April 2, 2007
MiBiz
By Susan W. Meston, Superintendent

Have you ever wondered what would happen if industry and education worked hand in hand? What if they developed real-world courses that teach practical job skills using today’s high-tech equipment? What if higher education got involved and offered free college credit and post-secondary education?

Perhaps you already know that this dream is a reality in career tech centers in nine West Michigan communities and throughout the state. Although the number and focus of programs vary by center, all provide exceptional career/technical education and training to high school students. Students may enroll in classes focused on computer technology, health occupations, CAD, welding, electronics, horticulture, machining, automotive technologies, or culinary arts to name a few.

A more specific example of a program offered to students can be found in the Muskegon Area Area Career Tech Center’s (MACTC) Electrical/Electronic Technologies (EET) program. It focuses on the core of several high tech career fields including telecommunications, computer maintenance, computer control systems, residential wiring and industrial maintenance. Students train on state-of-the-art equipment monitoring electrical devices and circuits, developing troubleshooting skills and gaining a relevant understanding of electronics. Once the core electronics fundamentals are learned, EET students progress to industry-certified training programs in computer maintenance (Comptia A+), Home Technology Integration (HTI), and electro-mechanical technologies (hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, and control systems). Upon successful completion of the program, students can articulate credit to a community college/university or go directly into an apprenticeship program or workforce.

So just how do industry leaders influence what students learn? Each program is represented by an advisory committee of local professionals in program-related occupations. By law, the advisory committees review program curricula, facilities and equipment, and make recommendations for updating and upgrading as industry standards change. The advisory committees work with instructors to ensure the various occupational programs are preparing students for the realities of the workplace in their respective fields. These business partnerships provide valuable input into programs, offer support in placement, serve as guest speakers, and often assist in student occupational assessments.

The advisory committees consist of local entrepreneurs, employers and workers related to each particular career and technical education program. For example, the MACTC automotive program advisory committees have members from automobile dealerships, independent repair shops, parts stores, tools and equipment vendors and other local experts. Scott Cox, owner of Muskegon Automotive Supply stated that, "being a member of the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center Auto Service advisory committee is an honor. I enjoy being able to share my opinions on new equipment and software programs for the students. I see this program as an opportunity to train our next generation of technicians." Advisory committee members often gather to network informally at trade or technical meetings, subject-related conferences, professional organization meetings and product/skills demonstrations. They volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of the programs they serve and the students they help to educate.

Steve Olsen, president of Northern Machine Tool Co., noted, "Being a member of the CTC Machine Tool Advisory Committee gives me an opportunity as a representative of the local business community to assist, steer and guide instruction and outcomes that will prepare our future workers with the necessary skills to meet our industry needs." Ultimately, the community benefits from the services of committee members because the product of their service is an educated, skilled workforce.

Chuck Berghorst from BJW Berghorst & Sons in Holland, a member of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Advisory Committee at Ottawa ISD’s Careerline Tech Center remarked, "it’s a pleasure to be a part of this great HVACR program. It is a very nurturing process and a win-win for everyone involved."

If you have an interest in finding out more about the Career Tech Center in your area, or if you would like to participate as a student mentor, presenter, or advisory committee member, call your local center.

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This article appeared in the April 2, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who do business in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz Network, visit www.mibiz.com.