http://eagletimes.villagesoup.com/p/technical-education-defines-path-to-the-future/1371958
Technical education defines path to the future
Jul 06, 2015
Photo by: Courtesy
Eric Stoddard's career path began at the River Valley Technical Center in Springfield. He now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina and is currently working as the assistant director of housekeeping at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina.
SPRINGFIELD — When Eric Stoddard, 26, formerly of Springfield, decided to attend the River Valley Technical Center while he was in high school, he was not sure what his future had in store for him. He enrolled in the Business and Financial Management program and things began to become clear for him.
His career path to the hospitality business began to take shape after participating in fund raisers, creating a business plan and joining DECA, an international association of high school and college students in marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service.
Stoddard placed first in the Vermont State DECA compeition in business math, qualifying him to compete in DECA's national competitions in Florida, Texas and California in his three years at the tech center. Like many other River Valley Tech Center graduates, Stoddard went on to study hospitality at Clemons College and the International College of Hospitality (ICHM), now known as Lincoln College of New England.
"Taking business management helped me choose my career in hospitality, and helped me find my college. College is a huge and expensive choice. The tech center helped me choose the right path." said Stoddard. Stoddard now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina and is currently working as the assistant director of housekeeping at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. The Umsted is a 5 star, 5 diamond property.
The River Valley Technical Center offers an education that prepares students to be career and college ready. Students learn technical skills in their program areas, employability skills that prepare them for the workplace, and academic skills in math, reading and writing, science, or social studies, taught as part of the program and curriculum.
Today, employers are looking for employees who are able to utilize technology, solve problems, and work effectively in teams. The River Valley Technical Center affords high school students and adults the chance to learn these skills through practical, hands-on experience so that they are better prepared to take advantage of further learning and career opportunities. Students enrolled in Bellows Falls Union High School, Black River High School, Green Mountain High School, Fall Mountain Regional High School, Springfield High School and home schooled and private schools are welcome to apply.
Many of the programs offer college credit, industry-recognized credentials, and leadership opportunities. Students who are considering a career immediately after graduation or who plan to enter college are encouraged to apply. There is an on-line application on the RVTC website at www.rvtc.org 
Another failed attempt by the Howard Dean Center's PR department in self promotion. With all due respect to the individual featured who had the wisdom and motivation to leave Springfield and make a future for himself, house keeping is a service industry job and not in any way shape or form a TECHNICAL career path.
ReplyDeleteConspicuously absent is any mention of TECHNICAL job placement among this year's graduates. As local employers desperately clamor for skilled, legitimately trade certified, (ASE/journeyman/NIMS,) automotive technicians, telecommunications technicians, machinists, CNC programmers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, etc., the self appointed board of directors is content to operate as a job program for lazy teachers and guidance counselors with liberal arts degrees.
The increasingly over burdened tax payers shouldn't expect anything to change until a freely elected board of respected, trade professionals is installed. Until then, watch local employers continue the exodus of high tech jobs to distant communities and the absolute dearth of any such firms even entertaining relocating here.
I agree with 9:26. While Mr. Stoddard is to be congratulated for his success, it is hardly a reflection of any "technical education" that he received. In fact, long before the Howard Dean Vocational Boondoggle Center was a glint in its namesake's eye for the presidency, the DECA program was alive and well and providing a positive influence on Springfield High School students.
ReplyDeleteYou would think that the River Valley Vocational Rather Than Technical Center could come up with a better puff piece than this to try and justify their continued existence while continuing to ignore the real needs of local and regional employers.
technical
ReplyDeleteadjective tech·ni·cal \ˈtek-ni-kəl\
having special and usually practical knowledge especially of a mechanical or scientific subject