Vocational education - it's not your father's shop class
On March 11 four students from the Western Area Career and Technical Center took part in the CCAC/Western Pennsylvania Automotive Competition hosted by the Community College of Allegheny College. Two-student teams from high schools across the region competed on a 100-question written exam and four hands-on stations. The written exam was based on the Master Tech areas of the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, which is the industry's performance standard. The hands-on stations covered engine repair & performance, brakes, steering and suspension, and electrical.
WACTC's student teams placed first and fourth. The first place students won partial scholarships to CCAC. More importantly, they displayed skills expected of a working professional in their field. At least on of the students has already "signed" with a Chrysler dealer. No, there's no signing bonus; but he is headed for a full-time job at a living wage as soon as he graduates this spring and he will have the opportunity to further develop his skills in college.
Other WACTC seniors are currently taking their professional "entry exams" in a variety of fields. As nursing aides, cosmetologists, A+ computer techs, or in other skilled fields, they are proving their worth to prospective employers. At the same time, WACTC is adding classes to their adult education programs, often at the specific request of local companies. This provides career training for the community and a clear career ladder for WACTC's high school graduates.
Unfortunately, many students who could benefit from the opportunities offered in vocational and technical schools are not attending them. There is still a stigma in many people's minds about the skills and abilities of tech school students and about the academic quality of the programs. The truth is, technical students are expected to meet the same standards for graduation as students in academics-only programs do. And in fields like machine shop or welding, they are applying math and science knowledge in a very direct way. I'd love to see parents, teachers and guidance counselors take a closer look at 21st century technical high schools before assuming that students are better off in a college prep program. The truth is, no one will hire a "dumb" welder, or a practical nurse without critical reading skills. Today's workforce is expected to be well-educated no matter what job they apply for. For students who prefer a hands-on approch to education and/or want to move directly into the work force with an employable skill WACTC offers a great program.
WACTC's student teams placed first and fourth. The first place students won partial scholarships to CCAC. More importantly, they displayed skills expected of a working professional in their field. At least on of the students has already "signed" with a Chrysler dealer. No, there's no signing bonus; but he is headed for a full-time job at a living wage as soon as he graduates this spring and he will have the opportunity to further develop his skills in college.
Other WACTC seniors are currently taking their professional "entry exams" in a variety of fields. As nursing aides, cosmetologists, A+ computer techs, or in other skilled fields, they are proving their worth to prospective employers. At the same time, WACTC is adding classes to their adult education programs, often at the specific request of local companies. This provides career training for the community and a clear career ladder for WACTC's high school graduates.
Unfortunately, many students who could benefit from the opportunities offered in vocational and technical schools are not attending them. There is still a stigma in many people's minds about the skills and abilities of tech school students and about the academic quality of the programs. The truth is, technical students are expected to meet the same standards for graduation as students in academics-only programs do. And in fields like machine shop or welding, they are applying math and science knowledge in a very direct way. I'd love to see parents, teachers and guidance counselors take a closer look at 21st century technical high schools before assuming that students are better off in a college prep program. The truth is, no one will hire a "dumb" welder, or a practical nurse without critical reading skills. Today's workforce is expected to be well-educated no matter what job they apply for. For students who prefer a hands-on approch to education and/or want to move directly into the work force with an employable skill WACTC offers a great program.
posted by Kathy Smith at
5:07 PM
2 Comments:
I also think that a lot of career and technology students can be hired in good-paying job right after high school. I wouldn't be surprised if they have an easier time finding good-paying jobs than some college graduates.
Amen! I work at a small CNC tool and cutter grinding facility and we are always looking for "skilled" young people. The math is key -- geometry and trig. College isn't for everyone and there are good paying jobs awaiting those who graduate vo-tech with excellent math skills. Moreover, they don't start working life out with college loans. While manufacturing may have slowed down, those employees who are highly skilled remain employed or are not unemployed long.
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