Differing gifts

 

Bruce Watson and bulldozer 

The mismatch between available jobs and appropriate skill sets to fill them is a challenge for our economy. While young people are accumulating huge debts in pursuit of college degrees that do not lead to gainful employment, vital jobs go unfilled. Workers in the “trades” are often looked down upon even though they earn handsome incomes and incur no educational debt.

Goochland Schools, through its career and technical education (CTE) department under the direction of Bruce Watson, provide our kids with opportunities to explore a wide range of careers and help them obtain the skills needed for a successful and satisfying life.

On November 4, the CTE advisory committee, made up of representatives of local businesses, partners in the enterprise, heard from CTE students, present and past, how the program benefited them.

Watson discussed the CTE work based learning program. This lets students from grades 9-12 explore career paths through job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships with excellent results.

Katelyn Ragland, a junior at GHS in her third year of ROTC, which is one CTE program, talked about a job shadow she recently completed in her pursuit of a career in interior design. The ROTC program, where she serves as commander of color guard, helped Ragland build her self-confidence. She said that, thanks to CTE, she was able to “shadow” a local designer, tour Ethan Allen, and observe an actual interior design consultation.

Coleman Boatwright, a 2020 GHS graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, concentrating in construction management, from the University of Virginia this spring, said that CTE helped him explore different career pathways. In his senior year, Boatwright job-shadowed an architect and took a heavy machinery course, unsure if he wanted to explore construction or design. Computer-aided design classes he took in high school helped him to excel in college. An internship in road construction led to a job offer as a project engineer. He is currently working on adding travel lanes to I95 in Chester, and expects to move on to bridge rehabilitation when that is complete.

Boatwright recommended that students use the wide variety of courses offered in the CTE program to explore career possibilities to find their passion. He suggested that business partners visit the career center to see what is being offered. “Many do not realize that we’re taking CAD classes or operating real machinery in high school. They were shocked to learn that we were using the same programs in high school that they use.”

Leyton Sutherland, who graduated in June 2024, took heavy construction while learning about hand tools and different kinds of equipment. Unsure of what to do, CTE instructors guided him to a senior year internship with Hal’s Heating and Air, where he alternated classroom study and workdays. He began full time work with Hal’s upon graduation and is currently involved in the rehab of a Civil War era house. “I’ve learned a lot. CTE gave me a lot of opportunities, it put me in the place I am today.”

Sutherland advised students to “be a sponge, practice good habits, learn the rhythm of how to do things, don’t take shortcuts, listen to your peers, be an open book, walk in with confidence every day, show up on time, look like you want to be there. Keep dreaming ‘cause it’s going to happen.”

Watson recalled the positive impression that Sutherland made on his first meeting with Mr. Parrish of Hal’s. He said that Sutherland was championship swimmer who attracted 17 scholarship offers to swim in college but decided he would rather turn wrenches. Sutherland graduated from high school on June 8 and started with Hal’s on June 10 with a bright future.

Watson said that 15-20 percent of GHS graduates go directly into the workforce or military service and that number is changing every year due to the high cost of college. He asked the group to support CTE by offering work-based learning programs, internships, and job shadowing to expose students to their businesses.

Mock interviews where third year CTE students interact with potential employers are extremely valuable for both the kids and the businesses.

Stan Corn of Alarms, Inc. said that mock interviews let employers “see what’s coming” when younger people enter the workforce. CTE tries to match student interests with specific industries. The program is so useful, Watson said, that students have come out of mock interviews with job offers.  

Watson said that a benefit of a small school system like Goochland is its ability to pivot to meet opportunities. He cited the new Honda dealer that recently broke ground on Broad Street Road, just west of the Henrico line, which will need employees with specific skillsets. CTE can help prepare students for those jobs.

The CTE curriculum is being expanded. Watson said that students are being surveyed to find out what classes they want but are not being offered. Local businesses are also being queried to learn which specific job training they would like to see offered.

Samantha Romano, of the community college workforce alliance (https://ccwatraining.org/) presented an overview of job training programs offered through Brightpoint and Reynolds Community College. These programs offer cost effective fast track and flexible training so students can complete credentials or certificates and move into the workforce quickly.

Watson said he is very proud of the program and the teachers that are its backbone. To find out more about CTE, contact Watson at bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us