Gibson Technical Center Newsletter

This has been a very busy month at Gibson Tech. It is hard to believe we only have a few days left in the semester. Our Fall Adult Evening Classes are over and we are preparing for the spring evening course offerings. Our programs have been very busy completing projects such as winterizing boats, servicing cars, installing siding on the house project, printing Christmas cards and catering holiday meals.

In addition to technical training, GTC strives to enhance student soft skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. Community service has always been one of those activities that we promote as a building as a way to give back to the great communities GTC serves. This semester our students have completed a coat drive, food drive and volunteered for various groups in the community such as the Humane Society, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Convoy of Hope. Providing these opportunities for students instills leadership skills and leads to civic minded adults.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Nick Thieman

Co-Director- Gibson Tech

Gibson Technical Center is proud to spotlight our Computer Technology instructor, Jock Thompson. Mr. Thompson has been leading our Computer Technology Program for twenty years. As a young child he knew that he wanted to have a life in computers from the first time he watched them being used on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Even though computers during this time might have been a fictitious fantasy, they were in the infant stages of development for use in today’s modern world.

Mr. Thompson’s father helped foster his son’s interest in computers when he brought home an old military computer mainframe sent to the figurative curb to be thrown away. The large machine filled with vacuum tubes, punch cards and other circuitry was placed in the garage and the young Mr. Thompson was on a mission to try to figure out how to program this machine. On New Years of 1976, he figured it out right before fireworks ignited the New Year's sky. In addition to being fascinated with computers, he has always loved working on cars. At the age of 13 he rebuilt his first engine.

Mr. Thompson spent many years working in multiple industries gaining knowledge and experience. He spent time constructing antenna and satellite towers. When the personal computer first became a household item, he programmed demonstration computers for Radio Shack. He next transitioned to a career in the automotive industry as a mechanic where he was able to mesh his computer skills with the new computerized car alignment machines.

After many years of working in the automotive industry Mr. Thomson wanted to find a career in the computer industry. He went to Rolla Technical Institute to receive the certifications needed for employment. When he got there, he and the instructional staff realized a lifetime of self-training on computers and networking was more advanced than the instructors were teaching students. Instead of enrolling him in a computer program, they hired him as a network technician and part-time instructor where he was able to earn many industry-specific certifications.

Mr. Thompson seized an opportunity in 2003 to join the GTC staff where he has been an instructional cornerstone. Many of his students thank him for lighting a spark that grew into careers in technology. He enjoys how students come to GTC with many different levels of experience in their program of study succeed because they are taught by a wonderful group of instructors who make GTC a tightknit family.

Entering the 2022-2023 school year the welding program has record enrollment. This group of students are one of the most focused groups of students Mr. Lewallen has had the pleasure of teaching. Every student has been progressing in his/her welding skills and the future is bright for these students. Through the years the Welding Program has established great relationships with the Missouri Welding Institute, Apex Welding Academy, and Crowder College all of whom have already visited with students to discuss the options they have after graduation. Students in this program have an opportunity to receive up to 16 hours of articulated credit when they pursue additional welding training after graduating from high school.

Students from the Welding Program had this to say about the skills they are learning. Dalton Carr from Galena explains, "Mr. Lewallen looks for the best in each and every student and leaves no one feeling they have not had an opportunity to learn." Conner Diehl from Branson adds, “Being a part of Gibson Tech's Welding Program has taught me useful skills that I can use to get a job or go to a technical school. The welding program covers more than just welding, like learning the properties of metal and how to operate equipment properly."

Reeds Spring Junior Jake Toal is happy he made the decision to enroll in the welding program at GTC. “I have nothing but good things to say about Welding Technology at Gibson Tech. It is one of the main reasons I am excited about school. I have enjoyed learning about the different welding processes. The class is always a challenge and this is why I want to pursue a career in welding."

We are featuring 2015 Galena High School graduate and Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Justice Simpson. Trooper Simpson completed the Emergency Medical Technician program at Gibson Technical Center and believes his training at GTC helped him stand out when he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. After earning his EMT license at GTC Trooper Simpson initially wanted to pursue a career as a paramedic, but he later decided to major in criminal justice at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri.

The process to be accepted into the 25 week Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy was difficult, but Trooper Simpson was up to the task because of his hard work, determination, and education. He had to pass the following: Written examination, fitness assessment, interview, polygraph test, and many physical and psychological screenings. Earning his EMT license definitely helped him stand out positively when he was going through the process of being accepted into the prestigious program.

Trooper Simpson works out of Troop F patrolling Miller and Camden Counties. There are no words to measure our appreciation for the work he does protecting and serving Missourians. He truly believes he would not be where he is today professionally without his GTC instructor, Lacey Williams. He routinely comes back to GTC to speak and work with Mrs. Williams’ students. He wants to remind all GTC students of the importance of having a plan, sticking to it, and always work as hard as you can to reach one’s career goals.

Computer Technology is a two-year program covering various aspects of the IT industry. There are three online courses offered to students. First-year students take the TestOut PC Pro online course as well as doing real-life, hands-on labs to help backup their online learning. Students learn how to work on and build computers. By the end of the first year in the program, students have a functional understanding on how computers operate. When students successfully complete this portion of the course, they are eligible to take an industry certification equivalent to the A+ certification.

The second-year students take IT Pro online course. Students in taking this course learn how to be the “go to” IT professional for a company. They setup servers, deal with technical problems, and work with optimum use of files and e-mails. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take an industry certification, when passed, help them standout when they seek employment in this industry.

Second year students also have the opportunity to take the CyberDefense Pro online course. Students taking this course are challenged every day with learning the exciting and challenging world of cyber security. Students learn to secure a network and how to protect it against cyber-attacks. At the end of this course students proudly have an opportunity to earn multiple industry recognized credentials employers are looking for as they look for qualified candidates to fill positions in this ever-growing industry.

Students in the EMT Program attended HOSA’s annual Fall Leadership Conference at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri on November 3 and 4. Members participated in many informative breakout sessions and even competed in lip-sync battle. One of the highlights of the conference was a Learn Life Savers Workshop, where the students learned about organ donation and the importance of transplants. Members embody the four core values of HOSA which are learn, lead, serve, and innovate. All in attendance gained meaningful insight into all aspects of HOSA.

The skills gap is the gap between the skills a worker possesses and the skills they need to perform a certain job.

In the United States, 53 percent of all jobs require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. Plumbers, HVAC specialists, manufacturers, and medical technicians are all examples of this kind of work. However, only 43% of workers are trained to this skill level, demonstrating the need for technical training programs that close the skills gap and prepare students for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand career fields.

As an example, the skills gap may leave an estimated 2.4 million manufacturing jobs unfilled between 2018 and 2028. Education and training systems must be equipped and ready to meet these needs in the coming years. CTE is an opportunity for students to learn core academic, employability, technical, and job-specific skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Source: Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus

Reeds Spring, Missouri 65737

Email: nthieman@wolves.k12.mo.us
Website: https://gt.rs-wolves.com/
Phone: (417) 272-3271
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gibsontechnicalcenter
Twitter: @gibson_tech