Welcome from the President

Greetings, It seems hard to believe that we are in the midst of another academic year !  The cold is beginning to relent and we’ll soon be experiencing beautiful spring days again.  As we head in that direction, we are pleased to be able to present another edition (our third) of CareerFocus.  The publication has had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from readers, and we are grateful for...

Advanced Manufacturing Evolution Brings New Opportunities

What exactly is manufacturing? The answer today is much different than it was even a decade ago. Current careers in manufacturing mainly involve working in automation, which means the use of various control systems for operating equipment such as robotics or high-end machinery. Manufacturing ranges from developing tactical electronics to creating prostheses utilizing 3D printers to welding...

Pathways Lead to Success

South Central College and other colleges in the Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership have built career pathways by redesigning and aligning college courses with industry credentials. This allows students to pursue a series of credentials in attainable steps. Pathways give students clear courses that they should take, with milestones they can achieve along the way. At South Central...

Earn the Life You Want: Apprenticeships and Dual Training

South Central College introduced the Learn Work Earn registered apprenticeship training program in advanced manufacturing during the fall of 2016. Building on the successes seen during short-term summer internships, Learn Work Earn provides students with the opportunity to work in the field while also completing a college degree or industry credential. This approach is being endorsed by...

Breaking the Mold by Embracing Change

The demographic make up of students pursuing higher education for the first time or returning to college is undergoing a significant change, specifically when it comes to age and background. Age The rise in enrollment of students 25 and older in higher education is projected to nearly double that of younger students through 2020. In fact, 40% of college students are older than 25 according to a...

Change is for Everyone

Each student’s path is different - a reality that makes the career pathways created under the Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (MnAMP) grant even more valuable. Multiple exit and entry points provide much-needed flexibility, letting students start a program based on their current skillset and needs. One particular entry point is the Manufacturing FastTRACK program on SCC’s North...

Selecting the Right College for You

Choosing a college is a big decision and one you won’t want to leave until the last minute. Start your decision making early and take the time necessary to get your applications in and financial aid completed in time so you can fairly compare your top schools. There’s no one “right way” to go about making your college selection, but there are five very important elements you’ll want...

Building a Career in Carpentry

Carpentry students at South Central College had a great field project to work on recently thanks in large part to the generosity of our community partner Met-Con, a regional commercial construction company. According to carpentry instructor Mark Paddock, the carpentry program is all about learning the basics in the classroom and getting hands-on experience out in the field working on remodeling...