Are you a high school junior or senior looking to gain a competitive edge and step into a promising career path right after graduation? The construction industry is booming across the United States, projecting nearly 4% annual growth in the coming years. By 2025, an estimated 3.5 million Manufacturing and Building Trade jobs will need to be filled. This demand presents a significant opportunity for skilled individuals ready to enter the workforce.
Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) is addressing this need by offering high school seniors an invaluable program: the Career Connection Program. This initiative is designed to equip students with essential workplace readiness skills and the technical foundation necessary to thrive in high-demand, high-paying careers within the construction and industrial sectors. It also serves as a strong stepping stone for pre-apprenticeships and even college entry.
Understanding the Career Connection Program
The Career Connection Program at CCTS is a focused, after-school program specifically for high school seniors. It provides comprehensive skills training in various construction fields, aiming to directly connect graduates with meaningful employment or pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship opportunities upon graduation. The program also actively builds partnerships with local employers, contributing to the local and state economy while tackling the national skilled worker shortage.
With a history of providing Career and Technical Education (CTE) to Camden County residents since 1928, CCTS leverages decades of expertise to offer this rigorous Career Exploration program. It’s an alternative pathway for seniors seeking hands-on career technical preparation in highly skilled, in-demand occupations. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce immediately, pursue apprenticeships, or continue their education at the college level.
Skills and Benefits You’ll Gain
Participants in the Career Connection Program acquire more than just hands-on trade skills. The curriculum emphasizes essential workplace readiness competencies. Students develop critical problem-solving abilities, master time management, and learn crucial resume preparation and interview techniques. These skills ensure graduates are not only technically proficient but also highly competitive and confident when entering the job market.
This program fosters a seamless career pathway. Students can begin their technical training at CCTS during their senior year and then smoothly transition to Camden County College (CCC) for post-secondary technical degrees or industry-recognized credentials. This articulation agreement provides a significant advantage in New Jersey’s competitive economy. The partnership between CCTS, CCC, and area high schools creates a comprehensive bridge linking high school, technical training, college, and successful careers.
Eligibility and How to Apply
High school juniors from any Camden County high school are eligible to apply for the Career Connection Program for their senior year. Seniors from surrounding South Jersey counties may also be considered based on program availability. To maintain eligibility, students must be on track to graduate, maintain good attendance, and have a clean disciplinary record.
Interested students should apply in the spring of their junior year to secure a place in the after-school program for their senior year. Space is limited, and programs may close as capacity is reached. Note that transportation is not provided.
Career Placement and Future Opportunities
Graduates of the Career Connection Program gain entry-level skills that are highly sought after by employers. CCTS and CCC collaborate with business owners, industry professionals, labor unions, educational institutions, civic groups, and local government agencies to ensure the curriculum is relevant and industry-aligned.
CCTS actively assists students in finding employment through its Career Center, which maintains a database of thousands of New Jersey and regional employers. Students receive guidance on resume creation and develop essential interviewing skills to maximize their job search success. Upon successful completion of the program, students can secure full-time entry-level employment, become apprentices in industrial trades, pursue advanced training at the Career and Technical Institute through Camden County College, or enroll in two- and four-year colleges while working part-time in their trained career field.
Ready to Connect with Your Future Career?
For more information about the Career Connection Program and how it can jumpstart your career in the skilled trades, contact [email protected] or call 856-767-7000, Ext. 5267.
