Open house at PTC

BY FRANK DROUZAS, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG — Pinellas Technical College (PTC) will be holding an open house at its St. Pete campus Oct. 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., where staff and instructors will be on hand to talk to prospective students about the college’s plethora of programs.

Ann Sherman-White, coordinator of Industry Services at PTC, said it should be a festive atmosphere, complete with door prizes, drawings and entertainment. The Lakewood High School jazz band will provide live music to heighten the experience the guests will have as they tour the building, network and receive information about enrolling, she said.

“All of our programs will be on hand cheerfully and eagerly providing information to our guests on how they can enroll, and what a certification in a specific field will afford them upon completion,” Sherman-White averred.

She pointed out that this wouldn’t be your typical open house, adding that PTC is an educational institution that touches lives.

“When you touch lives there is a compassionate side that you deal with,” Sherman-White explained. “Therefore, it was decided that we will acknowledge breast cancer awareness month, along with breast cancer survivors, including other types of cancer survivors as well.”

Sherman-White said the college is sensitive to the fact that adult students tend to face more health challenges than the younger student population.

“We want to let our students know that yes, you are here for an education but we also want you to understand that we are compassionate and sensitive to the needs that some of you may have or some of the issues that you may go through,” she said.

To that end, PTC is proud to go pink for the month of October and pink balloons, pins, arm bands and other items for the guests will be available at the open house. The college’s administrative team will be on hand to offer words of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Financial aid officers will also be present to talk about financial options and qualifications.  Staff members will discuss the GED program, dual enrollment and career counseling.

PTC St. Pete offers over 30 programs and apprenticeships that span a variety of careers and fields, including public works, automotive, cosmetology, landscaping, jewelry making and nursing, to name a few. Sherman-White said that PTC boasts a 97 percent placement rate for graduates of its programs.

“When you come here, if you do the right thing, you’re going to get a job,” she attested. “We have a database of jobs that is unparalleled.”

PTC St. Pete is located at 901 34th St. S. For more information about the open house, call PTC at (727) 893-2500. The Clearwater campus will hold their open house Oct. 8.

For more information on courses offered, visit www.pcsb.org/myptc

To reach Frank Drouzas, email fdrouzas@theweeklychallenger.com