The partnership between Vocational Training and Empowerment Center (VTEC) and Ivy Tech continues to produce certified graduates. In a ceremony held in late March at Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus, students William Stanford and Thomas Sims were honored as graduates of VTEC. As part of the twelve-week program, students also receive a certification in Basic Safety Principles of Production from the community college.

VTEC, a division of Opportunity Enterprises, helps students of all abilities continue their education while preparing their future. Anyone interested in learning advanced job skills can enroll in classes at VTEC. The program currently offers five training specialties, including electronics recycling and refurbishment, light industrial, custodial services, food services and hospitality. After completing the twelve-week course, students receive a skills mastery, as well as, industry accreditation certificates. The partnership with VTEC and Ivy Tech further allows students to engage in a traditional college experience post high school.

“The success of VTEC is attributed to the dynamic partnership between Ivy Tech and Vocational Rehabilitation Services,” OE Vocational Education Director Kate Ramirez said. “It takes a village.”

A testament to the efficacy of the program, both Stanford and Sims have already found employment in their respective fields – Stanford with SecureShred in Valparaiso and Sims with Verduyn Tarps in Gary. “The ultimate goal of VTEC is to remove barriers that prevent our students from finding jobs they love and living the lives they want,” Ramirez said. For more information on VTEC, visit vteclearning.org.