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Recently, Patty Schaut and her Career Class from Ridgway Area High School participated in a bus tour of local companies. This was the second "Career Cruise" of the year. Ms. Schaut's students have been exploring careers in the classroom in attempts to plan for life after high school. To reinforce what they have been learning, students had the opportunity to tour and meet with employees from local companies in Elk County and get a glimpse of the local job opportunities and learn about employment expectations. Students met with employees from Elk County's Emergency Services, Metaldyne Ridgway, Elk County Foods, Fox’s Pizza, Ridgway Record Print Shop and Ridgmont. Some of the highlights were watching the process of printing the local Ridgway Record and interacting with the residents at Ridgmont. The students enjoyed the day and will use the information they gained as they plan their futures. A great big "Thank You" goes out to the businesses that participated and the sponsors of this event! This event was coordinated by the Community Education Center's (CEC) DISCOVER Partnership and is aimed at supporting career education and creating an awareness of local employment opportunities. If your school or company is interested in participating in a similar event, please contact the CEC at (814) 781-3437 or cec@communityedcenter.com.
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![]() Article and picture provided by: Endeavor News Qualified and properly trained workers are a valuable commodity in today’s job marketplace. That’s even more true for much of northcentral Pennsylvania, where years of population loss have depleted the workforce as young adults have left to pursue career opportunities. One response to this disturbing trend, the regional Discover Partnership, is showing some progress, according to Amy Goode, a program director for the Community Education Council (CEC) of Cameron and Elk counties. Its goal is to connect businesses, schools and community organizations through on-the-job training, internships, apprenticeships, new degree programs and non-credit training courses. Between 2000 and 2010, Cameron County’s population fell by about 15 percent, some of it driven by a national economic recession of 2008 and early 2009. Goode said several of the industries adversely affected by that recession have now rebounded, but the workers who left haven’t returned. Good-paying jobs exist, but many local businesses can’t fil them. “We need to make our students aware that good jobs, and not just entry-level positions, are out there.” Goode said. “There’s a misconception that you need a four-year degree and that’s not true.” Discover Partnership has already made several in-roads in Cameron County, including: • Student tours of local companies, “educator in the workplace” events to allow teachers to observe local workplace settings, and job shadowing. • Establishment of a computer lab next to the Pa. CareerLink offices at the Emporium Forging facility. Classes and workshops are offered dealing with social media, computer operating systems and other areas of technology. • A Career Connect program at Cameron County High School, introducing students to careers and walking them through mock interviews with local employers. • Expanded high school curriculum options, including Junior Achievement, career fairs, vocational research, writing classes and independent living courses. Goode said CEC offers college courses through Gannon, Pitt-Bradford and Penn State DuBois, as well as certification testing, GED instruction and professional development courses. For more information, call 814-781-3437 or visit the website, discoverpartnership.org. Deadline to register for the June 1st Class is quickly approaching.
The J.A.T.C. of Local Union #354 announces an opportunity to apply for an opening in the Plumbers Apprenticeship Program. Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age at time of filing application. Must be physically capable of performing work of outside construction plumbing-pipefitting trade, work at various heights, and extreme weather conditions. Must be willing to work for various contractors. Must attend related instruction classes a minimum of two evenings per week for a minimum of five years and be available for employment. Registration: Apply in Person on either February 20, 21 or 22 at the Ebensburg JATC, 172 Municipal Road, Ebensburg, PA 15931 from 8:00AM-12:00PM. Bring with you: A high school transcript of grades (not diploma) or GED test results. Two (2) letters of recommendation from former employers, school officials or non-related persons. If a veteran, Photo copy of the military discharge, form DD-214. Must provide a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. For more information, contact 724-925-8108! The class met at the St. Marys City Hall for a welcome from Jackie Herbstritt, LEC Alumni and CEC operations manager. The Local Government Session was coordinated by LeeAnn Covac, the assistant court administrator and Attorney Rick Brown, also a LEC Alumni.
The first presentation was on local government by Tom Wagner, Esq., Solicitor for the City of St. Marys. He discussed the structure of the local government and how it impacts our daily lives. After the presentation, the class divided into groups for a simulated City Council meeting and then a school board meeting. The participants were given topics such as parking in downtown St. Marys and the recreation director position. St. Marys City Manager, Tim Pearson participated in the city council meeting and he explained how difficult the decision making process can be at times. Superintendent, Dr. Toth participated in the mock school board meeting, and provided the participants insight into how the board operates. This experience helped LEC participants to gain a better understanding of the policies and procedures that elected officials must follow as well as the challenges that they face. Lunch was catered by Gunners Restaurant and sponsored by Meyer, Wagner, Brown and Kraus Law Office. Following lunch the group traveled to Ridgway for a tour of the Elk County 911 center with Mike McAllister, Director of Emergency Management. He discussed various emergencies they’ve encountered. He explained the expanded role of the 911 center as a regional center and the different areas they can provide assistance. Kimberly Frey, Director of Elections for Elk County provided a brief overview of the electoral process and how to get on a ballot. Jury Duty was the next topic covered, Marti Masson, District Court Administrator for Elk and Cameron Counties explained the process by which they select jurors. Lastly, the group had an open discussion with President Judge Richard A. Masson. He was broadcasted through interactive television (ITV) from the Cameron County Courthouse where he was presiding that day. Leadership Elk County is a program of the Community Education Center (CEC). Applications for next year’s class will be available in April. If you would like to learn more about the class or would like to register, please contact the CEC at (814) 781-3437 or visit cec@communityedcenter.com or (814) 781-3437. 2017 Leadership Elk & Cameron Participants include Amy Anderson, Warren Beck, Michelle Brooks, Roseann Crissman, Yvonne Gerber, Jessica Herzing, Fritz Lecker, Ann Marie Pfoutz, Christopher Pletcher, Bri Pursley, Alyse Renwick, Tina Solak, Lisa Sorg and Cathy Walters. |
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December 2020
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