Career and technical education (CTE) has become an increasingly popular choice for high school students across the country. It provides hands-on experience in a variety of career fields
and prepares students for post-secondary education and the workforce.
While many people are aware of the benefits of CTE, some may not know the full extent of its impact. In this blog post, we’ll be highlighting some of the most inspiring success stories of CTE alumni and the impressive careers they’ve built. These individuals are a testament to the power of CTE and serve as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
The Importance of CTE Programs in Preparing Students for Careers
CTE or Career and Technical Education programs are becoming increasingly popular in schools across the United States. These programs are designed to prepare students for specific careers in various industries by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to succeed in their chosen fields.
CTE programs offer students the opportunity to learn about different career paths, explore their interests, and gain hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships. This way, they can develop the technical and soft skills required for a successful career in today’s competitive job market.
One of the benefits of CTE programs is that they help students develop practical skills that are directly relevant to the workforce. By the time students graduate from CTE programs, they have already learned a lot of the necessary skills required for their chosen profession, making them much more competitive when applying for jobs.
CTE programs also offer students the opportunity to explore different career options before committing to a specific career path. Students can experiment with different industries and professions, giving them a better understanding of their interests, skills, and strengths.
Overall, CTE programs are an essential part of any educational system. They provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their chosen careers, preparing them for the workforce and giving them the confidence, they need to succeed.
Success Stories from CTE Alumni in Different Fields
One of the best ways to motivate and inspire current CTE students is to showcase the success stories of former RW2 CTE alumni, Edwin Torres, who works in KC and Claudia Nanranjo who works in North Carolina.:
Edwin O. Torres
Can you tell us a bit about the CTE program you pursued?
I took CAD/Revit BIM, which for the most part is construction software to develop 3D models.
What motivated you to pursue a career in your current field?
At the time I was working for a mechanical contractor fabricating and installing ductwork and providing heating and cooling, the interest came from a position that opened up at the job that required 3D modeling. That day I saw what the software was capable of and it was fascinating to me how detailed the models were and the idea of designing a system for different buildings was the turning point for me to go after this program.
How did your CTE program help you develop the necessary skills for your current career?
After completing the program, the team at RW2 managed to set up an interview with the company I’m currently working for which is well known in the industry I’m part of. There I was able to demonstrate the skill learned with the program not just technical skill but also soft skills. The team at the job were impressed with my capability that in a short span of 2 years I was promoted. Thanks to that I managed to develop in my career and open so many doors for me and my family.
What challenges did you face during your journey and how did you overcome them?
I didn’t encounter any challenges on my journey. Everything was pretty straightforward. The director, teacher and staff were very helpful and understanding and managed to present everything clearly for everyone to understand and learn.
How has your career evolved since you started working in your current field?
As mentioned previously, the team at my job saw the potential for me to develop in other areas and I received a promotion. Currently, I’m no longer utilizing CAD/Revit any longer but still retain the soft skills, either way if it wasn’t for the program I would have never been this far in my career so for that I’m thankful and appreciative of everyone involved in the program.
Claudia Naranjo
Can you tell us a bit about the CTE program you pursued?
The CTE program is very complete and addresses the main topics for learning CAD drawing software in an adequate time.
What motivated you to pursue a career in your current field?
I was motivated by wanting to complement my previous knowledge of CAD drawing, in order to improve my job profile.
How did your CTE program help you develop the necessary skills for your current career?
The CTE program helped me to remember some topics that I was not very clear about previously, as well as learn others in which I was out of date.
What challenges did you face during your journey and how did you overcome them?
I think the only challenge I faced was taking this course in a language other than my own. Everyone at RW2 was aware of this and was always very kind and patient with me, always very supportive and pushing me to improve.
How has your career evolved since you started working in your current field?
The knowledge acquired in the CTE program has helped me to perform very well in the tasks that I have been assigned in a structural engineering company where I have been working since August 2022.
Sharing these stories can help inspire current students to persevere and continue their studies with the knowledge that there are plenty of opportunities awaiting them in the future.
Tips for Current CTE Students to Make the Most out of their Education.
Are you a current CTE student? Congratulations! You’ve taken a great first step in setting yourself up for a successful career. But what can you do to ensure that you make the most out of your education? Here are some tips to help you get started:
Get involved in extracurricular activities.
Participating in extracurricular activities can help you build your skills and network with other students who share your interests. Whether it’s joining a club, attending a conference, or volunteering in your community, there are many ways to get involved.
Take advantage of internships and work-based learning opportunities.
Many CTE programs offer internships and work-based learning opportunities that allow you to gain real-world experience in your field. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn from professionals and build your resume.
Seek out mentors.
Mentors can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into your field. Look for opportunities to connect with professionals in your industry and ask for their advice and feedback.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends.
The world is constantly changing, and so are the industries you may be working in. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and practices by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and following thought leaders on social media.
Network, network, network
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Building strong relationships with your classmates, instructors, and industry professionals can help you find new opportunities, get advice, and advance your career.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your CTE education and set yourself up for success in your future career.
Future Career Trends and Opportunities in CTE Industries
As we move towards an increasingly technologically advanced future, the demand for skilled workers in CTE industries continues to grow. Here are a few future career trends and opportunities in CTE industries to keep in mind as you plan your future:
1. Healthcare: With an aging population, the demand for healthcare professionals is set to continue to rise. Jobs in nursing, physical therapy, and medical technology are expected to be in high demand.
2. Green Energy: As we continue to focus on reducing our carbon footprint, the green energy industry is growing rapidly. Jobs in solar and wind power installation, energy-efficient construction, and sustainable agriculture are just a few examples.
3. Cybersecurity: With more and more business and personal activities taking place online, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important field. Jobs in this area are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
4. Advanced Manufacturing – As technology advances, the manufacturing industry continues to grow, creating numerous job opportunities for CTE graduates. Skills in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and Revit for building information modeling (BIM) will be highly valued in this field.
5. Transportation: With the rise of e-commerce and the need for quick and efficient delivery, transportation careers are set to grow. Jobs in logistics and supply chain management, as well as electric vehicle repair and maintenance, are all expected to be in high demand.
These are just a few examples of future career trends and opportunities in CTE industries. By keeping an eye on these trends and taking advantage of the education and training provided by CTE programs, you can set yourself up for success in the years to come.
Join RW2 classes starting August 21 and take advantage of scholarships for KC Metro residents and grants for Missouri residents. Pre-Register now to invest in your future!
