Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
CTE Vital to Personal, Economic Growth 1 Bridging the skills gap: CTE programs equip students with hands-on skills needed in the job market, preparing them for careers in high-demand fields like manufacturing, health care, information technology and skilled trades. 2 Pathway to high-paying jobs: CTE offers pathways to well- paying jobs like welding, plumbing and electrical work that offer competitive salaries and job security without the need for a four-year degree. 3 Addressing workforce needs: CTE covers a broad range of industries, offering specialized training in fields like agriculture, business, engineering and health care, which allows students to explore careers that align with their interests and strengths. This helps maintain the skilled workforce necessary for economic growth. 4 Enhancing student engagement & success: In addition to technical skills, CTE provides soft skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving, which are essential for success in any workplace. 5 Reducing unemployment and underemployment: CTE programs often have strong connections with local employers, leading to better job placement rates for graduates — with many students securing employment or internships through their programs. 6 Supporting lifelong learning and career advancement: CTE encourages a mindset of lifelong learning, where students can return to education throughout their careers to upgrade their skills, switch career paths or advance in their current fields. "I wish people knew how essential CTE is and be more encouraging to students who are pursuing it," says welding teacher and Hemet Teachers Association member Josh O'Neal. "Support your high school students who are on this path." "HTA supports what we're doing here and really works to involve the community as much as pos- sible," he says. "Our union also supports the first responder and entrepreneur programs, which is giving our students opportunities they didn't have before. HTA understands that we're trying to change the cycle of generational poverty." Last year, O' Neal had a student with a two- year-old son and a full-time job at McDonald's, who asked for support getting into the construc- tion business. O' Neal supported his learning, helping the student to earn a stick welding cer- tification by graduation and conn ecting him with the superintendent of a local construction business, who hired him. "He started making $30 an hour, now he makes $47 an hour and he's not even 19 yet. He's one of my success stories," O'Neal says. "I used to ask myself 'what do I want to be when I grow up,' but now I feel like this is what my purpose has always been, because I have the ability to connect with these kids." O'Neal continues building the program and working to share his knowledge with the greater Inland Empire. He created a program at Mt. San Jacinto College and has also started teaching welding at Hemet Adult School, bringing the same opportunities to Hemet's adult population. "This was the first time I've ever had parents asking how they can get into my program," O'Neal says, adding that he recently received approval to make his school an accredited testing facility for the American Welding Society, solidifying their place in the community. "I'm bringing the college to our campus!" O'Neal says it is gratifying to be leading the charge in a renaissance of career tech and voca- tional opportunities in public schools. With more than 600,000 California high school students cur- rently enrolled in CTE programs, O'Neal is excited to continue supporting California's next generation of trades workers. "ese are essential needs in society," he says. "Our infrastructure depends on the skills of our tradespeople. We need running water, gas to warm our homes and cook, and roads to drive on." The commercial-grade greenhouse welcomes lots of visitors to see the program in action. Students learn hands-on skills to prepare them for careers. 17 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 24