Member Spotlight: Vatterott College
Students at Vatterott College learn by doing. Cosmetology students style the hair of real customers; electrical and HVAC students troubleshoot and repair in laboratories with equipment that is comparable to that of their future employers; medical assistant students handle patient care for actual clients in real medical clinics.
“Our programs are more than theory and lectures,” says Campus Director Mike Denum. “In today's economy, everyone is looking for an edge. The market demands that job-seekers have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills required for their position. Our programs provide comprehensive training in only 14 months with the objective of providing our students “Career Skills for a Better Life”.”
With corporate headquarters in St. Louis, MO, Vatterott College has 23 campuses in nine states. In 1995, Vatterott purchased the former Quincy Technical Schools, which had operated in Quincy since 1963. Vatterott moved from its original 501 N. 3rd location to a modern campus at 3609 North Marx Drive in February 2007.
“Our programs change on a regular basis, depending on the area’s workforce needs and national forecasts,” says Denum. Over the years, Vatterott has offered auto mechanics, computer office assistant, computer aided drafting and design, and computer technology programs, among others. Currently, the demand in the marketplace is for cosmetology, electrical mechanics, heating/ventilation/air-conditioning and medical assistants. Vatterott offers diploma programs in all four areas and associate’s degrees in all areas except Cosmetology.
“We are currently awaiting accreditation on additional programs that we would like to start later this year. We’d also like to develop customized training programs for area companies that have special needs,” says Denum.
“Each of our programs has an advisory committee consisting of local professionals in that field,” he continues. “We don’t change, start or discontinue anything in our programs without input from these committee members.” Volunteers from the business community are always needed to serve on these committees.
Vatterott classes are offered Monday through Saturday in 10-week phases instead of traditional college semesters. This structure allows new students to enter training every 10 weeks. Students can choose morning, afternoon or evening classes, allowing non-traditional students to attend classes around their work hours.
“We currently have more than 300 students, age 17 to 80, and a high percentage of them are non-traditional students,” says Denum. “Many went to a four-year college and did not find it a good fit. They entered the workforce for a couple years and are now looking for options.”
On June 11, 266 students will graduate from Vatterott training programs and enter the local workforce. They may be the perfect new employee for your company. For more information, visit www.vatterott-college.com, call Denum at 224-0600, or stop by the campus during normal business hours.
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