Jordyn Patterson – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Manatee Technical College (MTC) will be hosting an open house for all interested Mustangs starting tonight.

The open house will give Mustangs the opportunity to explore the campus.

The tours will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 at the East Campus and from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 at the Main Campus.

MTC offers more career training than any other technical college in Florida with over 50 different programs.

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Researchers say these career training and traded skills are some of the most important jobs for the future.

The article Forget College. Skilled Trades are the Future of the U.S. Economy states, “In 2016, manufacturing still accounted for more than one-fifth of all blue-collar work, paying more than $15 an hour, twice its share of the overall workforce.”

However, some critics say universities are not providing the networking, reputation, or work experience that is needed to secure a career out of college. Universities also make students go through a general curriculum that might not apply to their preferred major.

Trade schools send students right into their preferred field, and many students graduate in 40 to 50 weeks.

LRHS college and careers counselor Dr. Carmen Purpus is on the MTC Board of Governors.

Purpus said, “I recommend students explore both options if they are available for the student’s career ambitions.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs requiring more than a high school education but less than a bachelor’s degree will make up 45% of all job openings projected through 2024.

“I believe that number will only increase as trade/vocational schools develop more programs to meet workforce demands,” Purpus continued.