CLEARFIELD, PA—Students and faculty at CCCTC will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate “National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month”. CTE Month provides programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE makes students college-and career-ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand occupation fields.
Fred Redden, CCCTC executive director, states, “As the cost of 4-year degrees continue to sky rocket, more students are looking for diverse educational opportunities and CTE training is topping the list. Many highly motivated high school students are viewing CTE opportunities as stepping-stones. Some go directly to business and industry, others are well prepared to enter trade schools, and some gain a great deal of background knowledge and enter bachelor’s level programs.
It is no secret that CTE-trained students have the upper hand in a society currently lacking skilled labor. Students will a technical background can choose to enter the workforce with as little or much training as they choose. It is as great time for the motivated person, not afraid to get their hands dirty, as high demand equals high wages.”
CTE encompasses 94% of high school students and 13 million postsecondary students in the United States. It is a major part of the solution to a myriad of national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, weakened economy, and global competitiveness. At a time when opportunity for employment is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are equipped with the skills to enter the workforce successfully.
Matt Kephart, CCCTC principal, also notes, “The opportunities for students in CTE are endless. In addition to gaining certifications and skills to enter the workforce directly upon graduation, students interested in continuing their education get a jump-start on those plans by enrolling here. Students can earn dual enrollment credits as well as complete credits through our articulation agreements with several institutions. In short—coming to CCCTC opens windows of opportunities, and shuts none.”
Clearfield County Career and Technology Center is a technical education institution founded in 1968 to meet the needs of the community and the five sending school districts in Clearfield County. The mission of CCCTC is to provide quality career-technical education programs and services that prepare youth and adults for success in the workplace, postsecondary education, and the community, now and in the future.
For more information aboutthe Clearfield County Career and Technology Center, call 814-765-5308 or visit us at www.ccctc.edu.