Tri-County Community College (TCCC) and the Southwestern Workforce Development Board are strengthening their partnership to expand opportunities for students, connect education with employment, and help meet the workforce needs of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and
surrounding communities.
Southwestern Workforce Development Board representatives joined TCCC President Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers and college staff earlier this month for a collaborative meeting focused on strengthening partnerships, sharing ideas, and exploring future opportunities to better serve students, employers, and the region's workforce.
The partnership brings together the resources of TCCC, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and local workforce-development services to help students move from education and training into meaningful employment. For eligible students, WIOA can help remove financial barriers to career training. Through the local workforce system, qualifying individuals may be eligible for assistance with approved education and training programs, including tuition and other allowable training-related expenses. Individual Training Accounts may also be available to eligible participants to help pay for approved training programs. This assistance can be especially valuable for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, changing careers, or seeking a credential that can lead to a better-paying job.
TCCC offers a variety of workforce and continuing education opportunities designed to prepare students for in-demand careers. Programs and training opportunities are available in areas including healthcare, public safety, skilled trades, transportation, technology, and other fields aligned with regional employer needs. For example, TCCC's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program provides hands-on training for students preparing for careers in the transportation industry. The College also offers public safety training, including firefighter, technical rescue, and fire apparatus driver/operator programs. Through workforce partnerships, students can learn about career options, identify the education or credentials required for their chosen field, and explore available resources to help them reach their goals.
“When education and workforce partners work together, we can provide students with more than a classroom experience. We can help them identify a career goal, find the training they need, connect them with available resources, and ultimately build a pathway toward employment and long-term success,” said Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers, President of Tri-County Community College.
The partnership extends beyond paying for training. Workforce-development services can help eligible students with career exploration, job searches, resume development, interview preparation, and connections to employers. TCCC also offers programs designed to help individuals prepare for college and careers. The College's Bridge Academy provides College and Career Readiness services that help adults strengthen academic and employability skills as they prepare for college, credentials, or workforce entry. Additionally, TCCC's Human Resources Development (HRD) program provides employability-skills training, career development, employment training, communication and problem-solving skills, and other resources designed to help individuals obtain, retain, or advance in employment. Together, these services create a more comprehensive pathway for students who may need assistance at different stages of their career journey.
The collaboration between TCCC and the Southwestern Workforce Development Board also helps strengthen connections between education and local employers. TCCC's Economic and Workforce Development Division works with businesses and industries to identify workforce needs and provide training that addresses those needs. Workforce partners bring additional knowledge about regional employment trends, available resources, and employer demand. This coordination helps ensure students are pursuing credentials and skills that have value in the local job market while helping employers develop a stronger pipeline of qualified workers. The August meeting provided an opportunity for TCCC and the Southwestern Workforce Development Board to build on existing efforts and explore additional ways to coordinate services, increase awareness of available programs, strengthen career pathways, and respond to the changing needs of students and employers.
For more information about workforce training, career opportunities, and WIOA services available through TCCC, students are encouraged to contact Lisa Penland at (828) 634-6679 and take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to help them reach their education and career goals.
