He said their school is improving and becoming bigger because “people have begun to see there’s an institution that will help them learn trade skills.”
Since it opened in 2008, he said the institute has already promoted 240 students in different courses: carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, culinary arts, auto-mechanics and sewing.
Cepeda said the institution continues to seek funding assistance so they can offer more courses.
Recenly, Misty Dawn Conrad, National Renewable Energy Laboratory technical assistance program manager, visited the trade institute.
Cepeda said Conrad will help them get federal funding.
He said they also regularly ask volunteer lecturers to speak to the students.
Dr. Ken Shankweiler, for example, talked about how students can achieve their goals.
The institute’s assistant administrative for student service, Canice Rabauliman, said Shankweiler motivated the students to be successful.
“The students were very receptive,” Rabauliman said.
Some lawmakers also visited the institute to share their experiences with the students while motivating them to reach their goals.
