The partnership helps adult learners advance their careers and their education by allowing career and technical training completed at the career center to apply their earned credentials toward certificate and degree programs at the college.
Washington State Community College has renewed its partnership with Washington County Career Center to help adult learners advance their education and their careers. The partnership between the two institutions allows students who have completed career and technical training at the career center to apply their earned credentials toward certificate and degree programs at the college.
According to an article on Washington State Community College’s website, Evan Schaad, who serves as the Adult Technical Training Director at the Washington County Career Center, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “This is a wonderful partnership that will benefit our adult students at the Career Center. While our primary goal remains for students to use their training to transition or advance to a great career, many may also find that as their careers grow, they want to continue in their pathway or transition into a role that may require a college degree. This partnership gives our graduates the best of both worlds, the ability to enter the workforce with valuable skills and credentials today, while knowing the training they’ve already completed can help them continue their education and advance their careers in the future.”
Students who have completed select engineering and industrial technology courses at Washington County Career Center will be able to transfer between 9 and 21 college credit hours to Washington State Community College certificate or degree that is related to the completed coursework. One example of this pathway program includes graduates of the Career Center’s Chemical Technician program receiving 15 of the 30 credits that are required to earn Washington State Community College’s Chemical Operator certificate. This gives these students a significant head start on a college certificate, saving them time and money on their journey toward a career.
Tracey Hooper-Porter, the Dean of Technology and Transfer at Washington State Community College, said, “Our local employers need a workforce that is prepared to adapt as technology and industry continue to evolve. This partnership helps meet that need by providing adult learners the opportunity to continue developing their skills while earning additional credentials. When we invest in upskilling our workforce, we’re investing in stronger businesses, stronger communities, and the long-term success of our region.”
Students who transfer their credits to Washington State Community College will have the opportunity to access financial aid, scholarships, and flexible course options, including online courses that make it easier for individuals who are working full-time to attend college and continue to advance their credentials and careers.
Jared Voldness, the Director of Engineering & Business at the college, added, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to helping students continue learning long after they complete their initial training. When educational partners work together, we strengthen our workforce, expand opportunities for adult learners, and help meet the evolving needs of employers throughout our region.”
For more information about Washington State Community College, visit the school’s website.