Jon Cole, a success story in Tech’s I-BEST program

Jon Cole was in the 10th grade when he dropped out of high school and admittedly “started out down the wrong path.” Jon said, “I didn’t think I had a future,” until he got clean and sober and pursued his GED in June 2018 through Anderson County 1 and 2 Adult Education. Today, with a manufacturing credential in hand and a full-time job at Wilson Engineering in Piedmont, Jon knows his career possibilities are endless. He says it all started with completing the I-BEST program at Tri-County Technical College. The I-BEST programs are designed to increase the College’s focus on unemployed and underemployed populations. The I-BEST program is a one-semester program that allows students to explore careers in manufacturing, health care or a stand-alone course for college and career exploration opportunities. The tuition-free program offers opportunities to earn college credit and national (industry recognized) skill certifications. Interested persons can inquire about free information sessions about the I-BEST program by calling 864-646-1481 or [email protected] or at the website at www.tctc.edu/ibest. Personal Care Aide, Manufacturing and Smart Start Over pathways classes will be offered this summer.