It was a big night for KTECH, as the Madison based private school celebrated two graduating classes for the first time! Hosted at the Jackson Center, more than 100 attendees honored graduating Class 15, as well as KTECH’s first BETA Class in Virtual Reality.
KTECH founder and CEO, Lee Marshall noted at the beginning of the graduation “If you give us 4 months, we can change your life. It is not just a claim. It is a proven track record.” Mark Brazeal, VP of Administration at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing echoed that sentiment in his keynote speech.
“KTECH graduates are the exact type of person every company in North Alabama is trying to hire,” said Brazeal. He attributed that compliment to the culture at KTECH saying, “The spirit of why you teach is above everyone I’ve ever seen.” Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is currently one of the largest employers of KTECH graduates.
The evening also included special recognition from Calhoun Community College, as their articulation agreement with KTECH now extends to their Virtual Reality Academy, with 3 credit hours transferable to Alabama community colleges and universities nationwide. Calhoun’s Interim President Jimmy Hodges told graduates “KTECH is giving you an opportunity and if you learn and develop those skills you will never want for a job.”
As part of that growing partnership, Hodges awarded for the first time to KTECH, a 2-year scholarship to Calhoun that was presented to Mechatronics Graduate Alec Mendoza. Alec also received KTECH’s Trajectory Award as top student. Also honored for their achievement was Class 15’s Ladarious Belue, Gunter Croley, and Dillon Moore.
This is the first graduating class where all students worked full time jobs while completing KTECH. Ladarious Belue worked overnight shifts as a Logistics Technician and then went straight to KTECH class each morning so that he could sharpen his skills and provide a better life for his family and young son.
For the graduating Virtual Reality Class, KTECH collaborated with Bob Jones Engineering Academy by hand selecting rising high school seniors to participate in a 12-week course. Seniors Larry Adams, Cameron Cummings, Zachary Floyd, Yashas Gentela, and Aaron Lindner all took home award certificates.
Since 2016, KTECH has produced 253 certifications in Mechatronics, Robotics, Solid Edge, and Soldering with a 100% graduation rate. Their Virtual Reality Academy will open to the public in the fall of 2022. For more details about joining KTECH’s next class go to: Goktech.org.
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