Noon Rotarians Learn of Expansion of EHS Vocational Programs

One of Jason Fox's first jobs at Effingham High School was as the Graphic Arts instructor; in fact, he helped establish the program.

Now, as EHS principal, he's overseeing an expansion of vocational education programs at the high school.

Fox, who is an Effingham Noon Rotary Club member, spoke to the issue at the April 9 meeting of the club.

Fox said in the recent past, some in education saw less need for vocational instruction.  As a result, he said there is a need for students with vocational education and businesses and industries with a need for trained workers.  

To address both needs, EHS will offer a Manufacturing Skills class this fall and will offer a Manufacturing Skills II class the following school year.  There is also a plan to expand the district's Welding program to adults.  The classes will be offered at EHS for Lake Land College.

As to high school students, Fox said they'll earn a Lake Land certificate while attending EHS.  They'll take the classes during their elective class periods and will still have to complete all required coursework.

(FROM LEFT, EHS PRINCIPAL AND NOON ROTARY WEEKLY GUEST SPEAKER JASON FOX, EHS INDUSTRIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR TY TOTTEN, AND ROTARY WEEKLY PROGRAM CHAIRMAN LARRY WALDHOFF)

Fox and EHS Industrial Arts Instructor Ty Totten, who also attended Wednesday's meeting, said a goal is to expand the effort from an EHS program to countywide programs.  The motivation?  Information that there will be a need to fill 30,000 manufacturing jobs each year in Illinois for the next 15 years.

Local manufacturers and others are on board and are contributing necessary equipment.  Anyone who'd like to help should contact Fox or Totten at Effingham High School at 540-1100.

Larry Waldhoff served as Rotary weekly program chairman.