping future skilled workers.

Trident Technical College Expands Future Ready Certificate Program

Charleston, SC – Trident Technical College is set to expand its Future Ready Certificate program, designed to guide high school students toward careers in trades and technical fields. The program has demonstrated success among Berkeley County students, with nine out of the first ten completers choosing career pathways since their graduation in May.

As part of the expansion, the program will increase its capacity from 10 to 20 students for the upcoming semester, now welcoming high school juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties. The initiative aims to provide students with valuable skills and opportunities in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

The Future Ready program runs for 18 weeks and features four courses focusing on fundamental concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It emphasizes not just technical skills but also promotes problem-solving and communication abilities among participants.

Recent graduates of the program have successfully launched their careers. For instance, one student secured an apprenticeship with Boeing, while another has opted to pursue studies in air conditioning and refrigeration. A third graduate has chosen to enlist in the military for mechanical assembly training.

Workforce Demand and Student Engagement

According to David Perkins, the assistant dean of manufacturing and maintenance at Trident Technical College, the demand for industrial and manufacturing employees is high. The Future Ready program addresses this workforce need by equipping students with essential skills and hands-on experience.

Throughout the program, students engage in practical projects, such as building a go-kart, which teaches them critical skills like precision measuring, circuits, electricity fundamentals, assembly techniques, and data collection. Completing the program not only earns students academic credits applicable toward high school graduation but also contributes toward a South Carolina technical college degree.

Robert Elliott, the dean of manufacturing and maintenance, highlights that the program’s main aim is to ignite interest and motivation among students who may feel uncertain about their paths after high school. Last year, a staggering 4,000 high school graduates in the tri-county area opted not to pursue further education at public colleges, representing over half of all public school seniors.

Real-World Exposure and Support

To enhance student engagement and motivation, some program participants have toured local employers, such as Mercedes-Benz, allowing them to observe real-world applications of their studies. These experiences have inspired students, leading some to consider further educational opportunities, such as automation studies at Wofford College.

Funding for the Future Ready program is generously provided by the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing, enabling students to participate at no cost. The program’s implementation reflects Boeing’s commitment to developing the next generation of skilled workers through engagement and hands-on training.

Upcoming Information Session

An information session about the Future Ready Certificate program will be held for parents and students shortly before the school year begins in the tri-county area, with opening dates for various districts scheduled for early August. This initiative represents a significant step forward in preparing young individuals for successful careers in the technical and trades sectors.