CCCTC students getting real world experience
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LISBON -- High school students at the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center (CCCTC) are getting some real world experience and school board members got to hear from four of those students at its recent meeting.
Michelle Fitzsimmons, head of the work based program, explained the students are working an average of 20 hours per week in addition to the school work. The job enhances what they are learning in the classroom and giving them job experience.
One student said he's working at Crestview Auto Body, where he preps for painting and helps pull parts. Another said he works at Kibler Longrifles, where he uses his CNC and CAD training from the CCCTC. Another student is helping with a building construction project at Crossroads Assisted Living, doing maintenance, framing, drywall and textured painting. Finally, one student is using the computer skills he is gaining in his CCCTC classes to assist the school in managing its network.
All the students talked to the board about their experiences and how what they are learning is enhancing or different from what they learn in the classroom.
Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Corbisello points out they make sure the work-based learning assignments are beneficial to the students and help them gain additional skills. Fitzsimmons told the board some students need more of a challenge after gaining some training at the CCCTC and this gives them an opportunity to gain even more from their experience.
Nearly all the positions are paid and the school is always looking for more companies interested working students. In addition to the program during the school year, some students do work-based training in the summer or participate in a job shadowing program.
After the presentation, board members got a chance to see the new precision machining lab, where adult students were working on gaining their credentials. Matt Peters, the instructor in the lab explained to the board high school students use the lab during the day and then adult classes are held in the evening. Peters said they are really fortunate to have the machines in the lab and more are scheduled to arrive soon.
During the tour, one of the high school students, Macen Bush demonstrated one machine, which can etch intricate designs into pieces of metal. Each board members was given a metal piece with their school's logo on it.
"What an outstanding investment you have made in the machining lab," Superintendent Chuck Adkins said after the board returned to continue the rest of the meeting. "Fortunately we have the right person involved in the right program."
Additionally, it was noted this is the right time for this program with several industries in the area taking an interest in the machining program to help fill the employee needs of their company.
More students this year are also participating in the CCCTC's drug-free program. Corbisello reported to the board more than 170 students were drug tested this year. The program offers students the chance to have awards through drawings, but also the chance to prove to employers they are committed to a drug-free lifestyle.