Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
CTE leaders outline statewide changes, apprenticeship growth and capacity constraints
Summary
Wicomico County CTE staff told the board an external Maryland Workforce Investment Board review affirmed local strengths but flagged timing issues; staff described the state’s 48-program 'flex' model, apprenticeship distinctions, OCR desk audit, and SkillsUSA successes, while warning there's still insufficient CTE seats for demand.
Wicomico County’s outgoing and incoming Career and Technical Education leaders briefed the board on a year-old external review coordinated by the governor’s workforce investment board, upcoming state CTE changes and local steps to align curriculum and capacity.
Mr. Ashby, the outgoing supervisor of CTE, told the board the review was comprehensive and that staff provided formal reactions to the Workforce Investment Board; he noted the primary surprise was the report’s delay in delivery. He said the findings largely confirmed internal strengths and that the district will use the report to guide CTE initiatives.
Billy (introduced to the board as a CTE staff member and discussed by leaders as an incoming supervisor) described program strengths — including the district’s ATEX and twilight offerings — and cautioned on capacity: “there’s never enough seats for the students that want CTE,” he said. Staff discussed registered apprenticeships versus internships, reporting roughly three registered apprenticeships within the Eastern Shore region and about 40 youth-apprenticeship partners in the broader area. Staff said youth apprenticeships offer flexible post-completion options and that registered programs bring Department of Labor recognition and some financial supports.
The presentation also covered MSDE’s rollout of 48 standardized CTE program guides and a new 'flex' model, scheduled for local implementation planning ahead of the 2027 school year. Staff described regional ES9 collaboration among Eastern Shore counties to align program guides and support teachers with shared templates and professional development.
Staff told the board they completed a U.S. Office for Civil Rights desk audit and have submitted artifacts; the audit reviews recruitment, nondiscrimination statements, accessibility and outreach. Finally, staff celebrated recent SkillsUSA results: roughly 30 students competed at the state level, several medaled and top finishers will advance to nationals in Atlanta at the end of May.
What’s next: Staff said they will use the external review and the Perkins local needs analysis to prioritize investments and professional development and will continue regional collaborations to expand access and seats.
