Warren County students invited to summer transportation career camp at VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College, in partnership with Warren County Schools, is offering a new opportunity for high school students this summer. The first-ever Summer Transportation & Trades Academy (STTA) will be held from June 22 through July 31, 2015, at VGCC’s Warren County Campus in Warrenton.

This five-week non-residential camp is available to rising ninth and tenth graders who are either already enrolled, or are going to enroll, in the Construction Trade Academy at Warren County High School.

The STTA will allow students to learn more about employment opportunities in transportation-related industries. STTA participants will see first-hand how transportation-related occupations play an important role in the success of our society. Through various activities, students will be introduced to the use of electrical/electronics technology, computer network applications, logistical distribution, and programs that build character and other positive attributes necessary for success in life. The camp will include not only classroom lectures and guest speakers but also field trips, group projects and hands-on activities.

Each participant will attend the camp at no cost and receive a stipend upon completion of the program.

The STTA is co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. VGCC is partnering with the NC DOT on a number of training initiatives this year. Among them is a Heavy Equipment Operator course , which is also conducted at the Warren Campus.

“According to the U.S. Department of Labor, one in seven jobs in the United States is affiliated with the transportation industry,” said Jean Blaine, VGCC’s director of occupational extension. “Employment opportunities in transportation and supply chain management are projected to grow almost 22 percent from today to 2022. Our young people need to be prepared for these types of jobs. There are not enough people trained for this field to meet the demand for candidates with managerial, technical and STEM skills.”

The process of applying to attend the camp is conducted primarily by Warren County Schools. Applications must be submitted no later than May 22 to Ernie Conner, director of career and technical education for Warren County Schools, 109 Cousin Lucy’s Lane, Warrenton, N.C. 27589 (phone: 252-257-3184).

For more information, contact Jean Blaine at blainej@vgcc.edu .