A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour the Lorenzo
Walker Institute of Technology in Naples. Since I had not visited a technical
high school for at least ten years I was amazed at the programs offered as well
as the state of the art equipment that was available for the students to use.
This high school had a program in aircraft repair with actual planes for
students to work on. The same was true of the marine engine repair
program. Lorenzo Walker also offered programs
in culinary arts, cosmetology and medical and dental assistant. Local residents
are encouraged to visit the dining room for lunch or make an appointment for a
shampoo and haircut. Local residents can also make appointments at the dental
clinic. The programs at Lorenzo Walker are not only available to high school students,
who must complete their academic work before transferring, programs are also
offered to adults in search of a new career.
The take away from my visit and meeting with students was
that technical education was a more certain path that would lead to a job upon
graduation.
They also reiterated that college, such as we academics know
it, is not for everyone.
For those of you who have students who are uncertain about
their future or confused about a career path, tell them to make a New Year’s
resolution and consider technical education.
c.2014 J. Margolis
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