Amherst County Public Schools staff presented a multi-part update on career and technical education (CTE) that included current program offerings, credentialing results, work-based learning participation and a five-year strategic plan to expand K–12 career awareness and pathways.

The presentation, given by CTE staff and administrators, described three phases of career education: career awareness (K–5), career investigation (6–8) and pathway immersion (9–12). Staff said elementary students use Virginia Career View and Virginia Career Wizard activities that culminate in an academic and career plan portfolio; middle-school students complete a nine-week career investigations rotation; and high‑school students receive pathway-focused coursework, dual enrollment and work‑based learning opportunities.

Current numbers presented: in the most recent year staff reported 316 seniors and said 222 of those participated in a state‑approved high‑quality work‑based learning experience. Staff also presented data showing a rise in CTE program completers but a decline in credential pass rates since the COVID-era disruption; presenters attributed part of that credential fluctuation to pandemic-era cohorts who could not complete in-person practical exams and said they plan supports such as practice tests and small-group prep to raise passing rates.

Planned expansions: the CTE five-year plan proposes strengthening elementary and middle‑school programs, increasing hands‑on middle‑school modules (the team referenced existing bus-based modules), and staffing a career-pathway instructor in each elementary school by the 2030–31 school year. For the near term, staff proposed two new high‑school offerings next year: a remodeled agriculture lab (teacher in place) and a dental-assistant program in partnership with Johnson’s Health Center, initially serving about 10 students.

Staff listed resource needs that include qualified instructors, curriculum materials, equipment and industry/college partnerships. Evaluation metrics would emphasize enrollment and retention in CTE programs, increases in credentials earned, internship and apprenticeship placements, and student survey/readiness indicators.

Why this matters: CTE expansion aligns program offerings with local workforce needs (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, health‑care support) and is intended to provide students with credentials and on‑the‑job experience. Board members and community members at the meeting voiced strong support and asked for a curriculum outline for K–8 and for consideration of middle‑school staffing to accommodate a larger exploratory/pipeline program.

Next steps: staff will pursue VDOE course approvals where needed, advance the dental-assistant partnership, continue outreach to employers for credential supports and convene advisory boards; the district plans pilots beginning in 2026–27 and staged hires and expansions across the five‑year timeframe.