Trident Technical College Expands Future Ready Certificate Program

Charleston, SC, July 30, 2025

News Summary

Trident Technical College is expanding its Future Ready Certificate program to accommodate more high school students seeking careers in technical fields. The program, which has seen a high success rate among its inaugural participants, offers hands-on learning experiences in STEM concepts and essential skills. With increased capacity for the upcoming semester, students will engage in practical projects and industry tours, preparing them for fulfilling careers while earning academic credits eligible for graduation and technical college degrees.

Charleston, SC – Trident Technical College is expanding its Future Ready Certificate program to better equip high school students for careers in trades and technical fields. This initiative, which aims to provide guidance for students uncertain about their future post-graduation, has recorded impressive results, with nine out of ten inaugural participants selecting career pathways after completing their courses in May.

The Future Ready program will increase its capacity from 10 to 20 students for the upcoming semester, now welcoming high school juniors and seniors from Charleston and Dorchester counties. The 18-week program includes four courses that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts, along with essential skills such as problem-solving and communication.

Demand for skilled labor in the industrial and manufacturing sectors remains high, and the Future Ready program directly addresses this need. Students engage in practical projects, such as assembling a go-kart, which helps them develop crucial skills like precision measuring, electrical circuitry, basic assembly, and data collection. Upon completion, participants earn academic credits that contribute toward their high school graduation and qualify for a South Carolina technical college degree.

Among the first graduates of the program, one secured an apprenticeship with Boeing, another plans to study air conditioning and refrigeration, and a third has enlisted in the military for mechanical assembly training. These successes highlight the program’s effectiveness in guiding students towards fulfilling careers.

To foster further interest and motivation among students who may lack direction after high school, an information session about the Future Ready Certificate program is scheduled for parents and students shortly before the new school year. This session is particularly timely, as Trident Tech identified over 4,000 high school graduates in the tri-county area last year who did not go on to enroll in public colleges—representing more than half of all public school seniors.

Students participating in the program also experience real-world applications of their studies through tours of local employers, including Mercedes-Benz, which further inspires them to continue their education, for instance, in automation at Wofford College. The Future Ready program is facilitated at no cost to students thanks to funding from the Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, and Boeing.

As the general manager of Boeing’s 787 program in South Carolina conveys, the company is committed to developing the next generation of skilled workers through hands-on engagement and training, emphasizing the importance of programs like Future Ready.

Key Components of the Future Ready Certificate Program

• Duration: 18 weeks
• Eligible Students: High school juniors and seniors
• Location: Trident Technical College
• Focus: STEM-based courses and essential skills development
• Industry Tours: Exposure to real-world applications
• Funding Sources: Bosch Community Fund, Volvo, Boeing
• Academic Credits: Applicable towards high school graduation and technical college degrees

Conclusion

The Future Ready Certificate Program at Trident Technical College has made significant strides in guiding students toward meaningful careers in technical and trade fields. With an expansion for the upcoming semester and a commitment to supporting students’ paths, the program stands as a vital resource in addressing workforce shortages in the region.

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Additional Resources

• SC Daily Gazette: Trident Tech Expanding STEM Program
• Wikipedia: Career Education
• Count On 2: Goose Creek High School Trade Skills
• Google Search: Trade Skills in High School
• Forbes: Dual Enrollment Education
• Google Scholar: Dual Enrollment Education
• Business Wire: ISACA Board of Directors Announcement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College