BJ Van Camp Discusses Lively Technical Career Paths

BJ Van Camp, Director of Lively Technical College (Lively) and a local educator of over 20 years, recently appeared on the Steve Stewart Show on Real Talk 93.3 to discuss LTC’s dual enrollment program.

While discussing how Lively connects with high school students, Van Camp explained that Lively gives high school students exposure to different career paths though their dual enrollment program. The program is open to all Leon County students 16 years or older, and allows the student to complete a high-skill, high-wage technical program while finishing high school. She stated, “We have everything from cosmetology to construction available, so 29 total programs. We have a select few on our high school campuses, but students can select from a wider variety if they choose to attend on our campus.”

When asked what programs were most popular, Van Camp noted that welding was their flagship program, and H-Vac was a popular program as well. Van Camp also commented how Lively is getting a new plumbing class off the ground stating, “I just met with a number of plumbing business owners last week and there’s such a need.” She continued, “You are almost guaranteed a job with any of the programs, because that’s why we pick those programs.”

Additionally, Van Camp explained that Lively always encourages high school students to matriculate over to Lively after graduating to refine their skills stating, “Welding as an example, you go through two years of your career dual enrollment– we finish you at Lively Tech with a semester worth of work.” Van Camp also noted that Lively also helps their college students network into their chosen industry stating, “We help them find a job. We don’t just give them the credential and go ‘good luck’. No, we hold their hands and really help them connect the dots.”

Lastly, when asked about how the Lively programs are created, Van Camp explained, “Business and industry leaders come to Lively informing them of the careers they need to fill and what the job entails. After that, Lively takes that information and what the DOE provides them and creates the programs that serve our community.”