Lakeland CTE director outlines work‑based learning participation, business partners and certifications
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Summary
CTE director Chad Uhiron told the board Lakeland Prep’s first-year work‑based learning program includes about 78 students (36 in general work‑based learning), a range of school‑based enterprises and career practicums, and new medical partnerships to host student rotations in spring.
Lakeland Preparatory School’s director of CTE and special projects presented the district’s first full year of work‑based learning (WBL) and school‑based enterprises to the board, reporting that roughly half of seniors participate and that the district is building local business and medical partnerships.
"Think of work based learning as kind of the big umbrella," Chad Uhiron told the board, describing WBL as an opportunity for students to apply classroom skills in real work settings. Uhiron said the program currently enrolls about 78 students across CTE courses and practicums, with 36 students in general work‑based learning roles at off‑campus employers such as Chick‑fil‑A, Owner's Box, Colonial Country Club, Kroger, Sonic and others.
Uhiron highlighted career practicums (fourth‑level capstone courses) including audiovisual production (5 students), BioSTEM/engineering (10), entrepreneurship (16) and medical therapeutics (11). He said students have produced content for the city jumbotron, helped the Lakeland Arts Festival and raised funds — entrepreneurship students have raised approximately $4,000 for DECA; AV students helped generate about $1,000 according to the presentation.
On the medical side, Uhiron said the program is preparing students for the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam this spring and reported new clinical rotation opportunities with Ortho South Bartlett and a nearby Ortho South physical‑therapy facility; those placements are expected to begin once a new teacher is in place and the district phases in rotations.
Board members asked for a list of employer partners for recognition and discussed the feasibility of expanding participation to juniors in future years. Uhiron and board members said they will continue outreach to local medical facilities and other employers to increase placements and dual‑enrollment options.
The board praised the program and encouraged steps to document partner lists and continue credentialing efforts.