Riipen announces a new partnership with Fletcher Technical Community College to elevate work-based learning in Maritime Cyber Security and Business programs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2024, Vancouver, BC — Riipen, the leading platform for connecting students with real-world work experiences, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with Fletcher Technical Community College, a distinguished higher education institution committed to providing high-quality technical and academic programs to its students. This strategic partnership aims to enhance work-based learning opportunities and career preparedness for students enrolled in Fletcher’s innovative Maritime Cyber Security and Business programs.

This partnership between Riipen and Fletcher Technical Community College will equip students in the Maritime Cyber Security and Business programs with hands-on experience and essential skills tailored to industry demands. The college has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its students and the workforce, and this new partnership with Riipen is a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence. By working on real-world projects relevant to their fields of study, students will gain valuable industry insights and develop practical skills in cybersecurity and business management. Furthermore, this collaboration supports Fletcher's mission to prepare individuals for employment, career advancement, and lifelong learning, ensuring students are well-prepared to contribute to the workforce and their communities.

"We are excited to partner with Fletcher Technical Community College in our shared mission to bridge the gap between education and industry,” shared Dana Stephenson, CEO and Co-Founder of Riipen. "This partnership, particularly with the Maritime Cyber Security and Business programs, will provide students with the practical experience and knowledge they need to excel in today’s competitive job market. By focusing on high-demand careers, we aim to prepare students while fostering strong connections with industry partners. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and the positive impact it will have on the students’ lives, local employers, and the regional economy."

Key benefits of this partnership include:

• Specialized project opportunities: Maritime Cyber Security students will have the chance to work on work-based learning projects with a variety of marine industry companies and organizations, benefiting from the industry’s strong presence in both local and national contexts. This will provide students with industry-specific experience and insights directly applicable to their future careers.
• Enhanced business acumen: Students in the Business program will engage in projects with a range of enterprises, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world business challenges. 
• Robust industry alignment: By participating in projects that address current industry challenges, students in both programs will gain valuable insights and skills that are directly relevant to the workforce demands of cybersecurity or business management fields.
• Expanded professional network: Fletcher students will gain access to Riipen’s extensive network of over 33,000 industry partners from various regions, offering opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and future employment.
• Skill development: The partnership will enable students to hone critical skills such as problem-solving, project management, cybersecurity protocols, and professional communication, enhancing their employability and readiness for career advancement.
• Community and industry engagement: Local employers will benefit from the innovative solutions provided by Fletcher students, addressing critical business and industry challenges. By leveraging the local industry to provide meaningful projects that will enrich student learning, this partnership will help support the regional economy and help employers identify future talent.

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“I am thrilled to announce Fletcher’s newest training opportunity in Maritime Cyber Security,” shared Dr. Kristen Strickland, Chancellor of Fletcher. “We are committed to providing students with real-world hands-on experience and training, and Fletcher aims to provide the community with tomorrow's top-notch cyber workforce ready to provide IT support and defend the industry against attacks. We recognize that 1 in 5 jobs in our State are related to the maritime industry and recognize that industry’s ability to prevent cyber attacks is critical to our economy and national security.” 

This partnership marks a transformative step for Fletcher Technical Community College, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality, practical education. By integrating Riipen’s work-based learning platform, Fletcher ensures that its students are equipped with the necessary skills and experiences to excel in the modern workforce. This collaboration not only enhances the academic journey of Maritime Cyber Security and Business programs’ students but also strengthens the connection between the college, local industry, and the broader community.

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About Riipen

Riipen is the world’s leading online work-based learning platform and ecosystem, aiming to end underemployment and close the skills gap. Riipen partners with governments, colleges, universities, and short-cycle training providers to provide authentic, accessible online training for employment-focused skills and technical/professional proficiency. Riipen has successfully and proudly implemented 13.3 million hours of learning hours for over 136,000 learners with more than 35,000 employers and 640 academic partnerships, portals, and training providers in 9 countries, in both English and French.

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About Fletcher Technical Community College

Fletcher Technical Community College is an open-admission, public institution of higher education awarding certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degrees. The College is dedicated to offering high-quality technical and academic programs to the community of South Louisiana and beyond. Established in 1948 to provide vocational training, the College now prepares individuals for employment, career and academic advancement, and lifelong learning. Fletcher actively engages business and industry to develop the workforce of South Louisiana and beyond, promoting values such as personalized instruction, active learning, high standards of excellence, and community partnerships.

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Media contacts: 

Riipen

Jennifer Lussier, Content Marketing Specialist

Email: jennifer.lussier@riipen.com

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Fletcher Technical Community College

Susan Guerrero, Dean of Business, Education, Arts, Math, & Science

Email: Susan.Guerrero@fletcher.edu

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