CAPE CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CTC PROGRAM SHOWCASE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~Student Ambassadors Selling CTC Shirts~~~~~~~~~~~
If so, see the order form below or contact Rebecca Peters by calling 334-0826 EXT. 6503 or emailing petersrj@capetigers.com to turn in your order. All orders need to be in by February 15th.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Brandon Chesser
Brandon Chesser grew up just outside of Jackson city limits. His mother, Michelle, began homeschooling him in Kindergarten. "Being homeschooled allowed my mom to be flexible with our schedule. She let me do my studies and then encouraged me to find something to do in our community." As Brandon became a teenager, he knew he wanted to take on a challenge, something he could be proud of, something different than what most other kids his age were doing. At age 15, he developed a business plan and started his own landscaping company. His company received a lot of business right away. So at age 15, Brandon found himself going to clients' houses giving them quotes, budgeting his money for the business, and even hiring a couple people to work for him...all while finishing classes for his high school credits.
Fast forward two years. Brandon remembers the exact conversation he had with his mother. "She told me that I have always been good with computers, explained to me there will always be job in IT, and encouraged me to check out the Computer Networking & Security program at the CTC." A week later we made an appointment to meet Mrs. Wright and he was hooked from the first minute he walked in.
Brandon is now a second year student in the Computer Networking & Security program. "Brandon has always been a quality student from day one. He comes to class prepared, has a great work ethic, and is respectful of others. When Tom Albertson, CPU Vice President of IT, contacted me about a position they were looking to fill, I immediately thought of Brandon." CPU specializes in three business lines: Payroll, IT, and Voice.
Tom Albertson set up a time to meet with Brandon at the CTC in December. After the first interview, he was called back for additional interviews. "I was a little nervous going into the interview, but I'm glad I went through the Mock Interview last year so I kinda knew what to expect and what kinds of questions they would ask." One week after his final interview, CPU called Brandon to tell him he was hired! He now works at CPU in the mornings, before he has class at the CTC, and in the evening after his CTC class. "I am using so many things at CPU that I've learned in Mrs. Wright's class. This program has definitely set me up for success!"
Brandon has already taken and passed the A+ CompTIA, a certification that shows employers that you have the knowledge and skill set to work on computers. On top of working part time at CPU, taking the Computer Networking & Security program, studying for the CompTIA Security + certification, Brandon also volunteers his time as a CTC Student Ambassador where he talks to prospective students about the benefits of coming to the CTC.
Brandon's part time work will turn into full time employment when he finishes the program in May.
Mrs. Wright and the administration at the CTC are very proud of Brandon and all his success and are thankful for businesses like CPU that have a great partnership with the CTC.
We are now accepting applications for next year!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~NEW PROGRAMS OFFERED NEXT YEAR~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drone Technology
Criminal Justice
Cabinetmaking
To the parents...
I know you want the very best education possible for your son/daughter. I know committing to take a 3 hour CTC program may make you nervous. Maybe you do not know what your son or daughter will learn, who their instructor will be, what the benefits of attending are, etc.
If this describes how you're feeling or if you want to learn more about what programs we offer at the CTC, contact me at petersrj@capetigers.com or 334-0826 EXT. 6503 to set up a tour, meet the instructors, and learn about all the exciting opportunities we have at the Career and Technology Center!
Three Rivers College Articulated College Credit
Click on the link below to see what classes you would need to finish to complete the degree.
The EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program was established to recognize the excellent and deserving students seeking an HVAC technical education. Click the link below to apply!
WE'RE SEEKING BUSINESS & INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES to assist with MOCK INTERVIEWS!!
A goal for our Student Professional Development Day is for EVERY STUDENT at the CTC to go through a mock interview with an industry-specific employee. We need your help to make this happen!
When: Friday, March 29th, 2019
The morning session runs from 8:15-10:45 A.M. and afternoon session runs from 12:15-2:45 P.M.
(You can choose to help at one or the other session or both sessions.)
How it will work: Each interviewer will interview 5 students for 20 minutes each--10 minutes for the interview and 10 minutes for feedback about what they did right, what they could improve on, etc. Each student will have a resume and job application; a rubric and interview questions will be provided for you.
Please mark your calendars and let us know if you are able to help!
Contact Rebecca Peters at petersrj@capetigers.com or call 573-334-0826 EXT. 6503 to let her know if you are able to help or if you have any questions!
Google finds STEM skills are NOT the most important skills.
WorkForce Wednesdays
Last spring, Kathleen Clayton, Workforce Development Coordinator, was brainstorming ways for students to be able to interact and start networking with businesses in the area and the idea of Workforce Wednesdays was born. Kathleen shared, "I think it is very important we set our students up for success. The instructors are very good at teaching students the technical skills, but if they don't have those business & industry connections and the confidence to be able to tell someone what they know; they will have a hard time getting hired somewhere."
You may be asking, "What is Workforce Wednesdays?" It is a weekly event where businesses come to CTC and are able to meet with students in our computer lab and educate students about their company (i.e., pay scales, benefits, required skills, experience, etc.) and talk with them about what jobs they are hiring for. There's no cost to the business to participate and it's also a great opportunity for the students to start networking and to practice their soft skills. "It really is a win-win for both the businesses and our students. Kathleen does a fantastic job getting businesses in here," Assistant Director, Kristy Unger, stated.
Kathleen Clayton and the CTC would like to thank the following businesses for participating in Workforce Wednesdays: Biokyowa, Rheem/Richardson, Delta Companies, HAVCO Wood Products, Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, Mondi-Jackson, Nestle Purina PetCare, Pepsi Mid-America, United States Coast Guard and the US Army. Businesses that will be participating in February include HAVCO Wood Products, National Guard, MO Veterans Home, Pepsi Mid-America and Southeast Health.
If you're a business looking for fresh talent and would like to come meet our students, please contact Kathleen Clayton at claytonk@capetigers.com or call 573-334-0826 EXT. 6513.
Read below to find out all the exciting things happening at the CTC!
American Wireless Demonstrates How to Set up Wireless Router with Computer Networking & Security Students
Rob Staggs of American Wireless, Inc., General Manager, presented to the Computer Networking and Security students on the procedures of setting up a wireless router. All students were provided wireless routers to set up and test. Students implemented security features, configured frequency channels to avoid interference, and connected to a wireless network.
INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TRAINING STUDENTS RECEIVE TRAINING ON ARC FLASH PPE'S
On Tuesday evening, January 9, 2019, Automation Engineer, Stan Essner, from Buzzi Unicem USA http://www.buzziunicemusa.com/ brought various articles of Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and taught students enrolled in the Southeast Regional Industrial Training Group (SRITG) Electrical Industrial Maintenance Training program at CTC on how to properly dress and use the protective clothing in environments where Arc Flash hazards may occur.
Arc Flash PPE’s are used in a variety of environments, including Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, Mining, and Utilities including Oil & Gas, etc. where the potential for arc flash hazard is possible when working in these environments. Arc Flash is a type of electrical discharge or explosion that can travel by air between conductors or from a conductor to the ground. Some types of jobs within these and other industries put workers at risk of heat and fire related injuries, which is why the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is so important. Recently, Arc Flash clothing has been introduced into the world of PPE.
Anyone that is at risk of being exposed to an Arc Flash should be wearing Arc Flash clothing to ensure that they have the right level of protection. Arc Flash clothing provides added peace of mind as it is not only flame resistant but has also been rigorously tested to IEC 61482-2-2009 to clarify the level of protection provided against Arc Flash hazards.
Pictured below demonstrating the various layers of PPE involved with donning an Arc Flash “Moon Suit” is Klayton Kyle. Klayton is enrolled in the SRITG’s evening Electrical Industrial Maintenance Training program at the CTC and is employed with Buzzi Unicem USA in Cape Girardeau, MO. Buzzi Unicem USA sends multiple employees through the Mechanical and Electrical Industrial Maintenance Training Programs offered at the CTC exclusively to SRITG Member Companies.
To learn more about how your company can become a member of the SRITG and access these training programs, contact Bev Hickam with Mineral Area College at bhickam@mineralarea.edu or 573-270-3542.
BLOOD DRIVE SUCCESS
We want to thank the #AmericanRedCross and everyone who donated or attempted to donate blood last Friday at the CTC. A total of 75 people signed up to donate with 64 successful units given - potentially saving 192 LIVES!!
Additionally, one of our Health Occupations students will be eligible to earn a $750.00 scholarship through the American Red Cross!
Thank you to Abbie Whitaker, Debbie Drury, and all the Health Occupations students that helped to make our blood drives a success!
AEL Teaches ELS classes to Seis Amigos
Early last fall, the staff members at the Adult Education and Literacy program (AEL) were handing out flyers to area businesses regarding the dates and times of English as Second Language classes. Seis Amigos manager asked about the possibility of offering a class at the restaurant. They had a TV monitor, table and chairs, and the employees were willing to come in before the opening hours of the restaurant and excited about the possibility. The staff at Seis Amigos and staff at AEL said, “Let’s try it and see how it goes!”
The instructor, mangers, owners, co-owners and many volunteers from the community are helping the students/employees learn the menu, customer service phrases, and general conversation skills.
Pamela Riehn, coordinator of the AEL program, said, “It is a fantastic opportunity, and we look forward to perhaps doing this with other restaurants, businesses, or manufacturers. Our students struggle with many barriers such as transportation or finding the time away from work and family to dedicate to the needed English instruction. We are glad when our program can meet the needs of our community whenever possible.”
The AEL program has regular ESL classes (both day and evening) at the Adult Learning Center on 409 Clark as well, and we begin Citizenship Test Prep classes on Thursday, February 21.
If you have any questions, call 573-334-3669 or email riehnp@capetigers.com
ChildCare and Electrical Trades students Collaborate Together
Skills USA Organizes Leadership Event at CTC
On Dec. 4, 2018, the Cape Girardeau CTC hosted the SkillsUSA East Central District Fall Leadership Conference. Local SkillsUSA officers from five schools in the East Central District participated. The purpose of this conference is to provide leadership training to students in parliamentary procedure, the officer’s duties, teamwork, problem-solving and social skills. The conference aims to encourage district unity and school spirit. It is a time for the sharing of ideas between students and advisors from different schools. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the SkillsUSA Statesman Award.
Student Ambassadors Volunteer at St. Jude Hospital
The CTC Ambassadors were also able to do a little sightseeing while in Memphis (it was the first time going there for all of them). They went to the Peabody, visited Beale Street & ate at BB Kings and shopped at Bass Pro.
*Please Note: Due to HIPAA regulations, pictures were not allowed to be taken inside the hospital.
8 Students Graduate from CNA program
Pictured (back row from left to right) Brandy Renshaw, Lauren McKay, Chelsea Graham, Aaron MacArthur, Liya McDonald, Zachary Kordecki, Brianna Courtney, and Marissa Hall and (front row left to right) instructors Rita Becker and Kathy Doughten