RTEC’s Special Events
Because the goal of the Regional Technical Education Center (RTEC) is to “homegrow our own workforce,” we are always searching for new activities and experiences that can expose area youth to the many opportunities that exist right in our own backyard. RTEC launched several activities to do just that.
Career Expo
Our annual Career Expo has grown considerably since it debuted in 2006. Now that it is an established event, RTEC’s Career Expo has been attracting more students and vendors with each passing year.
Approximately 700 students from local and area high schools attended the 2009 event held at the end of April. Vendors, who represented colleges, universities, technical schools, the SD National Guard, law enforcement agencies, local and area manufacturers and many other youth, career and training-oriented organizations, set up displays to help students get a better idea of what certain careers involve and what types of training or education would be needed to qualify them for those careers. Many featured hands-on activities which allowed students to try their hand at virtual welding and a number of other technical applications.
Watch for details on RTEC’s 2010 Career Expo. If history is any indication, it should be even bigger and better than ever!
Manufacturing Academy
Twenty-one students representing the Wagner, Vermillion, Avon and Yankton school districts, participated in the 2009 RTEC-First Dakota National Bank Manufacturing Academy from June 8-19. As part of the academy, students spent their first week touring nine local manufacturers and completing lecture and lab activities at RTEC under the direction of instructors Bob Evans, Dave Koupal and Eric Kotalik. Students spent their second week completing internships throughout the community.
The students were honored for their achievements during a Recognition Ceremony held on the final afternoon of the academy. Featured speakers included South Dakota Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Dennis Everson of First Dakota National Bank. The ceremony also honored local manufacturers and other businesses that have supported the academy by
donating funds, by hosting group tours or by providing internship opportunities.
For successfully completing the academy, students received a stipend and may be eligible to receive high school credit, if their local school board has granted approval. They also gained valuable information and experience that can help them shape their future career plans.
The Academy is designed for students in grades 9-12. Watch for details on the 2010 Manufacturing Academy. Dates should be announced in early 2010.
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"We are always searching for new activities and experiences that can expose area youth
to the many opportunities that exist right in our own backyard."