Alan Hoskins
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
College Advancement
| Time: |
Registration begins at 8:15-8:30 a.m. |
| Career Fair: |
8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. |
| Contact Information: |
Donna Shawn |
Despite the current economic recession, there is a need for skilled crafts people.
“The U.S. has a shortage of skilled workers and the situation is only going to get worse,” says Barbara Schilling, Dean of the Kansas City Kansas Community College – Technical Education Center (TEC). “For example, by 2012, demand in fields like welding is expected to exceed supply.”
In an effort to meet those demands, the Technical Education Center (TEC) will be reaching out to area high school students at HOT Careers Days Thursday and Friday, Feb. 19-20. An acronym for Hands-On Training, the HOT Careers Days will highlight Career and Technical Education Month activities on the TEC campus.
Approximately 120 local high school students will get hands-on technical experience each of the two days Feb. 19-20. A joint effort of the Eastern Kansas Tech Prep Consortium and TEC, area sophomore, junior and senior students will be transported from area high schools to the TEC Center to participate in the hands-on activities, tour the educational center and network with industry technicians.
“It will be a fun and exciting activity providing a real-world experience that will inspire youth explore and pursue technical careers,” says Schilling, who said students will participate in hands-on activities, test their skills, learn about the demand for skilled trades in the Kansas City metro area and explore new careers.
In addition, they will hear from current students on their educational and work experience, network with technicians working in the industry, identify post-secondary training opportunities and gather information about the education and training required for a variety of technical fields.
To participate, students must register with their local high school by 1) Completing a Parent Consent Form; 2) Indicating career interests; and 3) Selecting their top three choices for hands-on participation.
Snacks and lunch will be provided and students are advised to wear appropriate clothing including long pants, warm jackets or coats and comfortable walking shoes, boots or heavy sneakers (no sandals or open-toed shoes) because some of the activities may take place outdoors. Also, the TEC campus is an open concept campus and students will be moving from building to building.
Current TEC students and faculty will also be celebrating Career and Technical Education Month. One day each week, the Center will host a student appreciation activity.
In addition to encouraging high school students to participate in post-secondary technical education, TEC will address the upcoming skilled trade shortage by raising awareness and changing perceptions of technical careers and how the industry impacts the quality of life; developing the workforce of the future; and identifying training options for skilled trades that promote high-skill, high-wage, high-demand careers and are essential to the economic health of our communities and state.