COASTAL PINES TECHNICAL COLLEGE

CAREER PATH P Bridging the Skills Gap One Class at a Time

It’s no secret that in today’s world, fi nding a well-paying job is important in order to make ends meet. However, maybe one of the best-kept secrets is how many of those well-paying jobs are for working in a hands-on, skilled trade. Skilled trade jobs, such as manufacturing, welding, electronics, and industrial systems, are plentiful and widely available for candidates with a strong work ethic.

There is a need for a skilled workforce across the United States, and Wayne County is fi ghting that ba le in our own backyard. What is the reason for a shortage of skilled workers in the United States? Several factors can be associated with the rising needs for employees. One is that people are retiring out of the industry at a rapid rate with not nearly enough young workers to replace them. According to Census.gov, 10,000 Baby Boomers reach the age of 65 every day. Another reason is the view of a younger generation of seeing “skilled work” as dirty, dangerous, and physically demanding. And while that may be true of generations prior, technology has overtaken the skilled

Jesup Campus:

1777 West Cherry Street Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 427-5800 Coastalpines.edu

working environment. The days of a dirty mechanic’s shop are long gone, and are now replaced with electronic, technology-driven equipment.

So, what is the answer to closing the skills gap? The hidden gem of technical college is a sure-fi re answer, and Wayne County has this hidden gem located right inside the community. Many times, students are taught that going to a university is the path to success. And while that may be true for some students, the four-year college route is not the ideal path for everyone. Technical colleges are the answer for those kids who are interested in pu ing boots on the ground after high school graduation.

With over 21 program areas that are considered “Tuition-Free” available for students, becoming a skilled worker has never been easier. Through the HOPE Career Grant, students can apply for funding to receive a skilled education and graduate with li le to no debt and be on the road to making high wages in a short period of time. Coastal Pines Technical College’s Jesup campus has several of these programs available to students that could mean being employed in their own community in just a semester or two. Graduating with a certifi cate or diploma in Welding and Joining Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Electronics Technology, and Machine Tool Technology could mean a high-paying job is just around the corner for a potential student. |WM