Pictured: Barbara Funk, Assistant-Director
Community Outreach Coordinator for Mid East Technical and Career Centers, and
Becky Bruner, Speaker Host.
Barbara Funk, Assistant-Director Community
Outreach Coordinator for Mid East Technical and Career Centers, stated that MECTC
serves 13 school districts in four counties-Guernsey, Muskingum, Noble, and
parts of Perry. Students from any high school in this service area can choose
to attend one of the MECTC campuses located in Buffalo; and Zanesville.
Transportation is no problem. MECTC provides transportation to and from a
student’s home high school to the MECTC campuses.
Funk said that one of her goals is “…to help
young people who want a career and adults who want to change careers learn
about the over 30 programs MEECTC offers.” Funk pointed out the MECTC works to
insure the career programs and the classes offered are cutting edge and meet
the needs of local employers by developing strategic partnerships with
businesses located in the MECTC service area.
Members from local businesses are invited to
serve on the school board and serve as advisers on the standards and skills
needed for specific careers. This method insures that changes in business needs
and career skills are reflected in course curriculum. Local business suggested
including classes covering the electronic aspects of new diesel engine design.
To meet this need MECTC purchased 3 new diesel trucks which will insure
students will be exposed to electronic upgrades in diesel engines.
Funk indicated that she also reaches out to
the CIC. The CIC indicated that welding skills were needed by the oil and gas
industry. In response, MECTC added a welding program designed to provide
students with the welding skills needed by oil and gas. In addition, MECTC has
responded to the governor’s initiative and add courses in the areas of
precision machinery and robotics.
The results of these efforts are that over 90%
of graduates of Mid East programs are employed in the business or industry of their
career choice, serving in military, or furthering their education by taking
additional classes at a college or university.
Funk stated that MECTC also offers adult education
classes to help people update and improve their business skills, pass the GED,
or gain the skills needed to change careers. These classes are shorter in
length than the classes for high school aged students and designed to fit into
adult learners’ busy schedules.
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