News Summary
Trident Technical College will double the number of participants in its Future Ready Certificate program to equip high school students with trade skills and career pathways. The program, which includes STEM-focused courses and hands-on projects, aims to guide students uncertain about their post-graduation paths. With notable successes, such as students securing apprenticeships with major corporations, the expansion reflects the growing demand for skilled workers in the region.
Charleston, SC – Trident Technical College is set to expand its Future Ready Certificate program, which aims to equip high school students with essential skills for careers in trades and technical fields. The program is designed for students who are uncertain about their paths after graduation and focuses on promoting education in critical sectors.
Since its launch, the program has demonstrated impressive results, with nine out of the first ten participants choosing to follow specific career pathways after completing their courses in May. A notable success story includes a student who secured an apprenticeship with Boeing, while another plans to study air conditioning and refrigeration. A third participant has enlisted in the military to receive training in mechanical assembly. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the program in providing students with actionable skills and guidance.
For the upcoming semester, Trident Technical College will increase the number of eligible students in the Future Ready Certificate program from 10 to 20, allowing high school juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties to participate. This expansion indicates a growing recognition of the need for such career-focused educational opportunities in the region.
The Future Ready program is an 18-week course comprising four classes that emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts. Alongside these subjects, the program develops problem-solving and communication skills through hands-on projects, including the construction of a go-kart. This project helps students learn precision measuring, basic electricity, assembly techniques, and data collection methods, all of which are vital in today’s job market.
The significance of this program is underscored by the increasing demand for skilled industrial and manufacturing employees, as noted by David Perkins, the assistant dean of manufacturing and maintenance at Trident Technical College. The program seeks to fill the workforce gaps present in these fields while also providing participating students with a strong foundation in relevant skills.
High school students completing the program will receive academic credits that count toward high school graduation as well as credits applicable toward a technical college degree in South Carolina. It is part of Trident Technical College’s broader objective to inspire and motivate students who may lack direction after high school. Last year, over 4,000 high school graduates in the tri-county area did not pursue further education at public colleges, representing more than half of all public school seniors.
In addition to classroom learning, some students participate in tours of local employers, such as Mercedes-Benz, where they can see real-world applications of their studies. These experiences can inspire further education opportunities, including automation studies at neighboring institutions like Wofford College.
Funding for the Future Ready program is provided by several organizations, including the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing. This financial support ensures that students can access the program at no charge, which reduces barriers to entry for those interested in gaining trade skills.
An information session is scheduled to be held shortly before the beginning of the school year for parents and students in the tri-county area. This session will provide details about the Future Ready Certificate program, with classes set to commence in early August across various school districts.
As Trident Technical College works to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, the Future Ready Certificate program stands as a vital resource for high school students seeking direction and opportunities in trades and technical careers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Collins High School Appoints New Head Football Coach
Texas Tech Football Sees Surge in Recruitment
KFN Launches Venue Collective for New York Fashion Week
NYC Theatrical Production Tax Credit Program Faces Crisis
Mamdani Leads Competitive Race for NYC Mayor
New York Ranks Tenth for Minority-Owned Businesses
Rainbow Launches Restaurant Program in New York City
New York City Emerges as a Leading Tech Hub
New York’s Green Energy Sector Faces Uncertainty
Utica University Announces Restructuring Plan to Improve Enrollment
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
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
