Hands-on training

Last summer, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center opened a 12,000-square-foot annex that allowed the school to bring more training to the area's students, young and old. The building includes new work spaces, classrooms and computer labs.

So far, it appears the school's new programs -- electrical trades, cabinet making and machine tool technology -- offer highly sought after classes. The school increased its enrollment from 126 to 650 students with the annex. Even with the additional space, 77 adults had to be turned away.

The center is one of Cape Girardeau's many education success stories. It appeals to students who want hands-on training, and it benefits our workforce as well. This is a school heading in the right direction. The new annex is one way the center intends to keep pace with demand.