A different path

 

The cost of a traditional college education versus its value comes under continued scrutiny as graduates are buried in debt for degrees that do not lead to gainful employment. Our society tends to place holders of “sheepskins” on a higher plane than the people who keep our world working.

Even before Covid changed everything, Goochland Schools offered an alternative path to satisfying, important, and well-paying jobs through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

CTE learning tool

On November 3, Goochland Schools held a business roundtable to share information with local businesses about the skills Goochland students are taught in the CTE program and gather feedback about needs of the workforce. Begun several years ago, the roundtables provide a conduit between the CTE program and business community that has resulted in job shadowing, apprentice and intern opportunities for Goochland students. CTE graduates, many finishing high school with job ready skills and OSHA cards, have bright futures, an no student loan debt.

In his welcoming remarks, Goochland Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Raley ED. D. gave a brief overview of the school division (https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/fast-facts). Raley described the “profile of a Goochland Graduate,” which was crafted in 2018, as a roadmap for students as they move from school to the real world.  Raley contended that the offerings of county schools are similar to those in larger divisions. “This is not a small rural Podunk school,” he declared.

Raley contended that the pandemic changed many things and asked if qualities outlined in the Profile still apply. Those in attendance indicated that these skills are needed now more than ever!

Go to https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/career-and-technical-education for details on the CTE program. Note that Goochland has the only academy for sustainable energy and the foremost heavy equipment operator program in the Commonwealth.

Getting kids excited about job opportunities in trades that keep society running including: carpenters; electricians; plumbers; HVAC technicians; mechanics; and welders is a goal of the CTE program. Goochland’s CTE program offers 17 career and technical clusters including Marine Corps Junior ROTC, culinary arts, and medical arts.

Students in early grades learn about a variety of careers to give them broad exposure rather than pigeon hole them, Raley said

 

The disconnect between the number of available good jobs and qualified workers, is a bigger problem than ever. Every industry needs more qualified workers than are available.

Employees need to be life long learners, continually developing new skills. Young people who have grown up with technology are well positioned for our “smart “world.

Traditional jobs can be an entry into career paths that were never on a student’s radar screen. Todd Delaney, executive director of Avery Point, the county’s new senior living community in the Notch of West Creek, said that there will be many part time employment opportunities at Avery Point for high school students, initially as wait staff in the community’s 18 on site restaurants.

Compassion, said Delaney, is important when working with the senior community. These jobs require a commitment to excellent service and offer opportunities for growth in other departments of the Avery Point as the community grows. Go to ericksonjobs.com for complete information.

It's no secret that many construction workers speak Spanish as a first, and perhaps only, language. In any enterprise, effective communication is vital to complete tasks, but all too often, construction crews are divided language.

Olivia Exum, Chair of World Languages at GHS, has crafted a program to help CTE students communicate with Spanish speakers in a practical way.

CTE students, said Exum, have no interest in conjugating verbs or writing compelling essays in a foreign language. They do, however, want to effectively communicate with their fellow workers, to complete their tasks, and connect on a personal basis. To that end, she has created a curriculum called “Conversational Spanish” using hands on skills to make friends and build trust among employees.

Conversational Spanish concentrates on authentic communication, not spelling or grammar, said Exum. Students who might barely pass a conventional Spanish class quiz, routinely get perfect scores because they are engaged in what they are doing and see how language works in the real world.

Recently, CTE construction trades took a field trip to Reed Marsh, the Boone Homes’ residential community under construction in Courthouse Village. Edward Cutchins, a 26-year veteran, and now Vice President of Construction for Boone Homes, explained to the CTE students that he has a successful career without a college education.

Seeing homes in different stages of construction and learning that 70 percent of workers in the many building trades are Spanish speakers, opened the eyes of the students said Exum.

Exum hopes that the state will recognize Conversational Spanish as a language course so that CTE students can qualify for advanced diplomas.

CTE Director Bruce Watson said that the program needs more companies willing to help provide work-based learning though shadowing, internships and apprenticeships. CTE students are insured through the school division and all graduates have their OSHA cards.

Graduates of the CTE program are in great demand by local employers.

If your business would like to explore ways to engage with CTE students, contact Bruce Watson, Director of CTE & STEM, bwatson@glnd.k12.va (804) 556-5613