By TR Robertson
The March meeting of the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Community Collaborative at the Pine Avenue Community Center heard from Linda Kurokawa, Executive Director Community Education & Workforce Development from Mira Costa College. Linda presented a power point presentation detailing the vital job skills training offered through this program at the college. She has run the Technology Career Institute (TCI) program at Mira Costa College for 16 years and was at Palomar College for 10 years before that. Linda pointed out that college skill sets for graduates are not keeping up with technology, partly because technology is changing so rapidly. She also stated that four year college programs are simply not necessary for all students and for all job situations. Education combined with technical skills is what is provided with the TCI program. The Technology Career Institute is completely self-funded and is financed with grants, tuitions, and donations. Numerous corporations provided funds for students in a variety of the fields offered at the school. TCI offers accelerated, state of the art industry recognized technician certificate programs that will produce skilled, motivated, and innovative workers for many of the corporations and industries in and around the area. Linda stated that all of education needs to rethink the relevance of what is being taught and the approaches needed to provide qualified and trained workers. What is required is to look at what the work force needs and what can education provide to ensure they have qualified and trained employees. She said that the average age of their students is 32 years old, many of them high school graduates, some unemployed, many veterans, many attending college for the first time. After being accepted and interviewed for TCI, people in the program can be trained for immediate employment giving them job readiness preparation, accelerated skills, and leadership training. Some of the programs offered include Engineering Technician, Machinist Technology, Welding, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Drone Operator Technician, Health & Veterinary, Advanced Manufacturing Leadership courses and certification, Real Estate Sales License Programs, and Brew Tech Programs. Linda said through industry and college partnerships they produce students ready for entry into the world of work. TCI has a 90% employment rate and a 90% retention rate. Some of the college financing for students also comes from GI Bill funded programs and corporate assistance. For more information about TCI go to www.tci.miracosta.edu or call 760-795-6824 or 760-795-6820.
Upcoming programs:
RBV’s Public Policy Club for a Community Forum to Kick-off National Alcohol and Drug Facts Week – Monday, March 20, 5:30-7:30 pm, Morris B. Vance Community rooms, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista.
RBV High presents Inaugural Community Resource Fair 2023 – Saturday, April 15, 9 am – 12 pm – Vista Innovation Center, 836 Olive Ave., Vista
North Coastal Prevention Coalition’s Annual 420 Remix – PSA Video & Arts Contest, entries due by April 3rd, go to info@northcoastpreventioncoalition.org, rules at www.ncpyc.org
City of Carlsbad Volunteer & Work Opportunities – Teens Teach Tech, LITE Tutoring/Coaching, Summer Camp Leaders, questions go to 442-888-3547 or andi.koller@carlsbdca.gov
Carlsbad High School Princess Project https://carlsbad.org/carlsbad-high-school-princess-project/
Childhood Obesity Initiative Announcements https://mailchi.mp/be94a0e92724/coi-announcements-week-of-august-29-20195920?e=35e689b089
