Back-to-School and Beyond: The Impact of CTE Programs on Workforce Development in Region 2
It's Back-to-School season for many students and families, but how does this relate to workforce development? Career and Technical Education, also referred to as CTE, provides students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed in post-secondary endeavors and a career. CTE programs prepare students for today's labor market by introducing them to workplace competencies within an applied context.
Ben Barkey, Principal of the Warsaw Area Career Center, says, "A new school year means new students in the career center who begin their journey of career exploration, refinement, and growth. Our amazing teachers provide excellent real-world learning, and it is amazing to see how that impacts students' futures."
Today, more than ever, employers want to hire entry-level employees who can hit the ground running. Students who participate in CTE programs can get a jump start in their chosen field of study while still in high school. Most CTE programs offer dual credit, relevant work-based learning experiences and industry recognized certifications, which are a plus for students looking to enter the workforce.
These programs of study prepare students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand careers such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and agriculture. These pathways are an integral part of Indiana’s talent development system.
In Region 2, we proudly support 6 CTE Districts. These districts train 1000s of students every year, and with the ever-increasing demand for skilled labor, will continue to grow year after year. As needs are identified, programs grow and adjust, taking the lead from local chambers, Economic Development Commissions, higher education partners and industry leaders.
Increased opportunities bring excitement to CTE programs, as Jennifer Felke, Director of Career and Technical Education, states, "North Central CTE Cooperative is excited to continue our growth with a record 800 students participating in NCCTE programs this year! We have grown to 23 programs and even more exciting is the construction going on at Plymouth High School that is creating the new Marshall County Career Innovation Center!"
Brandon Eakins, Director of the Elkhart Area Career Center, echoes that sentiment, "We are excited to launch our Pre-Law program this year. Our Criminal Justice program has grown substantially over the last several years with three instructors serving 110-120 students on an annual basis. Not all of these students are interested in becoming a police officer and we are elated to offer an alternate path for those seeking a career in the legal field."
With so many options in our region for students to engage in career and technical education, up and coming talent is on the move. We wish all of our students, families and school leadership/staff a happy beginning to the school year and a successful future!
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