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Career and Technical Education Month at Lincoln Trail College is shining a spotlight on programs where students learn by doing, gaining hands-on experience and developing skills tied directly to in-demand careers.
Across Career and Technical Education programs such as Process Technology, Telecommunications, Certified Medical Assistant and Welding, students say the opportunity to work with real equipment and learn in active lab environments has been a defining part of their college experience.
For Process Technology student Hannah Potts, the program offered a chance to better understand an industry she grew up around.
“Growing up in Crawford County, going by the refinery every day, I wanted to figure out what was going on in there,” Potts said. “Learning how everything works and getting hands-on experience in something that I’d want to learn more on.”
Potts said the hands-on approach and guidance from instructors have helped her feel prepared for the workforce. “I feel really prepared knowing everything and all the tips Tina has given us,” she said. “I feel very prepared to go out there.”
Telecommunications students echoed similar sentiments. Caleb Gephardt said hands-on learning has been key to his success in the program.
“I really do like the hands-on,” Gephardt said. “I think that’s the best way for me to learn — through hands-on work.”
Gephardt said instructors not only teach technical skills but also support students as they prepare for careers. “They really, truly care about you,” he said. “They do very good work for us, teaching us all the things we need to know to prepare for our jobs.”
Certified Medical Assistant student Khyiema Poole said hands-on practice has helped build her confidence as she prepares for a career in health care.
“I’m a hands-on learner,” Poole said. “Actually doing it and feeling it, I can understand it more and have a better grasp on what I’m doing.”
Poole added that working directly with classmates in lab settings has made a difference. “Being in a class like this where we do hands-on stuff with each other is making me more comfortable,” she said.
Welding students also emphasized the value of learning by doing. Carter Davis said he was drawn to welding because it fit his learning style.
“I’m kind of a hands-on person,” Davis said. “It’s just what I’ve always been.”
Thane Wheeler said the welding program has helped open doors for future opportunities. “It opens a lot of doors,” Wheeler said. “I’d just definitely do it. Take the chance. It’s definitely worth it.”
For Gage Lockhart, the program has reinforced his desire to work outside a traditional office environment. “Ever since I was little, I’m always telling myself I don’t want an office job,” Lockhart said. “I want to do something with my hands.”
Clayton Potts said his interest in welding was influenced by his upbringing and family experience. “I grew up on an oil rig, and my dad — he’s the one who got me into welding,” Potts said.
Career and Technical Education Month is observed nationally each February to raise awareness of CTE programs and their role in workforce development. At Lincoln Trail College, the month highlights student experiences, faculty expertise and hands-on learning environments that help prepare graduates for real-world careers.
