PATHWAY CONNECTION

Camden County College developed and implemented a Pre-Apprenticeship Machinist Boot Camp designed to introduce high school seniors to careers in manufacturing while earning dual enrollment credit. This initiative was made possible through the college’s Career Now model, enabling students to split their day between completing high school coursework and participating in hands-on training at the college.

The Boot Camp curriculum mirrors the college’s 13-credit Computer Aided Manufacturing Certificate and aligns with the NIMS Level One Machinist Certification. Students also benefit from college-level instruction, academic advising, and career development resources including résumé writing workshops, interview preparation, and employer presentations.

Outreach included coordination with high school guidance counselors, distribution of promotional materials, and student information sessions. Participants were selected through a pre-screening process that included a letter of recommendation and résumé submission.

This pathway connection demonstrates a robust model for early career engagement and postsecondary alignment, helping students gain skills, credentials, and a direct path into advanced manufacturing.