Barton Community College (BCC) has announced the introduction of a new associate degree in Human Resources during a Board of Trustees study session on November 1, 2023. The college aims to fill a crucial gap in the training of Human Resource Assistants (HR-As) specializing in federal employment. This initiative is in partnership with the Golden Key Group, a leader in federal Human Resources and human capital management.
Vice President Elaine Simmons outlined the degree’s significance, stating, “We have an event planned on November 4.” This event marks the formal introduction of the degree, which is expected to be the first of its kind in the nation. Attending the meeting via Zoom, Golden Key Group CEO Gretchen McCracken emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing standardized training for HR professionals, particularly for those serving in the Armed Services.
McCracken noted, “Our speciality is federal Human Resources and human capital management. We have a major commitment to our Armed Services members, particularly in the Army.” She highlighted the pressing need for skilled HR personnel, stating that the federal government currently faces a deficit of 60% in its HR staff. This gap presents a significant opportunity for BCC and its students.
During the meeting, Chief Operating Officer Phil Moravec elaborated on the career prospects within this field. He indicated that this profession offers opportunities for remote work and a clear pathway to salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. “There’s always going to be federal human resource needs in the government,” he stated.
Barton Administrator Dr. Kathy Kottas confirmed that the associate of arts degree will require 39 credit hours and will be offered entirely online. This new program positions BCC at the forefront of education in federal human relations.
SkillsUSA Membership Expands Opportunities
In addition to the new degree, BCC has joined SkillsUSA, a national organization focused on students pursuing careers in trade fields. Similar to the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), SkillsUSA aims to support students seeking vocational training. Currently, high school chapters exist in Larned and Ellinwood, providing a foundation for future collaborations.
Simmons reported that Barton will initially focus on several key areas within SkillsUSA, with appointed advisors for various disciplines. These include:
– Construction Technology – Matt Mazouch
– Plumbing – Jeff Meyer
– Welding – Jake Streit and Shawn Galloway
– Early Childhood – KellyAnn Bonnell
Future expansions may incorporate additional fields such as emergency medical services, criminal justice, cyber security, electrical construction wiring, and web design. Notably, there are plans to extend membership to incarcerated individuals who are receiving skills training from BCC.
The initiatives outlined during the Board of Trustees meeting reflect Barton Community College’s commitment to addressing workforce needs and providing valuable educational opportunities for its students. With the introduction of the new associate degree and participation in SkillsUSA, BCC is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of vocational training and human resources education in the United States.
