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Corona‑Norco highlights CTE Month and rapid apprenticeship growth
Summary
District CTE leaders showcased program expansion, student certifications and a rapidly growing youth apprenticeship pipeline—23 registered apprentices this year and 262 registered pre‑apprenticeships—arguing these pathways support both college and career readiness.
Corona‑Norco Unified School District used its board meeting to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and to highlight rapid growth in registered apprenticeships and student industry certifications.
“CTE is doing amazing things,” said Mr. Rob ibbotson, introduced as the district’s director of Career and Technical Education. He said more than 9,500 students in grades 7–12 are enrolled in CTE courses and outlined four strategic objectives: increase industry certifications, expand counselor participation in a CTE leadership academy, grow student enrollment in CTE pathways, and extend outreach to elementary and intermediate grades.
Students Emily Wang and Max Wagner described the personal impact of CTE and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Emily, identified as a pathway completer and a state FBLA chapter leader, said CTE coursework helped shape her college major and cited specific credentials: “we did our Microsoft Excel certification…this year we’re doing a generative AI certification.”
Ibbotson highlighted a range of programs—HVAC/R, aviation, business—and said local employers routinely hire program completers. He outlined apprenticeship offerings registered with the Department of Labor and Department of Apprenticeship Standards, noting district growth from two registered youth apprentices last year to 23 this year and 262 registered pre‑apprenticeships in fields such as culinary arts, construction and education.
Mark Galing, a communications multimedia specialist, described a marketing strategy that includes highlight videos, billboards, ads, a biweekly district newsletter and site posters to boost program visibility and registration.
Board members praised the programs and recognized student winners of the Congressional App Challenge who will travel to Washington, D.C., in April. No formal board action was taken; the presentation emphasized continued investment in teachers, more detailed program scheduling on school websites and outreach to families, especially students with special education needs who may benefit from CTE offerings.
The presenters stressed that CTE pathways can complement college preparation rather than substitute for it and that targeted supports aim to increase College and Career Indicator (CCI) readiness over time.
