ST. LOUIS – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) recently visited Ranken Technical College to learn more about career training opportunities offered at technical schools.

“Traditional four-year universities are not for everyone,” Lightford said. “Technical schools take that understanding and add a viable choice for young people searching for a career path. It was fascinating to see firsthand the type of instruction and career opportunities that are available to young people who enroll in these programs.”

Ranken offers degree and certificate programs in five divisions: automotive, construction, electrical, information technology and manufacturing. Students can use their degrees and certifications to become software developers, information security analysts, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, architects, IT managers, computer network architects and more.

The school offers programs for current or future students, middle or high school students, teachers, counselors and school administrators. Those programs include everything from competitions to summer camps to paid internships that help students and educators further their STEM education.

Senator Lightford has been a longtime advocate for non-traditional educational programs that meet growing economic demands and create paths to success.