by Kathy Foster
Martha Compton, Director of the Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley, was pleased to report to her Executive Advisory Council Thursday evening that the college received site audits from the Department of Education that showed an 86% completion rate, a 95% placement rate and a 99% licensure rate for students completing classes during the 2018-19 year.
Compton said during the 2018-19 school year 1,268 students were served through the 37 programs offered at Florida Panhandle Technical College. And, Compton added that those students came from 27 counties across Florida, not just Washington and surrounding counties.
Compton said FPTC offers:
- Dual enrollment
- Open enrollment for most programs
- Flexible hours for students
- Customized training
- Workforce Guarantee
- Program for students with disabilities
“We want to help students recognize the path they want to take into the workforce and what they want in their future,” said Compton. Adding, “Not everyone will go to college, but they do need a pathway to work”.
Pointing out that the FPTC’ ‘A Career in a Year’ concept is paying great dividends, Compton said the success of FPTC is a reflection of the hard work and passion from all who work at the college.
That sentiment was restated by the four individuals who were heard from at the dinner hosted for the Advisory Board and Committee Members.
- Jay – A gentleman who needed to change vocations later in life after a work related injury, said FPTC stepped in to offer needed healp and a pathway to employment. He said, “There is always a path forward”.
- Tanner – Said after after completing his studies at FPTC he is now debt free and feels he was given a rare opportunity to move on with his life.
- Simon – Proud of the opportunity he was given at FPTC, he said he has continued to study and move forward in his job and is now being offered a managerial position.
- Don – He praised the teaching staff for their dedication to making sure the students achieved finding their vocational path.
Taylor Henley, SkillsUSA, also spoke and praised the college for working to provide a skilled workforce. She said currently there are 7.4 million jobs available; however, the available work force falls short of meeting those needs.
