Byesville Rotary learns Mid East exploring new programs

Pictured: Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President; Dan Coffman, Director Mid-East CTC Buffalo Campus, displaying artist’s rendering of Vet Assisting and Animal Care class building; and Becky Brunner, Speaker Chair and Mid East CTC staff member.

  

Byesville Rotary learns Mid East exploring new programs

Dan Coffman described Mid East’s efforts to identify new program offerings that would increase employment opportunities for local students. He explained the goal of Mid East Career and Technical Centers is to provide programs that offer as many hands on/customer service opportunities to students as possible.

Coffman passed out copies of “The Buffalo Bulletin” as an example of the “real business life” opportunities Mid East likes to offer students. The “Bulletin” is a publication that meets professional standards. Articles are written by staff and the publication is then designed and printed by Mid East students.

Coffman explained that the first step Mid East took to identify potential new programs was a survey of students. The survey identified 5 possible programs. Mid East chose two programs–welding and veterinary care and assistance—and, with permission of the Mid East Board, began to explore the possibilities of establishing the programs at Mid East.

A welding program would require Mid East to build a 500 square foot facility. Ideally, Mid East would like to start a class of 24 juniors in the fall of 2016. Mid East is working with Pioneer Pipe, a company in Marietta with a need for welders—to develop the program. Current discussions include plans to offer up to 5 student apprenticeships at Marietta Pipe. Students would attend classes in the morning and work at Marietta Pipe in the afternoons. One big challenge is getting students transported to Marietta.

Coffman pointed out that this type of hand- on program helps teach young people a hard lesson—a person can earn a good living if he/she is willing to work hard. If a student perseveres, he/she will graduate with certifications in 7 areas of welding, a diploma as well as 1 year experience as an apprentice.

Coffman stated that the survey also indicated that there is a need for a program focused on animals at the Buffalo campus that is not duplicated at partner schools. Mid East is in process of designing a totally new program that would focus on skills needed at a veterinary office such as dealing with small animals, dog grooming, and doggy day care. Ideas being discussed and explored are partnering with local vets, classes dealing with large animals, developing apprenticeships with organizations such as the Wilds or the OSU extension.

Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.