Akron Life August 2023

EDUCATION

by Kelly Petryszyn

Engaged Learning Career technical schools o ! er an experiential alternative to standard universities.

photos provided by Portage Lakes Career Center

After graduating from Jackson High School, Tristan Sanderson took some time off because he didn’t think traditional classroom learning and lectures at a four year university were for him. He looked to people he knew, who are welders, for career inspiration. They are successful, and he found it fascinating how they make something new out of raw materials.

“It’s interesting hard work. It’s not just sitting at a desk,” he says. “I needed some thing a little more hands-on that required a little more critical thinking.” At age 20, he enrolled in the 10-month welding program at Portage Lakes Career Center in Green. Lisa Tripney, assistant superin tendent at the career center, says opting to pursue career technical education has sub stantial benefits for those in

myriad life stages from just graduating high school to changing a career midlife. “If you are not sure that college is right for you … come give us a try,” she says. “Within a year, we can give you a certificate, a license. You can learn an enormous amount. You will have a solid skill that you can take with you. You will not be in a massive amount of debt.”

director of Akron CNC Training Center in Akron, share insights on why stu dents should consider a career technical school and what to expect. IN DEMAND A trade can be overlooked as a career path, but the need is great. For example, there is a high demand for CNC machinists now, and the area is rich with opportunities.

Tripney, Sanderson and Laurie Norval, school

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akronlife.com | AUGUST 2023