VO-TECH SKILLS: RECESSION BOOSTS DEMAND

The nation's economic slowdown has proved somewhat beneficial for courses at the Cape Girardeau Vocational-Technical School that teach job skills.

As positions for unskilled laborers dry up, people are turning to the vocational school for training. Also, businesses are looking to the school to keep their employees trained.

"With the downturn in the economy, we are seeing a lot of interest in our programs," said Harold Tilley, coordinator of adult education.

A new series of training courses begins in January at the vocational school. The course catalog is available at the school and will also be published in the Southeast Missourian.

"We've had a big influx of individuals who have been laid off from plants," Tilley said.

People are driving from as far away as Charleston and Fredericktown, where shoe factories recently closed, for training at the vocational school.

"Many of these people are looking for something stable," Tilley said. "They felt for years they had something stable at the factories, but now they want to be trained in a skill."

He said some people who are currently working are coming back to school to upgrade skills.

"This is definitely an employer's market. Employers can certainly pick and choose," said Tilley.

On the other hand, Tilley said businesses in this competitive time are interested in upgrading the skills of their employees

"We have seen a lot of interest from industry. They want to make sure their employees have the competitive edge."

The school is providing training for Lee Rowan, Inc. "to upgrade their employees' skills in a classroom setting."

The school is also working with Dana Corp. with pre-employment training and with Frucon with training of supervisors.

Tilley said part of the appeal of courses offered at the vocational school is that employers are hiring people with skills in particular areas.

"Part of our funding is based on our placement rate," Tilley said. "Consequently, we offer courses in high-demand areas."

For example, skilled health care employees are in demand.

"We have a lot of people who want to get a taste of the health care professions," he said. "We have a lot of people interested in the LPN (licensed practical nurse) course."

The school also offers a seven-week CNA (certified nurse assistant) program. "You can get a job right away. We offer five classes a year, and they are always filled."

The Emergency Medical Technician program for spring was filled before the brochure could be printed.

"This program has been phenomenal," said Tilley. "Perhaps it's the exposure on `(Rescue) 911' and other rescue shows. But all the emergency health care programs we offer are always filled."

The school has added a dental assistant course to its line-up following a needs survey of area dentists.

The course is taught by retired dentist Charles Balsamo.

The school also offers courses to certify welders. Many government contracts require that welding jobs be done by certified welders.

"We have people coming in to learn the basics of welding and also those who have been welding for years who are coming back to be certified."

Last year, more than 9,000 people participated in an adult education program at the school ranging from one-day seminars to one-year training programs.

For more information about what courses are available and how to enroll, call the school at 334-0826.