Community & Technical College Certificate Program

Workforce development is more than a talent strategy—it’s an engine for sustainable economic growth. When regions invest in building a skilled, adaptable labor force, they attract employers, reduce unemployment, and retain local talent. At the center of this effort are community and technical colleges, which play a critical role by delivering accessible, career-oriented education that aligns with real-world industry needs.

These institutions are uniquely positioned to prepare students for immediate employment through:

Affordable, local access to technical education
Flexible class schedules suited for working learners
Industry-relevant training that bridges the gap between education and employment

To support and spotlight colleges doing this work at an exceptional level, the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC) has launched the TBIC College Certification. The goal is to recognize institutions that not only prepare students for today’s jobs—but also help their communities compete on a global stage. Certified colleges gain visibility, credibility, and the opportunity to build international partnerships through TBIC-led engagements and networking missions in Europe.

This program is designed for colleges that view workforce training not just as a service—but as a strategy for shaping the future of their region.

Workforce Development in a Globalized World

The nature of work is evolving rapidly. From increasingly globalized work environments to the accelerated digitalization of production, today’s labor market demands new skill sets—not only for incoming talent but also for the existing workforce.

To help local educational institutions prepare for these disruptive shifts, the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC) has launched the TBIC College Certification Program—a new initiative designed to recognize and support U.S. community colleges that are equipping students with the skills needed for the modern global economy.

The program certifies colleges based on their ability to:

Deliver technical training aligned with top-tier industry standards
Provide hands-on, practical education that complements academic instruction
Foster international competencies and cultural fluency
Act as a long-term force multiplier for local economic development—particularly in efforts to attract European foreign direct investment (FDI)

The certification process includes a thorough evaluation of key indicators such as:

The strength of collaboration between the college and local industry
The scope and quality of technical and vocational training programs

As a second component, certified colleges are invited to participate in a TBIC-led networking and fact-finding mission to Europe. This trip includes visits to leading educational institutions, economic development agencies, and government bodies—providing valuable insights and fostering international institutional partnerships.

For colleges looking to future-proof their programs and become true engines of local competitiveness, the TBIC College Certification is more than a credential—it’s a strategic tool for global alignment.

Learn more by downloading our flyer here.

Upcoming Events

Berlin and Hamburg, Germany

Oct05–102025

TBIC College Certification Trip

Arizona Western College, AZ

https://www.azwestern.edu/

The Yuma Campus of the Arizona Western College (AWC) represents the heart of the wider Arizona Western College that spans Yuma and La Paz, Arizona. Yuma County, home to the city of Yuma and the main campus for Arizona Western College, is home to 209,000 people with a median age of 33.49 years and with 22.49 percent of the population holding an associate degree or higher. The public AWC system encompasses a total of 12 locations across both counties and is home to 11,500 students and 350 faculty members, with a student teacher ratio of 24-1 for academic and 15-1 for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The average class size stands at 24 for the 1181 certificates and 893 degrees currently offered by the college.

Kilgore College, TX

https://kilgore.edu

Kilgore College, located in Kilgore, Texas, is a community college renowned for its commitment to workforce development and career-focused education. Since its founding in 1935, the college has provided high-quality training programs tailored to meet the needs of local industries, particularly in fields like healthcare, energy, technology, and skilled trades. Kilgore College offers a variety of associate degrees, certifications, and hands-on training designed to equip students with the skills necessary for immediate entry into the workforce. With state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships, the college plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and preparing the workforce of East Texas.

Meridian Community College, MS

Meridian Community College

The Meridian Community College (hereafter MCC) is a public, 2-year community college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate in Arts and the Associate of Applied Science Degrees. MCC has a main campus in Meridian, Mississippi and serves Lauderdale County and the surrounding areas. The population of Lauderdale County is approximately 72,000 inhabitants. With over 4,000 students and 121 full-time faculty members, MCC boasts a student-teacher ratio of approximately 16:1 and an average class size of 15. At MCC, 652 students graduate each year on average, including 438 students completing associate degrees.

Midlands Technical College, SC

Midlands Technical College

Founded out of three separate institutions in 1974, the Midlands Technical College (MTC) today stands as one of South Carolina’s largest two-year colleges with an annual enrollment of approximately 9,000 students. The entire MTC system spans six campuses, all located within the Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina, covering a population of roughly 800,000. This TBIC college certification process was completed by MTC´s Enterprise Campus, headed by Charlton L. Whipple, Executive Director of the campus. The more than 100 acre Enterprise Campus stands at the intersection of local workforce and economic development, as it provides both aspiring and existing companies with various support systems to grow, scale and operate on-site at the campus.

Patrick & Henry Community College, VA

Patrick & Henry Community College

The Patrick & Henry Community College (hereafter PHCC) is a public 2-year community college accredited by the Virginia Community College System. PHCC has a main campus in Martinsville, Virginia, and serves Henry County and Patrick County, where it occupies three off-campus sites. The combined population of Martinsville, Henry County and Patrick County approximates 84,600 inhabitants, 18.9 percent of whom hold an associate degree or higher. Around 2,600 students are enrolled at PHCC by 44 full-time and 97 part-time faculty members, which corresponds to a student-teacher ratio of approximately 19-1. The average class size stands at 12, and 815 students graduate from PHCC each year on average, including 378 students completing associate degrees

Pima Community College, AZ

Pima Community College

Pima Community College, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a leading institution for workforce development and career-focused education. The college offers a wide range of associate degrees, certifications, and specialized training programs designed to meet the evolving needs of industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and aviation. Through its state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong partnerships with local employers, Pima Community College ensures students are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge needed for immediate entry into the workforce. As a key driver of economic development in Southern Arizona, the college plays a pivotal role in preparing a skilled, job-ready workforce.