CB Tech helps kids prepare for work
With students greeting guests at the door and helping with tours, Tuesday's grand opening of the brand-new Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center had all the special touches.
We're so happy the students were made part of the event. They were definitely busy, with some shooting video footage of the building, guests and speakers.
The kids made CB Tech's big day even better and served as a reminder of what school officials and community members are working for - preparing students for the world of work by helping instill positive habits and teaching marketable skills.
The $19.7 million Skills Center is a beautiful, state-of-the art building that serves as host to the following school districts: Moses Lake, Ephrata, Wilson Creek, Quincy, Lake Roosevelt (Grand Coulee), Royal, Warden, Almira/Coulee-Hartline and Othello.
High school students in the above school districts can attend the center as an extension of their public school education. More opportunities for students to learn an in-demand skill and eventually provide for their families are being provided.
Even better, work-ready expectations are being emphasized to students, according to Skills Center Director Christine Armstrong. Another strength of the expectations, we believe, is the focus on professional dress. (The skills center is a professional dress building and students can be found clad in sky-blue CB Tech shirts and khakis).
Already, a summer session is taking place. Students told us they're learning teamwork and leadership skills, according to a Wednesday front-page article in the Columbia Basin Herald. This is wonderful to hear. So many times, new workers (young and old) haven't honed their leadership and communication skills. Some don't realize the expectation they need to arrive to work on time, everyday, with a positive attitude. As we all know, a positive attitude can turn things around by simply making people glad they came to work or neutralizing negativity among employees.
The excitement, enthusiasm and energy of CB Tech's grand opening was fun to see. Some adults were downright giddy and pride shone on students' faces.
Community members, dignitaries and contractors, about 550 people total, was engaged and interested during classroom tours as they explored the building.
During her opening remarks, Armstrong said she tells people to "Come in here and touch something, it's for real."
We agree. If you can tour the building, please do so.
We hope the new CB Tech is a success and wish the partnering schools and students the best of luck as they launch their programs.
- Editorial Board