Area 30 looks toward career planning in Putnam County

The Area 30 Board of Directors met Tuesday for its monthly meeting, which consisted of several routine issues along with a plan to increase interest in local industry.

Executive Director of the Greencastle/Putnam County Economic Development Center Bill Dory came before the board to provide information regarding an economic development program titled, Career Opportunities in Putnam County.

Dory's plan includes adding career and education sites to each of the school districts websites, to serve as a tool not only for students but their parents as well.

Many of the sites suggested will help students prepare for higher education or a career, several include a parent's guide to help in their child's efforts.

"There is a disconnect with career planning," Dory said. "I think that it might be a nice resource for residents of the school districts. There are a number of good resources out there."

The second project that Dory presented the board with was the opportunity for guidance counselors from the school districts to visit local manufacturers.

"There are almost 400-500 employment opportunities opening up. Not all need a college degree," explained Dory. "We will show them what's happening on the floors of our manufacturers."

The board agreed to set up a date for counselors to visit several of the plants around Putnam County, which will give counselors an opportunity to not only see what goes on, but to meet several human resource managers. Counselors will also be exposed to WorkOne services, which will help assist parents and non-college bound seniors.

"We will try to develop a career ladder with each manufacturer," Dory said. "It will show where employees can go once they start and what they can aspire to."

Plants expected to be included in the tour are Crown Equipment, Heartland Automotive, Ascena/F.B. Distro, Poet Bio-refining and Phoenix Closures.

Following Dory's presentation, Area 30 Executive Director Lora Busch sough approval to send four to six staff members to the ACTE Conference Nov. 29-Dec.1 in Atlanta, Ga.

Bush expects to receive a grant from Tech Prep, which would help pay for the cost of two members. However, if the grant is not received only four employees will attend instead of six.

Approval was also sought for Heather Elkins to attend the IACAC state conference Oct. 29-30 at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis.

"She is on a panel with several other counselors who presentation is titled 'What they don't teach you in graduate school,'" Bush explained. "She will specifically address how high school and career centers can and should work cooperatively to best address student need while continuing to dispel the myth that CTE programs are only for students who are not academically oriented."

The board approved Elkins for a one-night stay in Indianapolis.

The board also approved the hiring of Lisa Robertson as a substitute cafeteria and custodial employee along with Margaret Boyce and Lyssa Baker as part-time ABE/GED teachers.