In this episode of Ship Repair Radio, host John sits down with Dr. Antoinette "Toni" Johnson, Director of Workforce Development at Paul D Camp Community College. The conversation focuses on expanding the recruitment map and activating untapped talent outside the immediate urban centers of Norfolk and Newport News. Dr. Johnson details how Paul D Camp is turning raw talent from rural and suburban communities, like Franklin, Suffolk, and Isle of Wight County, into job ready tradesmen and women through fast paced, high impact education.
The discussion dives into the newly opened Workforce Trades and Innovation Center in downtown Suffolk, which teaches seven main maritime trades, including welding, pipe fitting, and marine electrical. Dr. Johnson explains how students with zero prior mechanical experience can enter the program and leave fully prepared for the deck plates. John and Toni also break down the robust wraparound services provided, such as workforce coaches who assist with resume building and interview skills to ensure gainful employment.
Finally, the conversation highlights the incredible state funding mechanisms, like Fast Forward, FANTIC, and G3, that allow nine out of ten students to complete their training at little to no personal cost. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the value of an industry driven curriculum led by instructors with over 100 years of combined experience, ultimately providing life changing opportunities and family sustaining wages for the community.
Key Takeaways:
* How Paul D Camp Community College is bridging the gap to the waterfront by recruiting from diverse, largely untapped regions like western Tidewater.
* The role of the new Workforce Trades and Innovation Center in teaching seven core maritime trades.
* How funding sources like Fast Forward and G3 allow 90% of students to graduate essentially debt free.
* The vital importance of workforce coaches who help students overcome barriers and secure employment.
* The impact of learning from seasoned instructors who bring over a century of combined maritime experience to the classroom.
A special thank you to our episode sponsors, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (https://www.theworkforcecouncil.org/) and Tidewater Staffing (https://www.tidewaterstaffing.com/), for powering the region's maritime training system and making this conversation possible.