Committee helps keep MCTEC’s training current

The Marion County Technical Education Center had its Craft Advisory Committee meeting this past week, one of two conducted each year. The event allows program instructors to consult with advisors with knowledge of various trades that relate to the programs.

Director Paul Crandall said it’s something that’s been going on since the center began operating in 1968 and is done all throughout the country. “They discuss everything from equipment, the state of the program, and what’s new in the trade,” he said. Programs such as auto collision repair technology, automotive technology, cabinet design, cosmetology, culinary arts, entertainment technology, nail technology, horticulture-turf management, and practical nursing are offered at MCTEC.

Bobby Lawrimore, instructor in cabinet making, said the program is progressing well with 16 first-year students and four second-year students. Lawrimore said his students are great designers that can mimic the work seen in many magazines. “What I’m happy with the most is the respect level they have for me as an instructor,” he said.

Crandall added that advisory committee members assess the instructors as they prepare them in the future workforce programs. Principal at MCTEC Sanford Eaddy said collaborating with advisors has been great for networking and giving the program a broad perspective for students.The consultants range from small business operators, technical colleges, television stations, medical centers, music producers, café’s and theatres. Eaddy also said it’s a good experience and opportunity for program instructors to find out what’s needed from them and learn from others.

Ervin Blackmon, who operates the new Piggly Wiggly store in Marion, formerly Blackmon’s grocery, said he’s fortunate and happy to serve on the committee, helping with the culinary arts program.
“It’s great because we look forward to getting the influence back from our advisors and what they look for in an employee,” instructor Patricia Owens said.

Tammy Haselden and Kelly Stokes said the committees have a big impact for the cosmetology and nail technology programs. Dillon County Technical Center has also worked closely with the programs at MCTEC. Haselden said it’s good for finding out what is needed from the industry in preparing students to become better employees. Donna Kirkland, who operates the Creative Touch salon in Mullins, recently joined the advisory committee.

Micky Bryant and Burt Ballon say they’re also pleased to help out the auto collision program. Bryant works as the Florence Darlington Technical College auto body instructor and Ballon works with Bell and Bell Pontiac, GMC, Isuzu Trucks.

“It teaches them a lot in getting ready for the future,” Ballon said. Raymond Boatwright with NAPA Auto Parts is also on the committee. Smitty Smith is the instructor for the program and said he appreciates the members coming out to help, passing information on new technology that comes out in the market what should be the focus in teaching his students. “It’s a very worth while program, we think he does an excellent job with the students and we’re very happy to help and do whatever we can,” Bryant said.

In his remarks to the group, Crandall said the new skilled craft workforce is needed for the next 15 years for an expected growth of 17 percent. “Parents have to realize the importance of their children attending a tech school such as MCTEC and continuing their schooling at a one or two year technical institute after high school graduation,” he said.