Credit for Tech Skills Is Ground Breaking, Community Will Benefit from Graduates

I read last week with reflective interest about the enhanced education value now recognized by Atlantic Cape Community College regarding technical training offered at the Cape May County Technical School especially for those individuals interested in pursuing a college level educational experience in the more traditional trades.
It seems to be a natural outgrowth brought on by the advanced technologies now associated with all of the traditional “vocational” fields (automotive mechanics, cosmetology, diesel mechanics and small engine, HVAC and sustainable energies, welding and plumbing apprentice).
My understanding is that most of the other technical education programs at the Tech School already have some type of articulation agreement for credits with area colleges, but the traditional trades have had limited credit opportunities in higher education for years. As I interpret this about face, it is because of the advancements in traditional trade technologies that traditional vocational educational programs now merit the educational world’s recognition as highly skilled and educationally challenging programs of study, on par with the creative thinking, problem solving, diagnostic insight and content knowledge/academic skills associated with college level studies.
Whether building, maintaining, retrofitting, upgrading or repairing a home, means of transportation, business investment, hobby or personal image, most people living on the “grid” will at some point need the professional services offered by a traditional trade educated expert.
Their associated certificates/licenses are used to validate their skills which they use to keep their customers safe, mobile and functioning in some degree of comfort and enjoyment, in this ever-so-evolving complex world in which we live. Now upon graduation, those high school students seeking to expand their position in their traditional technical skill field of choice, through a college level Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies offered at ACCC, will be eligible for awarded college credit as they further enhance their leadership, critical thinking and communication skills which can be transitioned into a more structured path to management positions or eventually business ownership.
Although we as a community may not have felt the “shake,” this ground-breaking educational initiative being “seeded” in our county has positive ramifications locally and beyond, for which the results have the potential to transform the public’s perception and academia’s view of traditional technical education. No longer will choosing a high school educational path in those traditional technical trade programs equate to a student’s decision to self-select out of the potential for a college degree in their area of concentration, which opens up new potential vistas for the student as well as their parents/guardians.
The college option also serves as a catalyst for the general public to enhance their image of traditional technical education and the qualified professionals which are developed and prepared for “in demand” occupational employment.