Orange Technical College stands as a beacon for individuals in Central Florida seeking to embark on diverse and fulfilling technical careers. We take pride in equipping our students with the essential skills and knowledge demanded by today’s industries through our comprehensive range of Technical Career Programs. These programs vary in duration, from a focused few months to more extended year-long courses, all designed to pave the way for immediate career entry and future academic advancement. Notably, graduates of most OCPS career certificate programs are positioned to earn college credits, alongside gaining invaluable practical experience directly applicable to their chosen fields.
What are Technical Career Programs?
Technical career programs, often culminating in career certificates, are specialized courses of study meticulously crafted to provide students with hands-on training and industry-recognized qualifications. The award of a Certificate of Completion at Orange Technical College is a testament to a student’s successful navigation of rigorous industry certification courses and fulfillment of all Florida Department of Education stipulations, including pertinent state basic skills benchmarks. Our experienced instructors employ a spectrum of competency-based evaluations and performance metrics to ensure program completion signifies true mastery. Our faculty comprises seasoned professionals who bring real-world industry expertise into the classroom, fostering a practical and immersive learning environment.
Industry-Driven Curriculum and Advisory Committees
A cornerstone of our technical career programs is the strong connection to industry needs. We understand that relevant and up-to-date training is paramount for career success. Therefore, each technical career program benefits from the guidance of a dedicated Business and Industry Advisory Committee. These committees, composed of local business leaders and industry experts, play a vital role in shaping our curriculum and ensuring that our training initiatives are directly aligned with current industry demands and employer expectations.
These program advisory committees conduct annual evaluations, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders:
- Managers and supervisors actively involved in the specific occupational program area.
- Professionals currently working in the occupational fields represented by each career certificate program.
- College faculty members who are experts in the career pathway instruction.
- Students presently enrolled in the technical career program, providing invaluable firsthand perspectives.
This collaborative approach guarantees that our technical career programs remain dynamic, relevant, and consistently geared towards facilitating successful employment outcomes for our graduates.
Earning Industry Certifications and Licensure
Upon successful completion of many of our technical career programs, students become eligible to pursue industry certifications and/or licensure. These credentials serve as powerful validation of their skills and competence to potential employers. While Orange Technical College provides robust preparation, it’s important to note that certifying agencies may have their own prerequisites, such as requiring students to document practical work experience before granting certifications. Students are empowered to initiate the certification/licensure assessment process independently and are responsible for any associated costs, which can vary depending on the specific program and certifying body.
Dual Enrollment Opportunities for High School Students
For ambitious high school students in grades 11 and 12, Orange Technical College offers a Dual Enrollment program. This unique opportunity allows students to get a head start on their technical career journey by taking courses at our campus while still completing their high school education. By dedicating a half-day to our programs, dual enrollment students can earn valuable elective credits that directly contribute to building a fulfilling career path. Students need to enroll in a minimum of three elective credits to participate in dual enrollment at Orange Technical College. Participating students who meet all requirements will graduate from their home high school and remain eligible for all high school extracurricular activities, including the graduation ceremony. For public school students, tuition and textbook costs are waived; however, there may be expenses for materials, equipment, or uniforms depending on the chosen program. High school students interested in exploring dual enrollment at Orange Technical College are encouraged to reach out to their high school’s Career Specialist for detailed application information and guidance.
By choosing a technical career program at Orange Technical College, you are investing in a future brimming with opportunity. Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills, certifications, and industry connections necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Explore our diverse program offerings and take the first step towards a rewarding technical career.
