NCC Partners with N-RMPS in Career & Technical Education
More than 900 eighth through twelfth grade students and parents visited Nash Community College's Brown Auditorium during the annual Career and Technical Education Open House last night. The event exposed students and parents to vocational classes offered through Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools that align with programs offered at Nash Community College.
Booths and demonstrations gave attendees a taste of available classes and programs of study. Representatives from local business and industry shared information about their organizations and the importance of a skilled and educated workforce.
"Before we began hosting the Showcase, middle school and high school students and parents always asked about the College's vocational programs. Sometimes emphasis is given to the four-year university track and students and parents are left wondering about other options," NCC Associate Dean of Student and Enrollment Services Wil van der Meulen said. Over sixty percent of Nash Community College's current students are receiving vocational training.
Career and technical education, or vocational training, prepares students for employment in healthcare, public safety, welding, machining, computer networking, culinary arts, electric lineman technology and many other fields. Many of these fields are more sustainable, offer more job openings, competitive starting salaries, and continue to grow in demand for workers.
Beginning next spring, a new statewide program, "Career and College Promise", will offer structured opportunities for qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll in community college courses that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree and provide entry-level jobs skills. Credit earned through the program will enable students graduating from high school to complete a postsecondary credential in less time than would normally be required.
Nash Community College partners with Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools to train students for success in life. "We realize parents are a huge factor in determining the plan for their child. That's why we want them to see firsthand, the options their students have, in both vocational education and college transfer," van der Meulen said.
