BCC gets “Workforce Ready” with innovative programming
Barstow, CA –Barstow Community College (BCC) was declared a national winner in the 2nd annual NACCE 2020 Pitch for the Trades competition sponsored by the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation. With a goal of empowering job creation and entrepreneurs in the local region, BCC competed in the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship nation-wide contest with the newly created and innovative Trade Technician Jump Start Project.
The Trade Technician Jump Start Certificate Program is a non-credit, no cost, hands-on experience course designed to teach students the basic principles and core skills in 8 high- demand trades that touch nearly every industry and business in our local community. The program, designed to engage high school students, adults, high risk youth, unemployed, veterans, homeless and those seeking retraining opportunities will experience learning that includes OSHA safety standards, hand and power tools, construction basics and drawings, welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and customer service. Students can enter the workforce immediately by applying for entry-level, living wage jobs in any business sector. The program also includes an entrepreneurship component for those that are interested in starting a business of their own.
Upon completion of the no-cost program, students will have the opportunity to apply for employment through BCC’s job placement program or participate in paid internship programs with industry partners, including PG&E who helped champion the formation of the Jump Start Program. A winning strategy for this program was the collaboration with regional employers in finding internships or gainful employment for student completers.
The winning BCC team led by Dr. Crystal Nasio, Dean of Instruction, Economic and Workforce development, competed in three-rounds of “pitches” to get to the finals. Team members include faculty from the career and technical education area–Toby Hill, Josh O’Neal, Roland O’Neal, Denise Pasley and included PG&E, Senior Technical Project Manager, Jessica Bails.
BCC was one of 5 community colleges in the nation to receive this prestigious honor. Other winning colleges include the City College of San Francisco (California); Catawba Valley Community College (North Carolina); Washtenaw Community College (Michigan); and North Idaho College (Idaho)
“We are extremely proud of our BCC faculty and staff for competing on a national level and for working with our local business partners to deeply understand the skills and knowledge that are necessary for their entry-level employees and for career advancement of their existing employees. We are also incredibly grateful to the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship and the Ratcliffe Foundation for sponsoring this competition which helped us to refine how we communicate the value of our program and to learn about other innovative community college programs across the country. Barstow Community College is proud to be a recognized leader nationally and in the economic development of our region.” Dr. Eva Bagg, Barstow Community College, Superintendent-President.
BCC is quickly becoming known as a regional leader in innovation and entrepreneurial efforts. In fall 2019, the college was chosen to sponsor an entrepreneurial workshop series in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center of Orange County and Inland Empire. In August, BCC was awarded the coveted Growing Inland Achievement Innovation award, for a project that cultivates creative confidence and the entrepreneurial mindset for students in middle school and will be part of the college’s growing outreach efforts. The college has also become a leading partner in establishing and growing an Innovation and Entrepreneurship ecosystem that engages regional California community colleges, state and private universities, government and military partners, local and regional business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations to spur regional economic development and to collaboratively solve real-life challenges within our Inland Empire communities.
Even during the pandemic, Barstow Community College is encouraging students and prospective students to Stay Connected and Move Forward with their education. The nationally recognized, no-cost Trade Technician Jump Start Program may be the first step to your new future.
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