Tech Prep programs include career guidance for students in all grades and a core curriculum with defined competencies at each level. There are provisions for applied academics in communications, mathematics and sciences, along with an apprenticeship program. Technical preparation programs are provided in business, engineering technology, applied sciences, industrial technology, health professions and agriculture. Tech Prep complements South Carolina's long-standing college prep program. The apprenticeship program is of particular interest to manufacturers.
Students enter the apprenticeship program during their senior year in high school.
The program combines class work and apprenticeship training throughout the senior year and continues through attendance at a technical college. At the end of the program, usually taking 3 to 4 years, students receive the high school diploma, vocational certification and associate degree. They also receive a workplace competency certificate from the apprentice's employer. There are several trade and apprentice schools in the Greenville area. These are traditional technical schools that produce highly skilled tradesman.