Chesterfield County showcases award-winning career and technical education programs

Chesterfield County's recent Workforce Preparedness Update highlighted significant advancements in career and technical education (CTE) within local schools, showcasing the district's commitment to equipping students with essential skills for future careers. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 25, 2025, officials emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and industry partnerships in preparing students for the workforce.

Governor Borsley opened the session by introducing key figures from Chesterfield County Public Schools, including Mister Macklin, the director of CTE, and Katie Stokes, the coordinator of work-based learning. They presented an overview of the CTE programs and the expansion of the Career and Technical Center (CTC), which aims to enhance educational opportunities for students.

The meeting celebrated recent accolades received by Chesterfield's CTE programs, including the "Program of the Year" award for the technology education program at Matoaca and recognition for the agriculture program at Courthouse. These achievements underscore the district's successful collaboration with local businesses, such as Dominion Energy, which was honored as the "Business Partner of the Year."

Mister Macklin explained that CTE focuses on providing students with practical skills and knowledge relevant to specific careers, enabling them to earn industry certifications and gain real-world experience. The presentation also touched on the district's efforts to integrate CTE into elementary and middle school curricula, ensuring that students are prepared for high school programs.

As Chesterfield County continues to invest in workforce preparedness, the emphasis on CTE reflects a broader commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the local economy and ensuring that students are well-equipped for their future careers. The meeting concluded with a call to action for ongoing collaboration between schools and the business community to further enhance these educational initiatives.