Brevard schools outline industry partnerships, gaps and plans to expand CTE internships

Tara Harris, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Rachel Rutledge, director of career and technical education, told the Brevard Public Schools Board on Feb. 11 that district CTE programs have “pockets of excellence” with strong industry partners but also gaps that limit internships and job placement for graduates.

The presentation summarized existing partnerships — including Embraer, L3Harris, CareerSource, Wharton Smith, the Brevard Zoo, Lockheed Martin and local colleges — and described outreach and program-alignment work aimed at ensuring programs lead to measurable post‑graduation opportunities.

District staff said the goal is to align classroom instruction, industry certification and equipment purchases with local employers so students are “ready to plug and play into the career,” Rutledge said. She pointed to examples in aviation, maritime and construction where employers host tours, take interns and help shape curriculum.

Why it matters: Board members raised workforce concerns tied to local economic growth, including Lockheed Martin’s expansion and other manufacturers in the county. Staff said improving CTE partnerships could increase direct hires from high school programs, reduce skills gaps and create clearer pathways to college credit and industry…