Local Voices: Golden Strip Career Center
Editor’s Note: Starting this month, writer and photographer Nakeshia Shannon shifts from her “Always an Adventure” column to a new mission: highlighting the people, programs, organizations, and businesses that stand out as she makes her way across the Upstate – unique, local stories that make this community one that we all love. Join us in celebrating these local voices!
In today's ever-changing world, trades often go unnoticed until we need the help of a skilled professional. The main goal of the Golden Strip Career Center is to support students interested in trades and change the stigma often associated with career center programs. The center offers hands-on learning opportunities, dual enrollment classes, on-the-job training, internships, honors classes, and much more.
We usually don’t think about EMTs until there's a medical emergency, or about automotive technicians until our car starts making strange noises. Builders become important when we want to build, renovate or improve our homes. When we need help, we often turn to Google or social media for recommendations from friends.
While colleges and universities are often seen as the typical path after high school, many students end up changing majors, dropping out, or feeling unhappy. The Golden Strip program lets ninth-grade students explore different trades for a semester. They can try out different programs for two weeks each, finding what interests them the most. Afterward, they can earn a state certification. The best thing? They are doing all this during school hours so they don’t have to miss out on athletics and after-school activities.
One of my favorite things about the program is that its industry partners and teachers are often former students of career center programs. They have seen firsthand just what these students are capable of and the doors that can be opened for them. Their industry partners come in and educate students on current trends in the industry, and skills they’ll need to be successful. Many students leave with job prospects and a resume showcasing their experience in their industry, and some leave with jobs and their college tuition paid for.
Natalie Finch, a senior in the cosmetology program, said, "My favorite part of the program is that I can get my cosmetology license while in high school. I have more opportunities available to me after I graduate."
Natalie enjoys the creativity behind a great cut and color. She plans to earn a business degree after high school to complement her cosmetology license.
Jake Coleman, a first-year student at Golden Strip, said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be in the construction field, but the hands-on experience on the job completely changed that.
“This program has helped me set a clear path of what I want to do after high school,” he said. “Some of my best friends (are those) I’ve made in this program, and the teachers are great. I’m thankful to be in one of the best environments.”
The EMT program lasts one year. Student Esmeralda Desmesmin admits she didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life, but through this program, she does know she wants to be in medicine. Becoming an EMT is just a stepping stone towards her becoming a pediatrician.
“In this program, we’re not just studying for a test,” she said. “We train so that when we’re faced with a situation, we’re confident in our ability to handle it and know exactly what we’re doing. We’re often told, ‘We’re meeting people on their worst day. We’re often the person between life and the grave.’”
These amazing students and staff at the career center are truly just a part of what makes the Upstate great.
The Golden Strip Career Center serves Mauldin, JL Mann, Fountain Inn and Hillcrest High Schools. To learn more, visit greenville.k12.sc.us/gstripcc.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Local Voices: Golden Strip Career Center
