Why Enroll in College Tech Prep?
Business and Industry want College Tech Prep graduates! As business and industry throughout the area strive to compete in the global economy, the need for well-trained, well-educated workers is increasing every day. To meet this need for employees with solid technical backgrounds, effective communication skills, and strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, area business and industry partners have collaborated with Lincoln County educators to develop curricula and work-based learning experiences for College Tech Prep students that will prepare them to meet the demands of today’s high-tech, information-driven workplace.
The College Tech Prep program’s unique combination of academic and technical instruction is specifically designed to help students pursue post-secondary education and a career that is both meaningful and rewarding.
Participating in the College Tech Prep program can help students:
- Earn an Associate Degree from Gaston College.
In addition to developing core academic competencies in English, social studies, math, and science, College Tech Prep students who complete the high school portion of their Career Pathway Program of Study may be eligible to receive articulated credit in the corresponding associate degree/diploma/certificate program at Gaston College.
- Meet admission requirements for universities in the UNC System.
- Become familiar with the modern workplace and the needs of today’s high-tech employers.
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Work-Based Learning: Apprenticeships
High school students enrolled in the College Tech Prep program can apprentice in their junior or senior year in their chosen career field as part of the Apprenticeship Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Students work part-time during the school year and full-time in the summer. Because class work is coordinated with appropriate technical training, these apprenticeships provide students an excellent opportunity to apply classroom theory directly to the job.
The Apprenticeship Program also provides the opportunity for participating students to develop purposeful relationships with potential employers. Average wages for apprentices start at $7.00/hour. Students can continue their apprenticeships after they graduate from high school and while they are enrolled at Gaston College.
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Work-Based Learning: Cooperative Education
A key component of the College Tech Prep program at Gaston College is Cooperative Education. The “Co-op” program is designed to integrate classroom theory with a practical, career-related, work-based learning experience. Students gain valuable work experience related to their academic major while still attending college.
It is called “Co-op” because it requires the cooperative efforts of Gaston College, employers, and students to form an exceptional academic program. Students also receive course credit for participating in the Co-op program. The work performed by students supplements their academic training and provides opportunities for professional development. Co-op experiences are an integral part of the student’s education. For each class credit awarded, a student must work at least 160 hours at their Co-op job.
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Gaston College Programs With Cooperative Education Components
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Dietetic Technician
- Early Childhood Associate
- Healthcare Management Technology
- Therapeutic Massage
- Veterinary Medical Technology
Twenty-nine out of forty-one programs at Gaston College have a work-based
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a blending of higher level academic and vocational/technical courses which better prepare the student to pursue further education including a two-year Associate's Degree and/or a four-year Bachelor's Degree.