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Instructional Program
WORKFORCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Students seeking an Associate in Science or an Associate in Applied Science degree must meet the oral communication requirement. Students should consult with their advisers to make certain both requirements are met prior to graduation.
Associate in Science Degree Programs
The college offers numerous programs for students who are interested in preparing for a career that requires study beyond the high school level but does not require a four-year degree.
When you decide to follow an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program, you are not necessarily preparing yourself for transfer to a state university. You should understand that your decision will result in your earning a degree which should lead to a productive career. If later you decide to attend a university, you may be required to do additional work at the freshman or sophomore level to meet the general education requirements.
Gulf Coast Community College offers a number of highly specialized two-year programs designed to provide the student with an opportunity for preparation to enter a specialized field of employment or an opportunity for the employed student to acquire additional proficiency in the respective area of study.
The Associate in Science degree requires a minimum of 60 college credit hours. Each Associate in Science degree program consists of a major that includes a core group of courses known as the area of specialization. To earn an Associate in Science degree, you must complete a minimum of 30 college-level credit hours in your major and at least 15 college-level credit hours in general education.
Four Associate in Science degree programs presently have statewide articulation agreements which provide for the articulation of Associate in Science degrees to baccalaureate degrees. The four programs are Business Administration and Management, Electronics Engineering Technology, and Nursing (Associate Degree) R.N.
Most programs listed below are offered both in the day and evening and their primary objectives are preparation for immediate employment, further study, self-improvement, or advancement on the job.
Associate in Science Degrees:
Associate in Applied Science Degree Programs
Associate in Applied Science programs are designed to prepare students for entry into employment requiring specialized skills. When you decide to follow an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program, you are not preparing yourself for transfer to a state university. You should understand that your decision would result in your earning a degree, which should lead to a productive career. If you later decide to attend a university, you may be required to do additional work at the freshman or sophomore level. You are encouraged to discuss career plans and seek advising assistance from the department identified for each program.
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Technical Certificate Programs
The Technical Certificate program prepares students for immediate entry into a career in the workforce. Technical Certificate programs require prescribed courses and a minimum of 12 college credits. Gulf Coast Community College offers Certificate programs in the areas listed below. Each program is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to prepare to enter a specialized field of employment or for the employed student to acquire additional proficiency.
The graduation grade point average (GPA) Associate of Science technical certificate programs that require 15 hours or less for graduation will be calculated from only those courses required for program completion.
Applied Technical Diploma:
College Credit Certificate:
Technical Certificates:
Advanced Technical Certificate:
Vocational Credit Certificate Programs
These vocational programs include vocational credit courses (non-college credit). Program lengths vary depending upon the complexity of the individual program. The training is focused on preparation for immediate job entry. Students enrolling in PSAV programs are required to take the TABE test and score at designated levels to receive a certificate. PSAV courses at Gulf Coast Community College differ from college credit courses in that they are valued in vocational credit. One vocational credit is equal to 30 contact hours in the classroom. Competencies gained upon successful completion of these training programs may result in advanced placement or specific credits towards an Associate in Science degree. Students interested in these programs should contact appropriate division chairs for additional information.
Postsecondary Adult Vocational Certificates:
Educator Preparation Institute
Graduation Procedures for A.S., A.A.S., P.S.A.V., Diploma, and Certification Programs
Students who intend to graduate with an A.S., A.A.S., P.S.A.V. certificate, applied technical diploma, technical certificate, or advanced technical certificate must receive a program evaluation before applying for graduation. Program evaluation forms can be obtained from the program manager and must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records prior to the published graduation application deadline (see college calendar for dates).
Students receiving a technical certificate or PSAV certificate who would like to participate in the spring graduation ceremony must submit the $20 fee prior to the published graduation application deadline.
Cooperative Education Program
The Cooperative Education Program integrates periods of paid or unpaid employment in the student's major field of interest with periods of academic study. A number of agencies and business enterprises cooperate with Gulf Coast Community College in this plan and offer the student on-the-job career training compatible with the student's major. The program is designed to enhance the student's academic and career education with on-the-job business and/or industrial experience.
The Cooperative Education Program will accept only Gulf Coast Community College students. The program will involve real life occupational experience to meet the particular needs student. Necessary forms should be filed as early as possible (preferably the semester prior to desired placement) with the co-op office, and students are accepted after a personal interview with the coordinator. Both Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degree-seeking students may apply for the program; however, a maximum of six semester hours may apply toward meeting A.A. degree requirements. Placement of the student is based on various abilities and the availability of an appropriate training site. Final acceptance and/or continuation in any position is the decision of the employer and the cooperative education coordinator.
In order to continue as a participant in the program, students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the program and maintain acceptable productivity standards with the cooperative employer. A student who does not meet this criteria may still request entry or continuance in the program. Such petitions must be approved by the director of student services.
The Cooperative Education Program will be conducted under the guidance and supervision of a college coordinator who will be responsible for the structure of the programs; maintaining effective liaison among the student, the college, and the participating firm; and evaluating the student's progress.
Workforce Development Programs
Workforce Development plays an integral part in Gulf Coast Community College's efforts to create and maintain a skilled workforce. The combined services of the Workforce Center and the Workforce Training Center provide the college with a unique opportunity to enhance and contribute to the economic development of the community as well as increasing enrollment and financial assistance for Gulf Coast Community College.
The Workforce Development Program represents a collaborative effort among Gulf Coast Community College, the local Workforce Board, the State of Florida, the business community, WIA, and community-based organizations. The two-fold operation is based in part on a one-stop concept which provides information related to a wide array of job training, education, and employment services. In addition, it provides direct training services for high demand, high wage occupations. Eligible participants receive a variety of supportive services including general counseling, career counseling, and financial assistance for tuition, books, materials, and supplies.
Workforce Center. The Workforce Center provides universal access to a variety of employment services and training opportunities. Workforce Center services include on-line work registration, WIA certification, job search assistance, career counseling, job referrals, veterans assistance, Job Corps information, resume writing workshops, employability skills, basic computer skills workshops, labor market information, local, state, and national job listings, and referrals to training providers. A representative is available on the Gulf Coast Community College main campus to provide job placement services. In addition to job-seeker services, a wide array of services are available to assist employers with all of their workforce needs. The Workforce Center is a service of Gulf Coast Community College and is the initial point of contact for all services related to Workforce Development. The Workforce Center is located at 625 Hwy. 231, Panama City, Florida. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Workforce Training Center. "Opening Doors to a Better Future is the motto that the Workforce Training Center strives to achieve. The main objective of the Workforce Training Center is to aid students who are economically disadvantaged or dislocated from employment positions. To this end, staff assist students with enrollment and retention activities in training programs offered by Gulf Coast Community College. The Workforce Training Center provides assistance for students enrolled in training programs which are considered high skill/high wage. Programs sponsored are designated by the state on the Targeted Occupational List. Students may apply directly to the Workforce Training Center or they may receive a referral through the Workforce Center. Classroom training programs are geared to help students gain employment in high-wage, high-demand occupations such as corrections, and the health science fields. The Workforce Training Center's service delivery area includes Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties.
The main office of the Workforce Training Center, located in the Workforce Development Building (formerly known as the Florida Highway Patrol Building) may be reached by calling (850) 872-3853. A satellite office, located at the Gulf/Franklin Center may be reached by calling (850) 227-9670. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., EST, Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., EST.
Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Gulf Coast Community College serves as the fiscal agent for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board. The Workforce Florida Act of 1996 has become one of the most important and far-reaching pieces of legislation in the history of the State of Florida. For the first time in the state's history, the welfare and workforce development systems represent an integrated and coordinated effort between the public and private sectors. The early implementation of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 by the State of Florida furthered the work begun under the Workforce Florida Act. The Board, consisting of 41 volunteer members, provides oversight for the selection of service providers and the provision of services to clients: job seekers, employers, and service providers alike. The Board, whose oversight authority covers Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, assumed its responsibility on July 1, 1996, and continues to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the region's workforce development system.
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