New Castle Career Center recently acquired a Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives (MILO) simulator for the Criminal Justice and Public Safety programs. The New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) provided the funding for the simulator.

The MILO system is a computer-based portable training simulator that projects life-sized scenarios onto an 8-foot by 20-foot screen. The technology involved in the simulator resembles an oversized video game, and the tools used with the simulators resemble a laser pointer.  

More than 850 scenarios are preloaded into the system, including traffic stops, complex mental health crisis interventions, and domestic conflicts. These emotionally immersive role-playing scenarios have branching decision trees. Students can exercise every facet of their training: fine-tuning their presence, verbal communication skills, and de-escalation strategies to force options when necessary. 

“Students working in a MILO scenario face open-ended problems with many possible complications and outcomes. The instructor running the simulation can adapt the scenario in real-time, responding to the student’s actions and decisions,” shared Don Showalter, Criminal Justice Instructor. Showalter recently completed the one-day training for the MILO simulator along with Bill Hufford, EMT, and public Safety Instructor.  

Throughout every scenario using the MILO simulator, the instructor can make adjustments to hone both individual and interdependent aspects of a student’s judgment, situational awareness, and de-escalation skills. Students implement their de-escalation, communication, and force options skills during the simulation process. Each scenario-based exercise helps trainees build up their mental endurance, remain in the conversation, and maintain calm in intense situations.

The simulator will be used throughout the time New Castle Career Center students are in the Criminal Justice Program. Students will be learning the different aspects of Criminal Justice including police, courts, and corrections. In all aspects of the program, the students will be using the simulator as if they were working on the street as a patrol officer, working inside the courtroom, or in a corrections atmosphere. The students will also be able to use the experiences in their personal lives in dealing with other students and family members in crisis situations.

“We are so fortunate to have the EDC and RDC’s support for equipment,” expressed Mackenzie Jackson, New Castle Career Center Director. “Adding this simulator will help students with skills and increase the program enrollment in a high-demand industry for our region.”

New Castle Career Center has 19 different programs available to students and will host an open house on Thursday, November 30. For more information about the New Castle Career Center, visit nccareercenter.org.

A growing number of students are discovering the benefits of enrolling in the New Castle Career Center (NCCC). More than 515 students are currently enrolled at the Center, representing New Castle, Tri, Knightstown, Hagerstown, Shenandoah, Union, Eastern Hancock, and Blue River Valley. 

NCCC is hosting an open house for interested students and families on Thursday, November 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Students can learn about the following programs: Broadcasting, CDL, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Education Careers, Engineering Careers, Health Science Education, Machine Trades, Supply Chain and Logistics, Welding, Building Trades, Computer Operations, Criminal Justice, Dental Careers, EMT & Public Safety, Graphic Design, ICE Cooperative Education, Property & Facility Maintenance, and Veterinary Science.  

“The programs at the New Castle Career Center set all students up for success regardless of their career path.  Students can graduate making more money, have real work experiences, community contacts, college credit, industry certifications, and career contacts all by attending NCCC,” stated Mackenzie Jackson, New Castle Career Center Director. “ They can use that opportunity to work on a higher level degree, receive an increased military rank, or work their way towards a better career.”

Students at the New Castle Career Center find five key benefits through enrolling:

1. Hands-on experiences
The motto for the New Castle Career Center is “Don’t just dream. Do.” Career Center students spend most of their time on experiential learning, guided by instructors with field experience. They regularly take field trips to sites related to their industries and also welcome guest speakers who have succeeded in the area students are studying.

2. Work-based learning
Students at the New Castle Career Center have opportunities to interact in real workplace settings or in simulated educational environments. This allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of the tasks associated with their selected field. Students participate in internships, clinical work, and capstone projects once they learn the skills at the Career Center.  

3. Tuition savings
During the 2022-23 school year, New Castle Career Center students earned 2,987 dual credits providing their families $530,365 in tuition savings. The Career Center also helps administrate the Early College Enrollment program for area high schools. Ninety students enrolled last year with a significant number graduating with an associate degree.  The courses are all transferable at Indiana state schools and help students earn required courses in high school without costs.  The classes also count towards the student’s high school graduation requirements.

4. Community involvement
Students and staff actively participate in the community in multiple ways. The culinary program students regularly assist with large catering events, and Property and Facility Maintenance students assist with community beautification projects and accessibility assignments. The Health Sciences program hosts an annual blood drive, while EMT students take blood pressure readings at the local Wal-Mart. Through these experiences, students get to know their community better and develop a sense of pride in where they live.

5. Successful outcomes
Graduates of the New Castle Career Center typically experience career success relatively quickly. They have gained the certifications needed to thrive in their field, along with the “soft skills” that employers desire. For the past several years, the New Castle Career Center has hosted a Signing Day for students who are ready for employment right after graduation. The Center often hears back about students who have gained tremendous benefits from their time at the New Castle Career Center, which set them on a faster path toward success.

If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling with the New Castle Career Center, plan to attend the Open House on Thursday, November 30, from 7-8:30 pm.