Are you a high school junior or senior contemplating your next steps after graduation? Do you envision a future filled with opportunity, in a career field that’s not only in high demand but also offers competitive pay? The construction industry is booming across the United States, projecting a robust growth of nearly 4% annually for the coming years. Experts predict that by 2025, a staggering 3.5 million Manufacturing and Building Trade Jobs will need to be filled. This presents a significant opportunity for young individuals ready to enter the skilled trades.
Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) is proactively addressing this demand by offering high school seniors like you essential workplace readiness skills and a solid technical foundation. Our Career Connection Program is specifically designed to pave the way for entry into high-paying, in-demand careers within the construction and industrial sectors. It serves as an excellent stepping stone to pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and even further education at the college level.
Interested students should take note: applications are accepted in the spring of your junior year. Securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this invaluable after-school program during your senior year of high school.
Our Mission: Building Futures Through Skilled Trades Education
The core mission of the Career Connection Program is to empower high school seniors with focused, comprehensive skills training across diverse construction fields. We aim to equip you with the expertise needed to secure meaningful employment immediately after graduation, or to seamlessly transition into pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs. Beyond individual student success, our mission extends to building strong partnerships with local employers, actively contributing to the local and state economy, and tackling the critical national shortage of skilled workers. We believe in fostering a robust workforce pipeline that benefits both individuals and the community at large.
Explore Diverse Career Offerings
The Career Connection Program boasts a range of career-focused offerings, which may be adjusted annually to reflect industry needs and student interest. Please note that program availability is subject to minimum enrollment and adequate staffing. Due to the program’s popularity and hands-on nature, space is limited, and individual programs will close as capacity is reached. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location.
Program Overview: Your Pathway to a Successful Career
For nearly a century, Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) has been a cornerstone of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for residents of Camden County, New Jersey. Since 1928, we have been dedicated to providing relevant and cutting-edge training. Building on this legacy, we are thrilled to present the Career Connection Program, an exciting and innovative opportunity tailored for high school seniors.
Our Career Exploration program is structured as a rigorous and highly focused course of study encompassing various construction trades. It’s intentionally designed to offer an alternative, yet highly effective, pathway for high school seniors seeking a direct route to a fulfilling career. The program delivers robust career technical preparation in occupations that are not only in high demand but also require specialized skills. Upon completion, participants are well-prepared to directly enter the workforce, pursue valuable pre-apprenticeships or apprenticeships to further hone their skills on the job, or seamlessly continue their education at the college level.
Beyond the critical hands-on career skills you’ll acquire, the Career Connection Program places significant emphasis on developing essential workplace readiness skills. These include crucial competencies such as problem-solving, effective time management, and professional resume preparation. These skills are designed to make you not just job-ready, but also more competitive and confident when navigating the job application process and entering the professional world.
This career pathway is strategically designed to allow students to initiate their career training at the secondary level right here at CCTS. Following successful program completion, you can seamlessly transition to the post-secondary level at Camden County College (CCC) to pursue a technical degree and/or earn valuable industry-recognized credentials. This powerful combination positions you to excel in New Jersey’s highly competitive and sought-after economy.
The strong and effective partnership between Camden County College, Camden County Technical Schools, and participating area sending school districts is the bedrock of this comprehensive program. It is meticulously designed to provide high school seniors with a significant head start in their chosen career paths. The Career Connection Program offers a unique opportunity to cultivate a seamless career pathway, effectively bridging the often-perceived gap between high school academics, specialized technical school training, higher education at college, and ultimately, a successful and rewarding career.
Eligibility Requirements: Are You Ready to Connect to Your Career?
High school juniors from any high school located within Camden County are eligible to apply to participate in the Career Connection Program during their senior year. Subject to program availability and space, seniors from neighboring counties within South Jersey may also be considered for admission.
To maintain eligibility and remain in good standing within both the Career Connection Program and any associated Camden County College programs, participants must be on track to graduate high school on time, maintain a satisfactory attendance record, and adhere to a code of conduct with no disciplinary issues. These requirements ensure that participants are committed to their education and career development.
Program Benefits: Jumpstart Your Future
The Career Connection Program at CCTS significantly broadens students’ horizons, empowering them with a remarkable opportunity to gain a crucial jump-start on their future careers. For college-bound students, the program provides a richer academic background by 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 significant milestones, including:
- Obtain Entry-Level, Full-Time Employment: Graduates will possess the skills and readiness to directly enter the workforce in their chosen field of study, securing entry-level, full-time positions.
- Become Apprentices in Industrial Trade Areas: The program serves as a direct pathway to apprenticeship opportunities in various industrial trade areas, allowing for continued on-the-job learning and skill development.
- Attend the Career and Technical Institute at Camden County College: Graduates can seamlessly transition to the Career and Technical Institute at Camden County College for advanced, specialized training to further enhance their expertise.
- Enroll in Two- and Four-Year Colleges: The program provides a strong foundation for students to pursue Associate and/or Bachelor’s degrees at two- and four-year colleges, with the option to work part-time in their trained career area to gain practical experience and financial support while continuing their education.
Career Placement Assistance: Connecting You to Opportunity
Graduates of the Career Connection Program are equipped with valuable entry-level skills that are highly sought after in today’s workforce. CCTS and CCC have cultivated strong partnerships with a diverse network of stakeholders, including business owners, seasoned industry professionals, labor unions, educational agencies, civic organizations, and local government agencies. These collaborations ensure our curriculum remains relevant and cutting-edge, and that students benefit from mentorship and real-world insights.
CCTS maintains an extensive database of thousands of employers throughout New Jersey and beyond. Our dedicated Career Center provides personalized assistance to students in their job search. We offer comprehensive support, including guidance on resume creation and the development of essential workplace readiness skills, such as mastering effective interviewing techniques. Our goal is to ensure every graduate is well-prepared and confident to launch a successful and fulfilling career.
Contact Us for More Information
Ready to learn more about how the Career Connection Program can be your launchpad to a thriving career in the skilled trades? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Please email us at [email protected] or call us directly at 856-767-7000, Extension 5267. We are eager to answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Connect with your future today!
