Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

Students enroll at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center for many reasons: Some want to further current careers, develop skills for new jobs, or just relax.

"Every type of student you can imagine comes through the doors," Tim Pensel, workforce development coordinator, said.

While the school has classes starting all the time, the official fall semester will begin August 18.

The community education program will have several new programs this fall, including new computer classes, new short term career skills classes, and some things just for fun like beginning ballroom dancing.

One of the Center's most successful classes right now is motorcycle safety training. The classes began last spring and now have a waiting list of people hoping to enroll before they end in October.

Students in the class can thank Minor's Harley-Davidson/Suzuki Sales Inc., Sappington Pro Outdoor and World of Honda-Yamaha, for the Center's ability to offer the class. These dealers, who operate in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, loan the Center the motorcycles students train on.

Pensel believes that, despite a slight tuition increase, enrollment will be higher this year.

"It's difficult to say before hand," Pensel said, "but if the past serves as any indicator we expect record enrollment."

-- Donna Farley