Business Spotlight: Vatterott College targets career-seeking students

John Vatterott Sr. used to work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Missouri.

Like most state vocational rehabilitation counselors, he had a heavy caseload, and it was difficult to find time to speak with his boss. When Vatterott did get to meet with his boss, he wanted to discuss his more difficult cases.

His boss, however, wanted to spend the time talking about why he could never read Vatterott's signature. In fact, Vatterott said, he often had to write his name over and over again until his signature met with his boss' satisfaction.

Vatterott eventually left that job.

Rather than look for another job, he decided to go into business for himself.

He knew the state needed more good vocational training schools. In 1969, he started his own training program for nurses' aides in St. Louis, and Vatterott College was born.

Today Vatterott College has training facilities in seven states. More than 3,000 students attend Vatterott College, 300 of whom are located in Springfield.

Vatterott College's history in Springfield dates back to 1991. That was the year Draughon's Business College closed its training facilities in Springfield, Joplin and Independence.

According to Vatterott, a state official contacted him to see if he might be interested in taking Draughon's three training facilities in Missouri and helping the school's students complete their training.

Vatterott agreed, and later that same year he opened Vatterott College in the same buildings that had once housed Draughon's Business College.

At the time, some people questioned Vatterott's decision. After all, he was expanding into three different markets at the same time.

Others questioned whether he should continue to conduct classes in the same buildings once used by Draughon's Business College, which by then had acquired a less-than-favorable reputation.

Vatterott, however, saw the advantages. The deal provided him with the building space he needed to expand, as well as an existing student base.

"Some people questioned my judgment at first," Vatterott said. "We were taking a big risk. In the end, though, we were viewed as a white knight. We were met by reporters wherever we went, and we got a lot of good press because we finished up the student training programs started by Draughon."

The enrollment rate at Vatterott College in Springfield has increased steadily since the school opened in 1991.

According to Cheryl Tilley, co-director of Vatterott College, enrollment has increased by more than 20 percent during the past two years.

The number of new programs offered by Vatterott College also has increased. Associate's degrees and diploma programs in computer programming, computer aided drafting technology and computer technology have been added in the past two years, as have other popular fields of study, such as the medical and dental assistant programs, and the heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic program.

Given the cost and time needed to earn a four-year degree, it's not surprising that more people are seeking out vocational training programs.

In fact, enrollment has increased at many other schools that offer vocational training, such as Ozarks Technical Community College.

Despite these increases, Tilley said, Vatterott doesn't really compete directly with public colleges and universities such as OTC.

Most of Vatterott College's competition comes from other private schools that offer vocational training.

While state colleges and universities offer new classes each semester, Vatterott College offers training programs every 10 weeks.

However, attending a private school like Vatterott College costs more than a state college or university. In fact, Tilley said, 95 percent of Vatterott's students receive some type of financial aid.

Despite the cost, however, many students choose Vatterott College over a state-funded school or another private trade school because of its high placement rate.

According to Tilley, more than 90 percent of Vatterott's graduates find work in their fields of study.

Tilley added that the school also attracts a number of students who want to relocate, and these students can receive job placement assistance from any Vatterott College located in seven states.

Students who attend Vatterott College come from diverse backgrounds. Some are unemployed or in need of vocational rehabilitation.

Others have just started their careers or want to change careers. All of the students, however, share a common goal.

They want to land a job shortly after completing their training.

"We fill a niche in the community," Tilley said. "The average age of a student at Vatterott College is 35. Most of our students want to get the training they need as quickly as possible so they can re-enter the job market."

To ensure a high placement rate, Vatterott College's administrators frequently meet with representatives of leading employers in the community, such as St. John's Regional Health Center, Cox South, Bass Pro, Western Lithotech and O'Reilly Automotive.

Several managers from local businesses serve on Vatterott College's board of directors, and their feedback helps the school determine what training programs are needed.

In response to some recent feedback, Tilley said Vatterott College plans to add more professional certification programs and expand its in-house testing for information technology graduates. Currently, computer technology is the most popular program offered.

In the future, Vatterott College plans to offer an accelerated degree-plus program, which is geared toward students who have already earned their college degrees but would like to enter new career fields.

The school also plans to increase the number of customized employee training programs it offers, which can be conducted via the Internet, off-site, on-campus or at the Cedar Creek Conference Center, Vatterott's corporate conference facility located in New Haven.

Vatterott College

Year founded: 1969

Owner's name: Vatterott College Inc.

Address and phone number: 1258 E. Trafficway, Springfield, Mo. 65802; 831-8116