Are you a high school junior or senior contemplating your future after graduation? The construction industry across the United States is experiencing significant growth, projected at nearly 4% annually in the coming years. This expansion translates to a high demand for skilled professionals, with an estimated 3.5 million manufacturing and building trade jobs needing to be filled by 2025. To prepare for this promising landscape, Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) offers a valuable Career Connection Program designed to equip high school seniors with essential workplace readiness skills and a strong technical foundation. This program serves as a launchpad for high-paying, in-demand careers, pre-apprenticeships in the construction and industrial sectors, and even higher education pursuits. Interested students should apply during the spring of their junior year to secure a place in this impactful after-school program for their senior year.
What is the Career Connection Program?
The core mission of the Career Connection Program is to provide high school seniors with focused and comprehensive skills training across diverse construction fields. The program aims to empower graduates to secure meaningful employment directly after high school, or to smoothly transition into pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs. Beyond individual student success, the program is committed to building strong partnerships with local employers, contributing to both the local and state economies, and actively addressing the nationwide shortage of skilled workers in critical industries. By bridging the gap between education and industry needs, the Career Connection Program plays a vital role in workforce development.
Available Career Paths
The Career Connection Program offers a range of career-focused training options, which may be adjusted from year to year based on industry demands and student interest. The availability of specific programs is contingent upon minimum enrollment numbers and adequate staffing. Prospective students should be aware that program spaces are limited, and individual programs will close enrollment as capacity is reached. It is also important to note that transportation to and from the program is not provided by Camden County Technical Schools. To get the most up-to-date information on specific career offerings for the upcoming year, interested students are encouraged to contact the program directly.
Program Overview: An Alternative Pathway to Success
Camden County Technical Schools has a long and distinguished history of providing high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) to residents of Camden County, dating back to 1928. Building on this legacy, the Career Connection Program represents an exciting and innovative opportunity specifically designed for high school seniors. This program offers a rigorous and highly focused course of study within various construction trades, presenting an alternative pathway to success for students. It delivers robust career technical preparation for high-demand occupations requiring specialized skills. Upon graduation, program participants are well-prepared to directly enter the workforce, pursue valuable pre-apprenticeships or apprenticeships, or seamlessly continue their education at the college level. The program emphasizes not only hands-on technical skills but also crucial workplace readiness skills. Students develop essential competencies in areas such as problem-solving, effective time management, and professional resume preparation. These skills significantly enhance their competitiveness and confidence when seeking employment opportunities in today’s job market. Furthermore, this career pathway facilitates a smooth transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Students can begin their career training at CCTS and then advance to Camden County College (CCC) to earn technical degrees and industry-recognized credentials, further boosting their prospects in New Jersey’s competitive economy. The collaborative partnership between Camden County College, Camden County Technical Schools, and local sending school districts creates a comprehensive educational ecosystem. This program is specifically structured to provide high school seniors with a significant head start on their career journeys, fostering a seamless bridge between high school, technical education, college, and fulfilling, long-term careers.
Who Can Apply?
The Career Connection Program is open to high school juniors from all high schools within Camden County. Seniors from neighboring counties in South Jersey may also be eligible to apply, depending on program availability and space. To maintain eligibility throughout the program, participants must remain on track to graduate high school, maintain a satisfactory attendance record, and adhere to school disciplinary standards with no significant issues. These requirements ensure that participants are committed to the program and prepared to succeed in their chosen career path.
What are the Benefits of Joining?
Participating in the Career Connection Program at CCTS significantly broadens students’ horizons and provides a remarkable jump-start on their future. The program enriches the backgrounds of college-bound students by equipping them with practical skills and a strong work ethic, preparing them for the demands of post-secondary programs and the rigorous workload they will encounter. Upon successful completion of the Career Connection Program, students can achieve several valuable outcomes:
- Direct Employment: Graduates are equipped to obtain entry-level, full-time employment in their chosen field of study within the construction and industrial trades.
- Apprenticeship Opportunities: The program positions graduates to become apprentices in various industrial trade areas, allowing them to earn while they learn and further develop their skills on the job.
- Advanced Technical Training: Graduates can continue their education at the Career and Technical Institute through Camden County College for advanced, specialized training in their chosen field.
- Higher Education Pathways: Students can enroll in two- and four-year colleges and universities to pursue Associate and/or Bachelor’s degrees, while potentially working part-time in their trained career area to gain experience and offset educational costs.
Career Placement Support for Graduates
Graduates of the Career Connection Program possess valuable entry-level skills that make them highly competitive candidates in the workforce. CCTS and CCC have cultivated strong partnerships with a wide network of stakeholders, including business owners, industry professionals, labor unions, educational agencies, civic organizations, and local government agencies. These partnerships collaboratively inform the program curriculum and provide mentorship opportunities for students. CCTS maintains an extensive database of thousands of employers throughout New Jersey and beyond, providing a valuable resource for job seekers. Within the CCTS Career Center, dedicated staff assists students in their job search, offering personalized guidance and support. Students also receive comprehensive training in essential workplace readiness skills, including resume creation and effective interviewing techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared for a successful job search and future career.
Contact for More Information
To learn more about the Career Connection Program and how it can benefit you, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact the program team via email at [email protected] or by phone at 856-767-7000, Extension 5267.
