Mandarin High School has opened new culinary and medical labs as part of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The facilities were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and are designed to help prepare students for careers in healthcare and culinary fields, according to Duval County Public Schools release.
Funding for the project came from a half-penny sales tax approved by voters. The new wing includes the specialized labs and eight general education classrooms. More than 400 students in the Culinary Arts program will now have access to two new labs and a classroom. Nearly 290 students in the Medical CTE program will use a new lab featuring hospital beds and interactive displays.
During the event, culinary students demonstrated their skills by preparing crepes, while medical students offered blood pressure checks to guests.
The new labs also provide opportunities for students to earn industry certifications. Culinary students can obtain ServSafe credentials, while medical students can pursue EKG and CMAA certifications. The project began last year and also replaced 20 aging portables and upgraded the driver’s education course.
