TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
“We learned a lot about what it takes to design and build a product as a member of an engineering team,” he notes. “The college has made it a priority to help students develop the skills employers want—and SkillsUSA definitely helped prepare us for the challenges we’re likely
QUOTE ME!
“So many of the professors at CLC create a classroom environment, even online, that allows students to comfortably struggle, learn and succeed.” – Annie Ahern
MELDING
to encounter in our engineering careers.” Thousands of students like Otterbacher and Zarinana compete in SkillsUSA championships annually, racing against the clock and one another to demonstrate their expertise in fields as diverse as computer-aided drafting, culinary arts, electronics, medical assisting and precision machining. The competitions—held in partnership with industry representatives, trade associations and labor organizations—are designed to inspire students to strive
ART&WELDING CREATES MEDAL-WORTHY SCULPTURE
Right: Mercado originally came to CLC to study fire science, but soon discovered he enjoyed working with his hands at an auto shop. From there, he found his interest in welding.
Moises Mercado showed off his welding sculpture talents on the state and national stages competing in SkillsUSA, winning the welding sculpture state championship and placing tenth in the national competition. An artist before beginning the welding program at CLC, Mercado combined his two interests together while at the college to form his new passion and career. “If I’m famous for my art in 30 years, it will be because of my CLC classes and supportive teachers that started it all,” Mercado said. “The instructors here are awesome and helped build my confidence. They really pushed me to be creative and do my own thing.”
Mercado works as a fabricator and does his art on the side, but he hopes to become successful enough to make art his full-time job.
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CLC CONNECTS
