3 min read February 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, DeAnna Thomas, executive director of Lake Technical College, discussed the differences between Lake Tech’s model and that of traditional universities, the partnerships it maintains to meet the evolving needs of industries and communities, and how the school is leveraging grants and legislative funding to solidify its workforce training offerings.
How has Lake Technical College continued to grow over the past year?
Our growth has been remarkable in the past year, marked by an expansion in locations to serve our community’s evolving needs better. Lake Technical College, with its roots dating back to the late 1960s, has witnessed significant changes as Lake County experiences unprecedented growth, particularly in its southern region. This surge in population has not only stretched our main campus’ capacity but has also necessitated the establishment of additional learning hubs across the county.
Our response to this demand has been characterized by innovative partnerships forged with local governments and businesses to extend our reach and provide tailored training opportunities. For instance, our collaboration with the Lake County government led to integrating our veterinary assisting program within the new Lake County Animal Shelter. This initiative offers our students hands-on training and vital support to the shelter’s operations.
How does the model of technical colleges differ from traditional universities, and what has driven the increased demand for this approach to learning?
Technical colleges like ours aim to serve as integral providers in workforce preparation and economic development. Our model is intricately designed to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in medium to high-wage jobs through career certification training. At Lake Tech, we primarily offer career certificate training and applied technology diplomas, serving as the entry point for students into their chosen fields.
What sets us apart from traditional universities is our unwavering focus on preparing students for the practical realities of the workforce. In our approach, a student’s grade is determined by a balanced assessment comprising three key components. One-third of their grade reflects their theoretical knowledge and written skills, and another third evaluates their hands-on, practical abilities. The remaining third is dedicated solely to assessing their professional skills.
This emphasis on professional skills is paramount in today’s job market, where employers place a premium on traits like punctuality, communication, collaboration, and leadership. By allocating a significant portion of our grading criteria to these essential skills, we ensure that our graduates are highly skilled and well-rounded professionals ready to excel in their chosen careers.
What is Lake Tech’s approach to regional workforce development?
One of the primary methods we employ for workforce development is through our occupational advisory committees, which are integral to each of our programs. These committees consist of business and industry partners ranging from small, local businesses to large corporations. Their input ensures that our programs remain current and relevant to today’s workforce needs. By incorporating insights from these diverse partners, we guarantee that our graduates possess the skills necessary to excel in their respective industries.
Additionally, our programming is closely aligned with the demands of the Central Florida Regional Workforce Board and the Florida Department of Commerce. We tailor our courses and offerings based on the identified needs of our region’s workforce. This strategic approach ensures that our curriculum directly addresses job market demands, maximizing employment opportunities for our students and ultimately advancing Lake County’s economy.
How has Lake Tech adjusted its technical college offerings, and have you noticed any changes in demand for your academic and technical programs?
Information technology (IT) is booming, especially with the shift toward cloud-based solutions and advanced cybersecurity measures. Recognizing this trend, Lake Technical College has proactively expanded its IT offerings. In 2023, we responded to local demand by introducing a new program focused on cloud computing and virtualization. Additionally, we are poised to meet the growing need for cybersecurity professionals by planning to add an applied cybersecurity program in the coming year. To support these initiatives, we have augmented our IT faculty and increased programming to ensure alignment with industry demands.
There is a pressing shortage of skilled workers across all levels in the healthcare sector, from entry-level positions to advanced roles. We have worked with local partners to address this shortage, expand our healthcare programs, and introduce additional cohorts, particularly in nursing. Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we have also introduced part-time and evening options to accommodate those balancing education with other commitments.
Lake Technical College is also actively responding to the evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor and chip production. With a focus on expanding into advanced manufacturing and semiconductor training, we are aligning our programs with the priorities set forth by state leadership. By staying ahead of industry trends and fostering partnerships with local businesses, we are positioning our students for success in these rapidly growing sectors.
What are some community partnerships that the college is leveraging?
We established robust partnerships with various city municipalities and the Lake County government, which have supported our initiatives. For instance, the Lake County government has been a key collaborator, providing space for our programs and donating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support our expansion efforts and Pathways to Prosperity Program. In the county’s south end, we partnered with the Lake County Library System to offer programming at the Cagan Crossings Community Library, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
Furthermore, through initiatives like the partnership with the City of Tavares for the Innovative Transportation Training Hub, we have addressed the training space shortage. We can meet the needs of students by offering programming in a state-of-the-art complex providing real-world, hands-on training.
How do you foresee the evolution of technical education?
The impact of AI on our world is undeniable, and it is crucial for us to anticipate how it will shape our industries and educational practices. Our educators have been actively exploring how AI will influence their respective fields and the type of instruction required to prepare students effectively. Staying ahead in such a rapidly evolving landscape is a formidable task, but we are committed to tackling it.
At the state level, our governor has a clear directive to position Florida as the #1 state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. Achieving this goal necessitates a concerted effort to produce high-quality graduates who meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. As we look ahead to the next five to seven years, our focus will be on rising to the challenge and ensuring that our educational programs align with the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.
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