GTCC, shift_ed partner for Workforce Credentialing Pathway pilot program, Career Accelerator, to help students qualify for in-demand jobs



Published on: May 13, 2025
Two GTCC HVAC/refrigeration students work with instructor Jeff Underwood.
GTCC HVAC/refrigeration students work with instructor Jeff Underwood.

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (May 13, 2025) – Guilford Technical Community College and shift_ed have partnered to form a Workforce Credentialing Pathways (WCP) pilot program, Career Accelerator, as an effort to help recent Guilford County School graduates earn an in-demand credential by eliminating financial barriers.

Guilford County School graduates, who graduated in the past five years and live in a designated opportunity zone are eligible to apply for scholarships to cover registration fees, books and testing fees for Career Accelerator classes. Priority will be given to students in specific high-need areas of the county based on census data.

“Shift_ed exists to help remove learning barriers for all students and the Career Accelerator initiative is an exciting step forward towards ensuring that all students in Guilford County have the tools needed to build a bright future,” says Wendy Poteat, president and CEO, shift_ed. “Equipping students in our community to be the well-trained workforce of the future is a win for our students and our community as a whole.”

Certificate programs eligible for the scholarship include CompTIA fundamentals, CompTIA network, introduction to HVAC/refrigeration, and certified production technician. The Career Accelerator program will begin during GTCC’s summer session, starting in May, with classes located on the GTCC Cameron and Greensboro campuses.

“This is a great opportunity for recent graduates of Guilford County Schools to earn an in-demand, industry-recognized credential to help them find a good job quickly,” said Claire Ricci, GTCC’s associate vice president of workforce and continuing education. “Many of these credentials are stackable and can be a great first step toward a career in advanced manufacturing, HVAC, or information technology.”

Interested and qualified GCS graduates should register for the program as soon as possible, no later than at least two business days prior to the start of class. Students may find more information or register for a class by visiting our Shift_ed Scholarship page, Back to All Articles