Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are shaping workforce readiness worldwide.
With a growing demand for skilled workers in fields like health science, agriculture, and STEM, how are you preparing learners to be the changemakers our world needs?
In this article, we’ll explore Cabarrus County Schools’ CTE programs, highlighting the strategies and approaches they use to build their cutting-edge programs including:
- Work-Based Learning Opportunities
- Program Recruitment
Team iCEV sat down with CTE leaders at Cabarrus County Schools, Melony Ritter and Kendra Glover for our virtual CTE Exchange session. During the session, Ritter and Glover shared an in-depth look at their districts extensive CTE programs and how they ensure success for their learners, teachers and community.
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning is a key component of career preparation in Cabarrus County, helping learners apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Cabarrus County’s’ robust work-based learning program features valuable opportunities including internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships.
To ensure work-based learning program effectiveness Cabarrus County aligns these opportunities with career pathways and academies allowing for unmatched learning opportunities for learners.
“This alignment means learners get relevant, hands-on experiences directly related to their coursework, ensuring they acquire in-demand skills and knowledge.” – Melony Ritter, CTE Director
Another essential element of career prep at Cabarrus that goes hand-in-hand with work-based learning is industry-recognized credentials. These credentials demonstrate a student’s readiness for the workforce, giving them a competitive edge in job applications.
Program Recruitment and Funding Strategies
Recruitment strategies are crucial for the success of today’s CTE programs. At Cabarrus County, events such as Futures Fair Day and Program Choice Roadshows play a significant role in attracting learners and engaging the community.
These events are more than just opportunities for students to learn about CTE; they are key initiatives that bridge the gap between academics and career readiness.
Futures Fair Day and Program Choice Roadshows provide an opportunity for learners and their families to explore a variety of career pathways, academies, and post-secondary opportunities.
Events like this help to break down traditional perceptions of CTE as a “second choice” and highlight the wide variety of high-paying and fulfilling careers available through these programs.
In addition to these student-centered events, partnerships with local industries and community organizations further enhance the appeal and visibility of CTE programs. Collaborations with businesses and associations ensure that CTE programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of the local economy.
Increasing the Impact of Your CTE Programs
Cabarrus County Schools’ approach to CTE sets a powerful example for how programs can equip learners with the skills they need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving workforce.
Cabarrus has developed a comprehensive framework that prepares learners for careers by integrating work-based learning, strategic partnerships, and program recruitment, aligning education with industry and global needs.
Interested in learning more about this cutting-edge CTE program’s unmatched approach to meeting the worlds need for CTE? Schedule your live demo today to start transforming learners’ passions into career callings with a comprehensive CTE solution.
To learn more, contact Josh Witherspoon, Demand Generation Specialist, iCEV, [email protected]
The views, opinions, services, and products shared in this post are solely for educational purposes and do not imply agreement or endorsement by Advance CTE, nor discrimination against similar brands, products, or services not mentioned.