CTE directors and teachers highlight apprenticeships, industry partnerships and career pathways

Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff presented to the board about work-based learning, employer partnerships and apprenticeship pathways that prepare students for local jobs. John Thomas, the division’s CTE director, and colleagues described partnerships with dealerships, independent shops and other industry partners that help keep programs current and provide hiring pipelines. An automotive instructor said the program is nationally certified through Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and that employers regularly recruit students before graduation. The building trades instructor described a youth registered apprenticeship program and noted former students who now have multiple years of apprenticeship experience. CTE staff said programs offer hands-on learning—from a tiny house construction project to state vehicle inspection training—and highlighted alumni who returned to the community to work in fields such as construction, electrical, culinary and child care. No board action was required; members thanked staff for the programs and their industry connections.