Technical education is a gateway to college and career

Some form of higher education is a given if one expects to secure a good-paying job in today’s market. But for many, pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree at a traditional university isn’t the right choice right now. Enter Orange Technical College, which administrators say might be the best fit for students uncertain of where they should begin their postsecondary education. “Orange Technical College is the most affordable and the most practical option to secure a sustainable career here locally, especially if you’re not certain what you want to do at this point in your life,” said Parker Antoine, senior administrator of marketing for career and technical education at Orange County Public Schools. He said OTC provides students with the debt-free education and training they’ll need to work in in-demand professions — or to stay in school. “After completing an OTC program, if you decide you want to go back to school and earn an associate degree from a community college or a bachelor’s degree from one of our state universities, you will be better prepared to do so,” Antoine said. OTC administrators emphasize that career and technical education programs are not an either/or proposition. Through policies known as articulation agreements with the Florida College System, OTC students can earn college credits for successfully completing certain programs. Students can also save money on tuition for associate degrees and apply the knowledge and skills they learn at OTC toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the future. The state of Florida has made sure to provide a pathway for students who want to pick up skills and degrees bit by bit. According to a 2011 Florida Department of Education report, the state legislature has placed special emphasis on career and technical education by facilitating the articulation of programs between all sectors of education. The point, according to the report, is “to maximize students’ ability to progress from high school career education programs to postsecondary adult programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees.” Federal officials are supportive of such measures, too. A 2012 U.S. Department of Education report concluded that technical colleges will play a vital role in building a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, creative and equipped for success in the global marketplace, while also preparing students to earn an advanced degree through articulation agreements. “When successfully implemented, articulation agreements provide opportunities for students to earn dual or concurrent credit, putting them on a fast track to an industry-recognized certification or licensure and postsecondary certificate or degree,” according to the report. “By accelerating the pace at which they complete their studies, students can reach high-quality career goals with significantly less debt.” OTC offers workplace readiness and employability skills that range from accounting, 3-D animation production and advanced automotive technology to computer networks and security, fashion technology, and hotel and business management. Training is customized for each industry. Job placement and follow-up services are standard practice. Each of Orange Technical College’s five campuses includes a bevy of student organizations and activities. The National Assn. for College Admission Counseling takes the position that career and technical colleges such as OTC are especially suited for students with specific career goals who are looking for hands-on training, job placement and a quick start to a good career. What’s more, a 1,000-hour career certificate program takes approximately one year to complete on a full-time basis. College-articulated credit and industry certifications are available at the conclusion of most career certificate programs. The cost of OTC’s programs is one of the school’s strongest features, Antoine said — even less than the cost of an associate degree at a community college. “We’re looking out for the best interests of the student,” he said. “We are not looking to sign you up, make a profit and let you figure out what you want to do with your future. And if OTC isn’t right for you at this particular time, we’ll be the first ones to tell you that.” —David Ogul for Orange Technical College