Career and Technical Education students from six La Porte County high schools took part in a “Future Careers Expo” on February 13, 2014 at the A. K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City.
Students rotated through several activities during the Expo. Representatives from 40 colleges, universities, technical training institutes, apprenticeship programs, and the military met with students at “career tables,” discussing options for post-high school training in a variety of technical disciplines. They also participated in several mock interviews, conducted by volunteers from business, industry, and community agencies.
A panel discussion, moderated by Tammy Stump of the Center for Workforce Innovations, addressed the topic of “Employer Expectations of Employees in the Workplace.” Panelists included Bill Gertner, Horizon Bank; Clarence Hulse, Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City; Georgeann Quealy, Integrative Flavor/Flavor Hounds; Kim Ramsey, Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation; Danielle Cecanay, GAF; Sharon Wright, Horizon Bank, and Lindsey White, B & B Manufacturing.
“We appreciate the support of our business community, which was integral to the success of today’s Expo and continues to guide us in our work,” said Audra Peterson, Director of La Porte County Career and Technical Education.
The La Porte County Career and Education Program serves students from Lacrosse, La Porte, Michigan City, New Prairie, South Central, Westville, and New Buffalo. Currently, programs are offered in Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Electronics, Engineering, Facility Maintenance, Health Careers, and Welding. In fall 2014, new program tracks will be added in Energy, Horticulture, and Transportation/Logistics.
For more information, visit EducateMC.net/careertech.
Special thanks to the following organizations and individuals, which assisted in the Career Expo!
Mock Interviewers
Allison Anthony, Ivy Tech
Koreen Boger, Goodwill Industries
Darrell Brooks, Ivy Tech
Shameeka Brown, Ivy Tech
Frank Cardello, Packaging Logic
Mandy Chalk, Ivy Tech
Deborah Chubb, Imagination Station
Jon Cleaton, Ivy Tech
Glenda Coulter, Ivy Tech
Caitrin Clark, Sedona Staffing
Malisa Crisler, Work One
Erik Dombrowski, Indiana Workforce Development
Shelley Dunleavey, City of Michigan City
Dina Gasaway, Winn Machine
Minique Gillard, Swanson Center
Felicia Goufas, GAF
Andrew Faher, B& B Manufacturing
Kelly Guba, Hearthside Food Solutions
Matt Hannon, GAF
Herb Higgin, Safe Harbor
Beth Ingram, Golden Living
Anna Jackson-Spencer, Ivy Tech
Kelli Kitchen, New Prairie High School
Wendy Leach, Ivy Tech
Lynn Lowery, Ivy Tech
Andy Mason, Ivy Tech
Rob Mitchell, Sullivan Palatek
Meredith Payne, Work One
Tim Randall, Sullivan Palatek
Brenda Reynolds, Ivy Tech
Jon Rice, Vanair
Dr. Cynthia Roberts, Purdue North Central
Tiffany Rykhus, Ivy Tech
Angela Sagarsee, Ivy Tech
John Schoenfelder, Ivy Tech
Sherri Silcox, Safe Harbor
Alea Turner, Horizon Bank
Edie Tylisz, First Trust Credit Union
Janice Whistler, Purdue North Central
Lindsey White, B & B Manufacturing
Al Whitlow, Boys & Girls Club
William Wise, Ivy Tech
Joyce Yech, First Trust Credit Union
Amber Young, Ivy Tech
Robert Zondor, City of Michigan City
Mara Adams, Purdue North Central
Exhibitors
American Academy of Art
Ancilla College
Andrews University
ArcelorMittal
The Art Institutes
Baker College of Muskegon
Baker College of Owosso
Bricklayer & Craftworkers Union
Calumet College of St. Joseph
Carpenters & Millwrights Union
City of Michigan City Fire Department
DeVry Electrical Workers Union
Everest
Indiana Army National Guard
Indiana Institute of Technology
Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation
ITT Educational Svcs
IU Health La Porte Hospital
IU NW
IUSB
Ivy Tech
Lincoln Tech
Michiana Resources
Pipefitters Union
Purdue North Central
Roofers, Waterproofers, & Allied Workers Apprenticeships
Southwestern Michigan College
United States Air Force
United States Army
United States Marines
United States Navy
UTI (Universal Technical Institute)
Vincennes
WorkOne
Wyotech