Lamar Career Technical Center Training Guides Students on Their Career Paths

Lamar Career Technical Center (LCTC) Fast Facts

PROGRAMS:

• Precision Machining

• Health Occupations

SERVICES:

• Automotive Repair Services

• Graphic Design

• Carpentry Program

• Welding Repair Service

By Don Lowe

As the Lamar Career Technical Center (LCTC) celebrates a half century of tremendous achievements with this impressive initiative, it’s understandable why this continues to be pivotal.

“The mission of the Lamar R-1 School District is to provide quality education for each student that will impact his or her life with meaningful purpose and successful direction,” says the program’s director, Brian Gillis. “At LCTC, we take that a step further.

“We’re preparing students to be successready for industry or college. Our goal is to offer hands-on, real-life training that prepares students for the next step in their lives. Our students get to see and experience the expectations of a career pathway firsthand.”

Applauding those who play prominent roles, Gillis maintains, “One of the most significant factors is the quality of teachers at LCTC. Our teachers come to LCTC with industry experience and can use that experience to prepare students effectively for their future careers.

“The teachers at LCTC are experts in their fields and have hearts for kids. They work tirelessly to ensure students get the experience and expertise they need to be successful.”

There are several more components and Gillis says, “The communities and businesses we serve are a significant factor in our success. Another factor has been the Board of

Education and Central Office Administration.

“The BOE, Retired Lamar R-1 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Zach Harris and Director of Special Services at Lamar R-1 Mrs. Piper Stewart support LCTC and, more importantly, the students. We’re also blessed to have nine ‘sending schools’ that have bought into the importance of LCTC.”

Gillis appreciates the collaboration and says, “In each of those schools, I work with superintendents, principals, secretaries, and counselors to ensure the education at LCTC is top-notch. Through the support of those individuals and groups, LCTC has been able to thrive and continue to grow.”

It’s all about the youth and Gillis assures, “Students are what’s important and, more specific, their experiences not only at LCTC, but in their career pathway. Our goal is to get students college- or career-ready.

“We use multiple avenues to increase their job skills and leadership potential. LCTC takes pride in developing students into leaders, inventors, outside-the-box thinkers, and doers. All our activities and organizations are important to help us grow kids.”

This is a big deal for Lamar and Gillis stresses, “The industry here needs skilled workers. As the search for quality applicants becomes more challenging, LCTC is stepping up to help develop and provide for those workers. Also, our community not only needs skilled labor, but entrepreneurs as well.

“Small business is essential for our community to grow. Our programs at LCTC are vital to developing small business entrepreneurs.

Looking around Lamar, we see firsthand evidence of former students starting and maintaining businesses in our community. Those could be in construction or the automotive industry. Either way, LCTC had a part in their education.”

Gillis notes, “The more significant part is our influence isn’t solely in Lamar, but positively impacts all nine communities we serve. Students can take what they learn at LCTC and become successful no matter their career goals.”

It’s an honor for Gillis to be involved and he asserts, “I see the benefit and impact. Each year, we have to say goodbye to our senior students, but at the same time I get to see them go out and conquer their dreams.

“In a time when public education is under strict scrutiny, I know we’re making a difference. Our students and their successes are proof of that. The future of LCTC and its students is bright, and I feel privileged to be associated with such a great school and community.”