Ten Students Complete Key Punch Operation Course
July 15, 1974
PRESENTED CERTIFICATES — Successfully concluding the first instructional course in Key Punch Operation – Data Processing on Friday, June 7, the following 10 students were presented with a certificate of proficiency by Glenn Thompson, County Superintendent of Schools, and Mrs. Evelyn Poppe, county computer operator and regional occupational program data processing instructor: Evelyn Alexander, Henriette Alway, Patty Bakerville, Janelle Butner, Sally Fain, Cindie Hardy, Joan Harris, Cheryl Martin, Amelia Pavan and Sue Pingree.
Regional occupational program staff personnel credit Supt. Thompson, with this first successful course of occupational training to be conducted under the auspices of its program. It was, they comment, chiefly due to Thompson’s firm belief in the value of occupational training for students that initiative has been taken pursue this as well as other vocational educational needs in Lassen County.
Supt. Thompson was instrumental in providing computer facilities, procuring a certificated instructor, designing a course of instruction and enrolling students in the course. Thompson says that he is pleased with this first effort but adds that he is deeply concerned about the continuing need to equip students graduating from high school with the necessary skills needed to cope with the world of work.
“Every student,” Thompson says, “should leave high school with a saleable skill.”
Kemp Richardson, regional occupational program director, also encouraged by this first successful effort in providing occupational training for Lassen County students, says that no efforts will be spared in taking immediate steps to implement job training recommendations which have come from high school personnel and members of the Regional Occupational Program’s Advisory Board and Coordinating Council.
Already plans are underway to meet the continuing needs of the 10 graduating key punch operators who have requested more advanced training and experience in data processing and computer operation.
“Due to limited facilities and instructional materials, the first enrollment in the key punch operator course had to be limited.” says Charles Bencken, Regional Occupational Program’s Vocational Counselor.
“We do not feel, however, that we can afford to let down the numerous others who requested admission. We will have to explore ways of offering this course again in the near future.”
Bencken added that nation-wide occupational needs reveal numerous job openings for key punch operators and other data processing personnel. “People with these skills,” he says, “will have no problem getting jobs if they are qualified.”
Richardson went on to say, “This is exactly what the Regional Occupational Program was invited into Lassen County to provide — occupational instruction for all who need it at no cost to the students — and that’s exactly what we’re going to continue to do to the best of our ability.” (Schullo photo).
