The Winners: Grainger Tools for Tomorrow Scholarships

Two students at MCC-Business & Technology campus were awarded the Grainger Foundation's Tools for Tomorrow scholarship this week. Each will receive a $2,000 award and, in spring, a Westward tool kit valued at approximately $1,000. Grainger Foundation will award 150 such scholarships to students across the nation this year.

Pictured are Chris Jones, Grainger district branch services manager; Judah Schad, electronics & computer engineering technology student; Debbie Goodall, MCC-BTC president; Ryan McNary, electric utility line technician student; and Jari Allen, branch manager of Grainger's 18th Street distribution center.

Got a job search strategy?

Susan Blaser, electric utility line tech program coordinator, asks a question of panelists.

A student job search strategy workshop at MCC-Business & Technology campus attracted 120 students and several instructors. Ian Jennings and Kristen Brumley organized the event.

Panelists were Stanley Gardner from KCP&L, Jennifer Kirby from the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Troy Teague from Cerner and John Vanderford from Vanderford Geothermal Heating & Cooling Installation.

Many BTC students gain additional job search skills in INTE 124, Employment Strategies, a class required for several of of the campus's A.A.S. degrees.

Now recruiting for 2011 Electric Utility Line Technician program!

Hannah Lomas is one of three women in the current Electric Utility Line Technician class. She began in the HVAC program at MCC-Business & Technology, but changed her path because of scheduling conflicts. “HVAC requires a few weekend labs,” says Lomas. “I am in the Army Reserves so I can’t do that.”

Her math instructor suggested an alternative. Lomas found exactly what she was looking for in the Line Technician program. “I like that we are not stuck in the classroom, plus the job outlook is good with good money,” says Hannah.

With the help of Susan Blaser, line tech program coordinator, Lomas has set her sights on Portland, Ore., as her destination after graduation. “Susan tells me that Portland has the most diverse Line Techs – they have about 25 female Line Techs. Portland also has a military base where I can transfer my Army Reserve responsibilities.” Lomas expects to graduate in May 2011.

Recruitment for the next class of Electric Utility Line Technicians is underway. To download an application or for more information about the Electric Utility Line Tech program please see mcckc.edu/linetech

September info sessions booked for Electric Utility Line Tech program

Utility companies across the U.S. will hire thousands of new line technicians during the next few years. You can prepare for these excellent jobs by enrolling in a 12-month certificate program offered at MCC–Business & Technology Campus.

Information sessions for the Electric Utility Line Technician training program are scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 16, and Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at BTC. Susan Blaser, program coordinator, and staff will be on hand to answer questions about the program, the application process, pre-admission assessments and financial aid opportunities. Please sign up online at mcckc.edu/visitbtc or call (816) 604-5200 to reserve a seat. Walk-ins are also welcome.

MCC-BTC is located at 1775 Universal Avenue, Kansas City, Mo., northwest of Front Street and I-435. If you have questions or need directions, call 816.604.5200. Classes will begin June 2011. For more information about the Utility Line Technician training program, see mcckc.edu/linetech.