By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Barton Community College Dean of Workforce Training Dr. Kathy Kottas gave a presentation last week to the Barton Board of Trustees on work preparedness. The college looks for indicators that students have the skills and knowledge required for successful entry into the workplace.
Kottas said partnerships ensure that programs stay up to date on their curriculum and that programs are teaching what the workforce needs.
"I think the partnerships with workforce training and career technical education, those are the folks that keep us on track," said Kottas. "They make sure we are teaching and training the way they need these students trained. We're up to date, we're cutting edge and doing what we need to do to stay ahead. Partnerships are very important."
Barton also has 22 advisory boards with approximately 20 individuals per board. The boards consist of educators and industry leaders to help guide Barton in their instruction.
Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said innovative ideas, like the criminal justice department’s virtual reality training program used by local local enforcement, is a great tool to prepare students for the workforce.
"Our students are training on the best equipment," said Garstecki. "The Great Bend Police Department on coming in to train on it. Those are things we have to continue to talk about. Unfortunately, not enough know. It's really the best of the best."
In a recent study, employers rated Barton graduates as “excellent” or “good” 98.5% in general education, technical education and professionalism.