Career/Technical Ed Center at forefront of 21st Century training

The ECTEC (Eunice Career & Technical Education Center) held an Advisory Board meeting Tuesday morning with Don Reber, Chairman of Economic Developmental Commission as a guest speaker.
Kristine Joubert, facilitator, welcomed Reber as he spoke to a group of ECTEC teachers, school board members and city council members.
Reber encouraged the technical school personnel to become more aware and involved in the upcoming future, growth, economics and business aspects of our city.
Reber said, “We will have soon a master plan which will provide a guide of different destinations in our city. We want our schools and students to become involved in the growth and future expansions.” Reber added, “Eunice will have outside influences coming in, involving new businesses, new people, and thus new students.
School leaders feel that ECTEC and other CTE schools are poised to play an integral role in training students to enter the work force. Already carpenters and welders are in great demand as current projects in the Lake Charles area are gearing up for construction.
Reber said, “We want our schools to be on board with our economic growth, including career and technical educational schools. As this turn of the future comes about, we ask for your schools’ support.”
Joubert recognized ECTEC Advisory Board committee members and presented each with a certificate of appreciation for their work and dedication to the school.
She touched on the role that members have in the mission of the school which is to provide information, assistance and recommendations to the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program and the St. Landry Parish School Board for the continuous improvement of the CTE programs.
“As the only CTE school in Eunice, and one of two in St. Landry Parish, it is imperative that ECTEC serve students of our community by providing up-to-date information and training in these highly competitive fields,” said Joubert, “we are so pleased when members of the community come together and notice the importance of our role in training a work-ready labor force.”
Among those in attendance of the Advisory Board meeting included St. Landry Parish School Superintendent Edward Brown, Mayor Moody, Mary Ellen Donatto, Councilwoman Germaine Simpson, City Ward Councilman Marion Nootsie Sattler, Lynn LeJeune, Chamber Francine Dupre, Therese D. Turnage, Coordinator of Instructional CTE, James (Junior) Bergeron.
ECTEC offers programs and/or certification in several trade skills, including; Carpentry, Auto Mechanics, CNA, Medical Terminology, First Responder, Welding, Oil & Gas Production, and Culinary Arts.
Following the meeting those present were treated to a meal provided by the ProStart culinary class led by instructor and former restaurateur Lannie Degeyter.