The Galesburg Area Vocational Center has launched its first Student Ambassador Group this year, alongside a new manufacturing course — part of a busy fall that also included a student trip to a major Chicago trade show. Director Adam Seaney joined Galesburg’s Morning News to walk through it all.
New student ambassador group
This year, GAVC launched a Student Ambassador Group, made up of five students who volunteered to represent the center at recruiting events and other outreach. Seaney said the students will also receive leadership training using Franklin Covey materials and will be recognized at the center’s Signing Day in May.
“I want them to be the voice and the face of GAVC,” Seaney said, adding that prospective students often relate more to peers close to their own age than to instructors or staff.
New programs this year
GAVC has also added a new second-semester course, Principles of Manufacturing, designed as a broad introduction to the manufacturing field, giving students exposure to welding, electrical work, drafting and machining.
The center is also continuing to grow its health occupations program, in response to what Seaney called a persistent, decades-long need for nurses and certified nursing assistants. The program grew from 48 to 64 students last year, though Seaney said industry demand still outpaces that capacity. In automotive technology, Seaney said the center is exploring additional industry credentials to help students transition into the workforce after graduation.
IMTS trip to Chicago
Earlier this month, GAVC partnered to take a group of 45 students and chaperones to the International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place in Chicago — a trip the center takes every other year. Students took part in hands-on activities at the SmartForce Student Summit and toured the main show floor, where Seaney said one highlight was a large robotic arm lifting and rotating a full-size Corvette.
Seaney said students were coached beforehand on how to engage professionally with industry representatives on the show floor, rather than simply collecting giveaways. “To watch them go up and talk to industry and understand what they were talking about, it’s just really neat,” Seaney said.
Manufacturing and Trades Showcase set for Oct. 22
GAVC’s annual Manufacturing and Trades Showcase returns Thursday, Oct. 22, from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the center. Last year’s event drew about 40 industry and postsecondary partners and roughly 1,700 students, according to Seaney. This year’s expected participants include Carl Sandburg College, Spoon River College, Illinois Central College, several apprenticeship training centers, and industry partners such as Yemm, Kunes and Dave’s Auto Body.
The event is aimed primarily at high school students, though some junior high students also attend. Schools interested in registering a group can contact GAVC directly or use the QR code on the event flyer.
Enrollment and service area
Seaney said projected enrollment for the year is around 418 students, in line with last year’s numbers. Final figures will be confirmed once second-semester students are added after the new year. Some programs have seen increases, he said, while others have held steady or dipped slightly.
GAVC draws students from nine schools across three counties: Galesburg, Abingdon, Knoxville, ROWVA and Williamsfield in Knox County; United and Monmouth-Roseville in Warren County; West Central in Henderson County; and Galesburg Christian School, which is sending three students this year.
“We’re kind of the hub of career and technical education in our area,” Seaney said. “Our shop spaces are our classrooms.”
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