February is CTE Month, a national celebration aimed at recognizing the value of CTE programs in preparing students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers through hands-on, career-focused education.
College of the Desert’s Career Technical Education, now known as Career Education (CE), offers programs and certificates to help students enter the workforce immediately. These programs are primarily hands-on to ensure student preparation once hired.
CTE’s mission is to create more opportunities for students in their local community by equipping them with the skills needed to become skilled technical employees. Nursing, automotive and public safety are some of the programs in which students can earn certifications.
Career Technical Education Transition Specialist Dr. Stacy Smith advises prospective students to participate in a CTE program because they will gain something from it in one way or another. “You’re building a skill set that nobody can take from you,” said Smith.
Obtaining a CTE certificate will further a student’s career search and, more importantly, expand their skill set. CTE can narrow down the best pathway for a student as they are given the opportunity to experience hands-on work from a particular field while building a set of skills that can translate into a variety of careers.
Through knowledgeable faculty and staff, students are given insight and guidance from professionals who have worked hands-on in the field they are pursuing. With the help of experienced faculty, students can be led in the correct direction as they consider all aspects of a career, such as salary. Students can expand their network and connections as they learn about a particular workforce.
Not only does CTE offer programs and certifications, but they also have resources available to ensure student success professionally. At the Career and Workforce Solutions Center, students can receive career counseling, resume assistance and practice their interviewing skills to ensure their readiness upon entering the workforce. Alongside a career counselor, students can go through an assessment to determine their passions and skills. Then, students are recommended classes, programs and certificates that align with their results. Also, the center has donated professional attire available to all COD students to borrow for an interview or job event.
CTE develops its programs by using regional labor market data, economic trends and industry input to align with the workforce needs in the Coachella Valley. This way, students have a high job outlook and a high percentage of getting hired immediately. CTE stays in contact with industry partners to discuss any changes within those industries and analyze which jobs are still relevant.
CTE Month explored specific career pathways such as digital design, child development education, public safety and more. Students were given an opportunity to experience the program firsthand and directly connect with faculty and staff. The events featured an inside look into the training spaces, what the day-to-day of a student looks like, and the job outlooks. As CTE Month comes to an end, the final celebration on Feb. 26 at the COD’s amphitheater will include a Makerspace open house, free lunch, and a raffle for students and faculty.
For more information visit www.collegeofthedesert.edu.
