Eric Butler, LycoCTC Director, (left) and Walt Reed, LycoCTC Workforce Development Coordinator and Dean of Students (right) present the employer and business of the year award to Harry Jones, General Manager of Lewis Lumber Products during the LCTC mentor luncheon on Thursday, May 7 held at the LycoCTC Cafe.

HUGHESVILLE – Nineteen local businesses who became mentors for students from the Lycoming Career and Technology Center (LycoCTC) were awarded certificates for their guidance and exemplary efforts for leading 22 students into the workplace world of their respective careers.

On Thursday, May 7 a luncheon prepared by the culinary arts students was held in their honor at the LycoCTC cafe next to the Hughesville High School for providing a Cooperative Education experience.

Workforce Development Coordinator for the LycoCTC, Walt Reed, and coordinator for the event, expressed his gratititude and commented on the benefits received between employer and student while paving the way for future employment.

“This opportunity helps to assure a successful and smooth transition from high school, to the workforce or onto higher education,” announced Reed.

East Lycoming Superintendent Michael Pawlik said, “It gives them an edge to apply for other jobs,” as he thanked the employers for their commitment working with the students in the program.

Tamara Gottschall a teacher from Ashkar Elementary and  Emily Fisher a co-op student from LycoCTC enjoy a luncheon on Thursday served by Cassie Swisher from the Culinary Arts division.

Ed Shrimp from Eck’s Garage in Twin Hills, Muncy, who has participated for the past 6 or 7 years said, “It’s a good program for young people because the classroom doesn’t give them the actual experience at work.” Elizabeth Fox from Montoursville who is majoring in diesel mechanics worked with Shrimp. Reed said that there were about 4 girls registered this year in the auto mechanics program.

Five school districts participated in the program and the 19 local businesses who received certificates were: Cleveland Equipment Company, Young’s Industries, Inc., Blaise Alexander Chevrolet/Buick, Opp Company, Lewis Lumber Products, Turbotville Elementary School, Ashkar Elementary School, Watsontown Elementary School, Myers Elementary School, Andritz, Inc., Sears, Whipple’s Auto Restoration, Eck’s Garage, Heater’s Garage & Body Shop, Bostley’s Preschool Learning Center, CH Waltz Wons, Inc., Steve Shannon Tire & Auto Center, and I. Ray Zimmerman Electric.

Students represented careers for training in Automotive Technology, Health, Culinary Arts, Construction, Drafting & Design, Early Childhood Education, and Criminal Justice.

Placement in the workforce is an option during the students’ third year of training.

Eric Butler, Director of the LycoCTC expressed how the program provides great skills and how mentoring helps the students exist in the real world to be future leaders of their businesses.

Ed Shrimp from Eck's Garage was employer mentor to Elizabeth Fox from Montoursville who was the only female student to major in diesel mechanics.