BTEC show cased job training to Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon

On Wed. Oct. 17, at the Ballast Point Chamber of Commerce network lunch two visitors had a lot to say. Mike Ketron who overseas the CTE courses at BTEC and all of the programs at the county secondary level and Shaun Sparks  the new principal at BTEC. They spoke to the programs at the school.

Ketron said, “In the real world, the examples for our students especially in welding at Altec,Tread etc are industry leaders telling us what the business is looking for in new employees.B TEC tries to incorporate those pieces of info into the curriculum. Indeed, the school held a signing of sorts last spring at graduation for all of the graduates who would be employed in the area of their BTEC certification.

Sparks said,”We connect students with opportunities. Both stated that is why they go to events to try to make the connections. It is all about developing relationships.

Some of the classes at BTEC offers are Aerospace Technology, Auto Body Technology, Auto Sevice Technology, Building Trades, Computer Systems, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Information Systems Technology, Mechatronics, Nurses Aide , Veterinary Technology and Welding.

All certifications the students get are helpful in job seeking. A drone flying license can even be acquired through BTEC.

As far as cybersecurity, Ketron told of a student going shopping with his mother. In the room where they were, he was able to access over 10 devices-(-ie cellphones) because all of the people had the Bluetooth function on active. The student also accessed an insulin pump.

Take away of the day:  BTEC has great programs. Make sure your Bluetooth device is on off.

 

Story  and photo Cathy Benson