The year 2013 means many things to many people.

To the director of Manatee Technical Institute, Mary Cantrell, this year is the "year of miracles. It is going to be our year of wonders."

The history of Manatee Technical Institute will reach its 50th year, and the new State Road 70 location will open for students.

Manatee Technical Institute offers an industry driven curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedicated staff. The curriculum is designed to match specialized career paths catered specifically for individual students and their passion. The facility allows for student growth and development as well as creating an atmosphere designed to put the students in real-world situations. The staff "believes in each individual student," and shows commitment to their future, Cantrell said.

The projected budget for the school is $44 million, which includes money spent on the new technology and equipment included in the new campus. On Jan. 8, MTI students from the 34th Street campus will make the final transition to the new location and begin classes.

The school will be home to many technical programs, such as welding, culinary, cosmetology, automation and electronics, robotic manufacturing, building trades (plumbing, carpentry, masonry), drafting, machining, automotive, auto body, and marine technology.

One of the fastest growing programs offered at MTI is culinary. The new location includes a state-of-the-art culinary demonstration kitchen. The plan is to film cooking shows at the site. One of MTI's former students Chef Jamie has participated on television cooking shows.

Senior Lenee Gordon is in the facials program at Manatee Technical Institute. She chose the courses because she wants to be able to make money to help pay for college tuition. On the institute itself, Lenee comments, "MTI has impacted my life in personal ways and has physically been a very good learning experience. I do suggest this route because it gives your adult life a head start. You start to figure out some of the things you might want to do in life."

Several students and parents have concerns about the traffic situation with Braden River High School. Director of Construction Services, Jane Dreger offers insight, "The schools are going to have staggered start times. The only road they will share is the bus loop, and with different start and end times, we hope there will be no conflict. We will continue to watch traffic patterns as the two schools begin the spring semester."

Other features offered at the 210,000-square-foot site include a 160-seat teaching auditorium, an internet café, a coffee shop serving baked fresh pastries, a private dining room available for events and parties, and much more.

If you are interested in taking any courses at Manatee Technical Institute, talk to your guidance counselor about necessary examinations and certifications needed for the application process.