County's Career Center, Vo-Tech Offerings Are Big Successes

Highlands County schools and South Florida Community College have the right idea of improving and consolidating vocation education. It's a move that will benefit many young people as they build skills for future careers.

In some districts, vocational education sometimes gets overlooked because collegiate preparation is the focus. How many students are college bound seems to be the sexiest statistic, while what really matters is how many students are adequately prepared for future study of whatever kind - college, trade school or some other career program.

The truth is, the majority of our young people will find careers in quality trades such as electrical, carpenter, web design, mechanic, welding, heating and air-conditioning and a variety of others. These are good-paying, rewarding professions with plenty of promise.

SFCC is opening a Career Center that offers 10th, 11th and 12th graders a place to do regular school work, as well as work on specialized career skills. They can earn certificates and associate's degrees in a variety of career areas.

We like the idea of these offerings for our young people. Not every student wants to pursue a traditional college degree. That's where this quality vo-tech or career training makes a big difference in their lives. It's give them an early start to learning important skills not typically taught in old-school shop classes.

When many of us were in high school, we had wood and metals shop. There we made lamps and tables. In today's classes, students learn much more about every trade and specialty. Students in the construction classes will build Habitat for Humanity houses beginning this month. That kind of experience was unheard of for many of us.

This kind of education is exactly what's needed throughout our country. From construction to web design, the more opportunities we provide young people, the more we all benefit. Employers can more easily find qualified employees and young people don't have to spend years getting the experience they need to get going with their lives.

It's a good thing for our county, and especially our young people.