With the start of a new year, the Career Education Cooperative (CEC) has started recruiting area juniors to take part in this opportunity of a lifetime.

Juniors are invited to join training in one of four career paths that local businesses have indicated a shortage in. Through providing high school seniors with on-the-job training and free college courses in their field, students are better prepared for life after graduation. The CEC also helps students establish a stronger connection to their communities with the hep of a community mentor and volunteer hours.

The Class of 2016 is the CEC’s inaugural class, getting first-habnd knowledge of working in the local manufacturing industry.

The CEC has announced that, in addition to the manufuacturing career path, next year’s seniors will also be able to learn more about careers in Laboratory Science, Medical Lab Tech, and the medical field. Similar to the Manfacturing track, students in these three program areas will also be offered work at a local business, free college credits in their firld of work, and volunteer hours focused on an area of their choice.

Gov. Scott Walker Jan. 25 traveled to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) in Fennimore, a CEC partner through which several of the college courses are provided, to meet with area students and schools to announce the Rural Wisconsin Initiative. The plan includes bills to increase  available resources for youth apprenticeship grants and tuition reimbursement grants for apprenticeships.

“Students are getting a head start when obtaining dual college credits during high school and keeping student debt down,” Walker said.

With growing support for programs like this throughout the state, CEC is proud t be on the leading edge of career training for area youth.

The CEC is a cooperative effort created by Southwest Partners, including several area high schools and employers, the University of Wisconsin-Richland. SWTC, CESA #3 and community leaders.

For more information about becoming a CEC partner, visit www.careereducationcoop.com, call Larry Engel at 608-604-0996 or email Becky Dahl, becky.dahl@co.richland.wi.us