by Michael Tharrington.

Everyday senior Samantha Miller replaces parts on Hondas, Nissans and Chevys. The same is the case for students at Bryant, Benton and Harmony Grove high schools.

The Saline County Career Center (SCCC) offers cosmetology, medical profession, auto technology and collision repair courses. Many of the classes offered at SCCC come with the option of concurrent credit at Pulaski Tech. Students arrive at their bus stop to be shipped off to the Bauxite location. From 8:30 to 3, students work staff’s cars, client’s hair and earn medical hours to their Certified Nursing Assistants licenses.

“The benefits of taking these classes while in high school are uncountable. Cosmetology students earn their state license, kids in auto tech get hands on experience and 9 of my medical profession students will leave high school with their CNA and will be immediately employable. Allowing them to secure a job in the health care field while they better their education,” Director Mary Jane Dove said.

Students enjoy their time at SCCC never knowing what their daily events will hold.

“It depends on the teacher. Some days we are in the shop other days we are in the classrooms studying. Every student has taken multiple safety exams to make sure every student is aware of what is expected in the shop.” Miller said.

She said the only downside is “Pulaski Tech will not transfer the credit to any other college.”