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CTE reverse job fair, new PCT certification and middle‑school maker spaces highlighted
Summary
The board heard updates on career and technical education: a reverse job fair that brought over 40 business partners into school labs, a new Patient Care Technician cohort and renovated maker/tech labs at middle schools designed to strengthen pathways into high‑school CTE and local employment.
The Isle of Wight County Schools CTE director reported April 10 on several program developments intended to strengthen career pipelines and employer connections.
Reverse job fair and employer engagement: The division held a reverse job fair that invited business partners into school CTE spaces rather than bringing students to a central venue. The director said more than 40 business partners from Windsor High and Smithville High attended, and that the format yielded employer interest in student resumes, follow‑up meetings and job offers; last year the event led to more than 19 student hires.
New and expanded credentials: The division launched a Patient Care Technician (PCT) cohort as an expansion of its nursing assistant (CNA) pathway. Six students were listed as newly certified PCT participants; the CTE director said those students will be eligible to pursue additional credentials such as EKG and phlebotomy through the program. The program supports direct entry into health‑care employment or continued training.
Middle‑school maker spaces and renovations: The board saw video and descriptions of renovated tech labs and maker spaces at Georgie Tyler Middle School and Smithville Middle School that mirror high‑school CTE spaces. Presenters said the renovations were intended to expose middle‑school students to welding, robotics, engineering and manufacturing pathways earlier so they can make informed course choices in high school.
Partnerships and next steps: Presenters cited partners including Old Dominion University, GoTech and the Hampton Workforce Council for grant support and lab renovations. The director said a CTE signing day is scheduled for May 21 and that the division will continue employer outreach and tours to convert interest into internships and employment opportunities for students.
