ork-force development is typically recognized as training for individuals who have already entered the job force, but many schools are giving their students a head start by offering them courses related to a number of diverse industries.
   High schools along the Mississippi Gulf Coast have long had vocational courses as an alternative option for their students, which taught the students skills for entering the work force. However, in more recent years, these programs have evolved and expanded to offer much more than just the basic job skills. The programs, today more commonly referred to as technology preparation, work in coordination with the academic courses by actively involving students in the learning process.
   In Harrison County, Mississippi, Gulfport High School is among the schools that are increasing the focus on their technology development departments. David Fava, vocational director at Gulfport High, says that blending academia and vocational skills provides students with more career pathways.
   "We are competing in a global marketplace like never before," says Fava. "We must bridge the gap between academia and vocation. Students must have more than just one or the other."    The "Tech Prep" program at Gulfport High School, as described by the school, is "designed to better prepare students for lifelong learning and productive careers." Students in the program must still earn all of their academic credits; the Tech Prep classes allow the students to apply what they have learned in their academic classes to real-world situations.
   The Gulfport High technology program even transcends the academic and vocational. The program teaches students to be productive members of society by incorporating life skills like work ethics, human relations and finance management. The "three r's," respect, responsibility and resourcefulness, are incorporated throughout the Tech Prep program. And, each course has a community service component, teaching students the importance of giving back to the community.
   Auto-mechanics; building trades; business and computer technology; early childhood services; hotel, restaurant and tourism management; medical technology; and technology applications are some of the areas of study at the Gulfport High School Technology Center.    Each classroom is fully equipped with resources to provide students a full hands-on experience, and they are often expected to dress according to their area of study. Each program has an associated club membership or project – some voluntary and some required – that further engages the student in his or her studies.
   The Technology Applications program is an excellent example of a program that engages and excites its students. The students' studies in modern technology prepare them to compete in area robotics competitions. The students spend countless hours outside of class building their robots, and at the same time building valuable skills and a sense of pride in their work. In several past years, the "Team Robotics" has taken the top prize in area competitions.
   In the Business and Computer Technology program, students start off by learning to buy a computer and continue through, gaining the computer knowledge and other skills needed for college, for a business, career or personal use. The students are responsible for managing the BCT Express, their own entrepreneurial project where they sell drinks, apparel and other items to their peers. Membership in the Future Business Leaders of America gives students access to business career information, leadership opportunities and community service experiences.
   A select group of students from the Business and Technology program will also participate in the Southern Mississippi Youth Entrepreneurship Program (SMYEP). In coordination with the University of Southern Mississippi and the Harrison County Development Commission (HCDC), the SMYEP will teach the students to develop and maintain homegrown businesses. HCDC Executive Director Larry Barnett says the program will help teach the students how to think on their own and solve problems.
   Students in the Building Trades program learn the basics in carpentry, electric, plumbing and masonry. They receive safety training through the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and certification from the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation. Graduates of the Building Trades program leave Gulfport High ready to enter the booming building industry on the Gulf Coast or to further pursue their building education at one of the local colleges.    Tourism and casinos are also major industries in South Mississippi; and the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management courses provide students the opportunity to learn skills related to those industries.
   Medical careers will always be available, and the Medical Technology program exposes students to a variety of health occupations. The students do clinical observation rotations at local health-care facilities and are members of the Health Occupation Students Association (HOSA).
   The Gulfport High School Technology Center has high expectations for its students, and thus for the program itself. The administration and teaching staff are continually working to open up new opportunities for their students to prepare them for success in whatever they choose to do.
   If you're interested in learning more about the schools on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and how they're working to produce a more respectful, responsible and resourceful job force, call the Harrison County Development Commission or visit www.MSCoast.org. Contact: Larry Barnett, Executive Director, 228-896-5020.