The event, designed to connect members, offered attendees a firsthand look at the programs preparing students for in-demand careers across Clinton County and beyond.

Guests were invited to mix and mingle ahead of the tour, enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and speciality drinks, provided by students in the culinary arts program.

CTE director Kurt Lynch, along with cooperative education coordinator Daci Killinger, spilt the guests into two groups, giving tours of the classrooms where students are gaining hands-on experience in many fields.

The program, which includes agriculture mechanics, auto mechanics, child care, construction trades, cosmetology, drafting and design, culinary arts, health occupations, precision machining, natural resource management and emergency protective services, showcased state-of-the-art equipment that allows students to gain quality technical skills.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Partnership members check out projects the students are working on in agriculture mechanics.

Lynch expressed the importance of building on the student’s skills from 9th grade until graduation in order to make sure every student is being set up for success.

“We don’t want our students to walk out with just the skills, we want them to walk out of here with a certificate and be as competitive as someone with years of experience,” said Lynch.

The CTE program has continued to expand its offerings in recent years, responding to employer demand for skilled workers, which includes the newest addition of biotechnology courses.

Each of the programs are designed to provide students with practical experience, industry recognized credentials and pathways to both immediate employment or postsecondary education.

With a strong turn out for the first Time Out event of 2026, this month’s gathering highlighted a shared commitment among community members to continue investing in the future of our workforce.

PHOTO PROVIDED Partnership members get a firsthand look at the full-sized industrial kitchen where culinary arts students learn every step to working in a professional kitchen.

The monthly Time Out events rotate among hosts throughout the area to focus on spotlighting local businesses, organizations and initiatives that contribute to Clinton County’s economic growth.