(BRADENTON, FL - December 5, 2008) Manatee Technical Institute will receive national attention on December 8, 2008 when NBC Nightly News airs a program on how people are returning to school to to train for new careers. MTI, the School District´s award winning showcase institution, is at the leading edge of training and preparing students to become productive members of the Manatee workforce.

The NBC piece will feature one of MTI´s former students, Mark High, a 50-year-old 2008 nursing graduate who is now employed as an LPN in the stroke unit at Manatee Memorial--Mark had been laid off from a middle management position after 30 years with an area chemical plant. The story will include an interview with MTI director Dr. Mary Cantrell and scenes of MTI´s practical nursing and EMT students performing scenarios in their labs as they prepare for new careers.

Since this time last year, MTI has seen an 18% increase in enrollment, which can be attributed in large part to the economic downturn--in particular job losses in the construction, retail and manufacturing sectors. MTI is seeing more people in their 40s and 50s coming for retraining, as well as more 18 to 22 year olds who are postponing work to gain more skills. MTI is serving a hugely important role as they help people regain their sense of dignity and return to work in more stable professions or prepare for the economic upswing.