Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses prepare students for a competitive job market. Lufkin ISD offers 31 certifications for students to have a jump on that competition.
“I believe that my CTE classes have prepared me for my future career because I would like to get a job in the sports media industry,” Kate Amend junior at Lufkin High School said. “In my audio-visual class, I have the opportunity to go to all the sporting events and film the games. I also get to interview the players after the games. The career I would like to pursue in the future is anything to do in the sports media field, especially a sideline reporter for ESPN.”
Kate Amend – Photo by: CALEB BEAMES
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer a number of courses that provide students with rigorous content to gain skills needed to prepare them for further education and careers in current or emerging professions.
Lufkin ISD is privileged to have around 100 CTE classes and 31 certifications in jobs such as welding, carpentry, barber, phlebotomy technician and much more.
“I have been part of the CTE program for a while,” Ashley Calamaco, senior at Lufkin High School, said. “My involvement and participation in my architecture classes have shown me many useful skills such as how to draft on paper and computer. I’ve had the privilege to be able to design my own tiny home and draft it. I have also recently been introduced to 3D printing and already designed my own keychain.”
Career Preparation: CTE courses help students prepare for their future careers by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. By taking CTE courses, students can explore different career options and learn about the education and training required for various professions.
Ashley Calamaco – Photo by: ANDY ADAMS
Hands-on Experience: CTE courses often involve hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. These experiences can help students gain practical skills and knowledge that are difficult to acquire through traditional classroom learning.
“An achievement that I accomplished while taking an audio-visual course was learning how to fly a drone,” Amend said. “Since I was in audio visual class, I had the opportunity to work with the football team and fly their drone during the football practices. Without me being in the audio-visual class, I wouldn’t have been able to have that opportunity.”
Improved Academic Performance: Research shows that students who take CTE courses have higher academic achievement and better attendance rates than those who do not. These courses can help students see the practical applications of their academic subjects and motivate them to succeed in school.
Job Readiness: CTE courses can help students develop job readiness skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are highly valued by employers and can help students succeed in any career they choose.
College Readiness: Many CTE courses can help students develop job readiness skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are highly valued by employers and can help students succeed in any career they choose.
Industry Certifications: CTE courses often lead to industry certifications that can boost students’ resumes and increase their chances of getting hired after graduation. These certifications demonstrate to employers that students have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen professions.
“I have definitely seen the positive effects my Architecture and Drafting class have brought me,” Calamaco said. “I believe that the advanced skills and technology used have given me an introduction into my future career. I would love to be an Interior Designer/ Architect, and with this class I have been able to get a head start.”
February is CTE Month and all month facts about the CTE program can be found on Lufkin ISD’s Facebook page. To find out more about the courses and certifications that Lufkin ISD has to offer, CLICK HERE.