FastTrack Construction Enrolling Now for January

The “work and learn” model has provided new pathways to success for students in advanced manufacturing (GO FAME), business (GO CAREERS), and the Tech X short-term modularized curriculum for fabrication, fork lift operation, and welding (Tech X) at Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC). In partnership with local businesses and with the support the Homebuilder’s Association of Owensboro, OCTC is bringing work and learn to the construction field with the new Construction FastTrack program. Stepping beyond traditional lecture/lab instructional models, this program offers hands-on, project-based training in a real world, industry environment. It is structured so the students can work during the day and attend college four evenings a week. “This is an employer driven program that will not only meet the employer and community needs but also prepares students to enter the construction field,” commented Dr. Stacy Edds-Ellis, OCTC’s Dean of Academic Affairs. Sixteen students will be selected for the initial cohort, and the college will provide some placement assistance to those students not currently working in the field. OCTC Chief Institutional Officer Mike Rodgers added, “There is room for more employers to get involved. Mentoring is a huge part of the program and a strong mentor-student relationship only increases a student’s confidence and knowledge base. Ultimately this is about student success. We have bundled courses each semester that lead to industryrecognized certificates to make it possible for students to quickly earn credentials that can be used in the workplace for advancement.” Creative course scheduling will allow students to earn stackable credentials. The college is currently looking for instructors. OCTC will award experiential credit for approved prior work experiences or award academic credit for certifications earned by those who have received industry recognized certifications. OCTC President Scott Williams commented, “These innovative programs are serving the adult students better, allowing them more schedule flexibility and multiple entry/exits points. But, I want to emphasize the benefits of the support of our industry partners. Without their guidance, participation, and honest feedback these programs would not be successful.” Students will be required to successfully complete at least 70% of program competencies and maintain a 90% attendance rate to be successful. They will “clock in” for class, just as employees do in a real work setting, reinforcing employer expectations. FastTrack incorporates strategies to increase the student’s awareness of accountability, communication, and teamwork. Students successfully completing the program can earn up to seven certificates: Basic Carpenter, Carpenter Helper, Residential Site Layout Assistant, Rough Carpenter, Residential Roofer, Residential Carpenter, and Dry Waller. Free student information sessions will be held on Tuesday, November 5 at 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held at OCTC’s Downtown Campus, in Room 8, located at 1501 Frederica Street. Interested students should park in the back lot. Faculty and admissions staff will be on hand to tour the lab and answer questions. The Construction FastTrack program is taking applications for students to begin in January. For more information about the program or to become an employer partner, please contact Ceary Thomas at ceary.thomas@ kctcs.edu or call 270-686-4623. FastTrack Construction Begins Janurary 2020 Free student information sessions Tues., Nov. 5 and Tues., Dec. 3 both at 5:30 p.m. at OCTC’s Downtown Campus, 1501 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY