UniTec celebrates career week
The UniTec Career Center recently celebrated Career and Technical Education week.
Career and Technical Education Week is a national week of observance in recognition of the role that CTE plays in preparing youth and adults for successful careers. This year’s week was Feb. 12-18.
As members of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), they were encouraged to celebrate the contributions made by CTE professionals and the achievements of CTE students.
Some of the activities to promote and celebrate CTE week were a Trivia Contest, Career Day, Hat Day, Hillbilly Day, and Student Appreciation Day. Several classes also had guest speakers or went on field trips to visit local industry. Students in the Graphic Design/Communications program collaborated to create a special T-shirt to commemorate the CTE week celebration at UniTec. The students whose design was chosen as the most popular T-shirt were Dawn Endicott and Melissa Roach. These T-shirts were also included as door prizes for student appreciation day.
The Automotive department including Collision Repair had recruiting representatives from the Nashville Automotive and Diesel College and Wyoming Technical Institute to speak with students for post graduate training in CTE.
Health Services hosted a representative from Allied College from St. Louis to discuss career opportunities and available programs to finance an education. A representative from First State Community Bank presented short presentations for students to set financial goals and personal budgets.
Students in the Electrical Technology program held a skills competition that was judged by a journeyman electrician. The Welding Technology program toured Williams Patent Crusher in Bonne Terre, Ozark Steel Fabricators of Farmington, and Lee Mechanical Contractors’ new facility in Park Hills.
During student appreciation day, students with perfect attendance for the first semester of school were recognized and awarded prizes. All students were given pizza, soda, and chips and were also given a ticket for door prizes donated by various businesses.
Businesses who helped include Car Quest and Holekamp’s Do-it Center in Bonne Terre, Air Gas, Gifford Lumber, Farmington Auto Supply, Lowe’s, Farmington Building Supply and Fastenal in Farmington, Allied College, Rexel United in Festus, Flat River Electric, Mueller’s Ace Hardware in Park Hills, NuWay Concrete in Jackson, Yamaha and Harley Davidson Distributors who assist with the National SkillsUSA contests, and United Machinery in Springfield, MO.
The busy week ended with the District SkillsUSA competition at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technical Center. UniTec students were awarded 25 medals for their outstanding skills and leadership performances.
