On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Bibb County Career Academy (BCCA) hosted an enlightening Career Tour event for 8th-grade students from West Blocton Middle School (WBMS) and Centreville Middle School (CMS). This event offered these young minds an invaluable opportunity to explore BCCA’s campus and gain insights into the numerous options available to them as they prepare for their high school journey.
One significant aspect of the event was the recent change to the four-year planning requirement set by the State Department of Education. For the Cohort of 2026, students are now required to have a college and career readiness indicator to graduate. This shift aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful transition into the workforce or higher education. It’s an initiative that promises to empower students by providing them with more options and a clear vision of their future.
By showcasing the array of programs and opportunities at BCCA, the event allowed students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their educational options. This visit was aimed at providing students with exposure to the diverse elective options available to them.
A key takeaway from the Career Tour was the discussion surrounding the state’s new requirement for 10th graders to have a college and career readiness indicator. To meet this requirement, students have several pathways: achieving specific scores on assessments like Work Keys and the ACT, earning college credits, enlisting in the military, obtaining qualifying scores on AP exams, or attaining an industry-recognized credential. The latter is particularly noteworthy, as it can be obtained through the career tech classes available at BCCA.
To earn this credential, students must complete a series of courses: a foundation class, a concentrator course, and either another concentrator or a capstone. This requirement encourages students to engage in rigorous academic and practical training that prepares them for the workforce or higher education. Notably, BCCA’s career tech classes play a pivotal role in helping students achieve these industry-recognized credentials, offering them an alternative path to traditional academic routes such as AP classes or ACT scores. The credential that students can earn can be earned in any program at any point through a test. The three courses that the kids take (foundation, concentrator, capstone) set the students up to be a “Completer.” Being a “Completer” and earning the credential are two ways to be college and career ready.
Studies have shown that students who earn industry-recognized credentials in skilled labor fields tend to find employment sooner and often earn higher salaries than their counterparts who pursue traditional four-year college degrees. This data underscores the immense potential and financial benefits of career and technical education.
BCCA goes beyond traditional classroom education, emphasizing the development of employability skills and soft skills that are essential for success in any career. These skills include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, providing students with a well-rounded foundation for their future endeavors.
During the event, students had the chance to interact with senior students like Brody Martin, who participated as one of the tour guides. Martin’s personal experience with the Career Tour as an 8th grader gave him valuable insights into the options he had, and he is now well-prepared for his future career path. He is currently a student in the Electrical class at BCCA.
Caroline Jones from WBMS said that she is interested in going into the medical field, currently with the goal of becoming a veterinarian or vet tech and shared that she was interested to learn more about the HOSA program at BCCA. When asked about how she felt about the college and career readiness requirements, she replied, “I feel like right now it might feel overwhelming, but I just feel like once we get there, it will be fine.” She went on to mention how she feels confident in the guidance she will receive throughout the process as a whole.
Sebastian Gonzales from CMS also shared an excitement about learning more about the medical field and how he can get started early in working towards his goal of becoming a doctor.
Benjamin Sullivan Nicholas, also from CMS, has the goal of becoming a lawyer, and was excited about the opportunities to look around and see all BCCA had to offer. “I know you come here to learn about different career options and how to do stuff, and that excites me because it’s just all so cool.”
Janet Morris, an English teacher at WBMS, underlined the significance of such events, stating, “It’s important for them to come see the options available to them.” The Career Tour not only opens students’ eyes to the possibilities but also instills confidence in them to navigate the college and career readiness requirements.
BCCA offers a unique educational approach, creating a simulated workplace environment where students don uniforms specific to their programs, use name badges, clock in and out, and assume job titles. This immersive experience prepares students for real-world professional environments and promotes shared responsibility.
Furthermore, each career tech program has its own student organization, aligning with the students’ chosen fields. These organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership roles and participation in competitions at local, area, state, and even national levels. Programs such as SkillsUSA, HOSA, and DECA offer students a platform to enhance their skills and gain recognition for their achievements.
The Career Tour at Bibb County Career Academy is a testament to the dedication of educators and institutions in preparing the next generation for successful careers. It offers students a comprehensive view of their options, equips them with valuable skills, and motivates them to pursue their aspirations with confidence. By fostering a deeper connection between education and career readiness, events like this empower students to chart their paths toward a brighter future.
If you have any questions about the opportunities BCCA has to offer, please contact Allen Franklin or Farrah Daniel at (205) 938-7434 or franklina@bibbed.org or danielf@bibbed.org.
