6 minute read
EDUCATION
The “Center” of Bay County Career Technical Education Becomes a College
After more than fifty years as the “center” of career technical education (CTE) in northwest Florida, Tom P. Haney Technical Center has announced its name change to Tom P. Haney Technical College.
The school has prepared thousands of students for successful careers in the skilled labor market over the years, and now it has joined the ranks of other area schools to be recognized as a collegiate post-secondary institution. The potential this name change will have for Haney’s student access, interest and enrollment is very exciting.
The new name reflects the changing attitudes toward career technical education and professions in the skilled workforce. The acknowledgment of the critical need for skilled workers and the successful high-wage career opportunities available nationwide as well as recognition of the equity in program difficulty and job outcomes with traditional colleges led to the current national trend in rebranding career training centers as colleges. This will enhance the school’s ability to attract a younger student demographic, especially recent high school graduates, to enroll. “I feel like the work we do at Haney Technical College is so important,” said Ann Leonard, Director of Haney Technical Center. “It can be life changing for our students and their families, while at the same time contributing to the success of Bay County and our local community.”
Rebranding the school comes at a perfect time as the campus will be getting a major facelift in the next couple of years after suffering devastating damage from Hurricane Michael.
The storm’s silver lining has provided a timely opportunity for the school to upgrade its facilities. Four of the school’s nine buildings will be demolished in the next several months, and two new buildings will be completed in two phases. The first building will be located at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Highway 77.
A state-of-the-art two-story building along a major traffic corridor will bring increased visibility. This new 28,000 square foot building will house school administration, medical programs such as Practical Nursing and Massage Therapy, and business programs for IT, medical office staff, and administrative assistant training. The
Administrative Office Specialist Automotive Collision Technology Technician Automotive Service Technology 1 & 2 Welding Technology - Advanced
Aviation Powerplant Mechanics Aviation Airframe Mechanics Cosmetology Computers Systems & Electrician Information Technology
Marine Service Technologies Electricity Medical Administrative Specialist Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration Welding Technology (HVAC/R) 1 & 2
Massage Therapy Practical Nursing
construction will allow for the possibility of expanding current programs or adding new programs that are in regional high demand. Currently, the college has outgrown its available space, so the new construction will incorporate the latest technology and provide the facilities and equipment specifically designed to meet the current and future needs of industry partners.
As a key provider of skilled employees for the region, the college offers 18 career technical education programs serving Bay, Jackson, Washington, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton Counties.
Over the past five years, Haney has had an overall average program completion rate of 84 percent and an average job placement rate in the students’ field of study of 85 percent. The school’s mission is to provide educational opportunities for all students and the training necessary to meet the needs and standards of today’s changing global workplace.
CTE programs put an emphasis on career-readiness because they focus on important employability and technical skills that are in high demand.
With hands-on learning and nationally-recognized certification opportunities, Haney offers the training necessary to meet the employment requirements of local and regional manufacturers and businesses who require skilled workers and addresses the current skills gap for in-demand careers requiring specialized training. Most programs are designed to prepare students to pass industry credentials such as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for Practical Nurses or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses for aviation mechanics which are recognized at the state, national, or international level. An onsite Pearson-Vue testing center offers hundreds of testing options to students and to the community ranging from the GED® to industry certifications and licensure examinations.
The stigma surrounding career technical education is diminishing as more and more people discover the benefits of CTE. Schools traditionally push all students toward college or the military, but area high schools are beginning to promote the benefits of skilled labor and technical college to their graduates. Bay County high school students can dual enroll at Haney with no tuition cost while earning academic credit at their home school. Each year, local dual-enrolled (DE) students can spend part of each day at Haney learning the hands-on skills that will prepare them for the workforce, while completing high school requirements at their high school. The DE credits carry a weighted GPA and allow motivated students to gain workforce-ready skills that ensure they are ready to begin their career immediately after graduation.
The college also serves as a valuable resource for adult learners. Haney students range from recent high school graduates to military veterans to people who are looking for a first or second career. The average age of a Haney student is 28, and there is a fairly equal balance of males and females. No prior experience or school credentials are required for the majority of Haney’s programs, but sometimes past work experience credit can be granted to decrease the amount of time in the program. In addition to CTE, preparation for the GED® is offered as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Many students use the GED® or ESOL instruction as a springboard to begin their career paths in one of their professional programs.
There are many benefits to career technical education. All of Haney’s programs can be completed in one to two years. Small class sizes lead to individualized instruction with a balance between classroom foundational knowledge and the majority of time spent in the labs doing hands-on learning. Student labs simulate a real-world shop that meets the industry standard for equipment, supplies, and projects. Each program has an advisory board made up of local and regional business owners who are experts in the industry. This partnership ensures the programs prepare students for the demands of the career field and offers a pipeline of job opportunities for program graduates. Due to critical employee shortages, many of Haney’s programs run from 7 a.m. until noon. Often students take advantage of a short day and go to work in the career field part-time while completing their coursework.
The financial advantages of CTE are huge. Haney’s total program costs range from $2,400 to $6,700 for an entire program including tuition, books and supplies. Nearly 80 percent of students receive grants or scholarships to cover their costs and graduate with no student debt. When compared with the average cost of $30,304 for four years of tuition alone at a Florida college, Haney’s appeal is undeniable. A significant return-on-investment is revealed with entry-level starting salaries for graduates of Haney’s 18 programs ranging from $22,000 to $75,000 per year. Haney’s instructors maintain excellent contacts with industry partners, and a full-time Career Specialist provides employment assistance to current and former Haney students ranging from assistance with resume’ writing and interview skills to providing contact with employers seeking candidates.
