Tempe Union spotlights career and technical education, cites industry internships and certifications

The Tempe Union High School District governing board heard a presentation Thursday recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month and outlining internship and certification opportunities available to students across the district.

District Superintendent Dr. Wilson introduced Eric Sorensen, the district director of Career and Technical Education, who told the board the district offers 18 CTE programs that “provide them with tangible real skills and real world experiences and pathways to careers.” Sorensen said CTE programs in fields such as engineering, construction, business management, auto technology and biotechnology emphasize hands-on learning and industry-aligned certifications.

“The exciting part of that is that they have been invited back this year in 2025 to continue that internship with Honeywell,” Sorensen said, describing students from Corona del Sol, Desert Vista and other schools who completed summer internships with Honeywell. He said two McClintock Auto students — Jacob Fernandez and Ernesto Ponce — accepted positions with Honeywell that will begin after they graduate this spring.

Students appearing in the CTE video described program benefits in their own words. One student said CTE “allows me to express my creativity” and to learn fundamentals they expect to use in college; another student said CTE “gives students access to the latest industry technologies and techniques.” A student in culinary classes said the program “teaches you how to cook” and framed the skill as practical for independent living. A student in biotechnology described “high-tech equipment” and “real biotech lab experience” that they said will prepare them for careers in bioscience.

Sorensen told the board that many CTE programs offer industry certifications — examples cited in the presentation included food-handler cards, security guard cards and industry-specific technical certifications — and that internships enable students to earn graduation credit while building employer relationships. The presentation named partnerships with Honeywell and described multiple students invited back for paid or continuing internships.

President Barraza thanked Sorensen and district staff for the presentation, and the board did not take formal action on the item. The district’s presentation concluded with a video highlighting program offerings and student testimonials.

The board’s update and the student examples reflect the district’s emphasis on workforce alignment through CTE programming and ongoing partnerships with local industry.