Novi Times

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month® is a national public awareness campaign that takes place in February. CTE programs equip students with academic, technical and industry experience to enter and compete in the workforce.

Oakland Schools provides career and technical education to students across Oakland County at four main campuses. Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTCs) are located in Clarkston, Pontiac, Royal Oak and Wixom.

Students can choose from 17 different no-cost program offerings, including:

Agriscience & Environmental Technologies

Automotive Technologies

Collision Repair and Refinishing

Computer Programming

Construction Technology

Cosmetology

Criminal Justice

Culinary Arts/Hospitality

Cybersecurity Networking

Energy-Electrical Technologies

Engineering, Robotics, & Mechatronics

Entrepreneurship & Advanced Marketing

Graphic and Communication Design

Health Sciences

Machining

Medium/Heavy Truck Equipment

Welding

Students that attend OSTCs gain real-world, hands-on learning experiences preparing them for their future, whether they pursue college, the military or directly enter the workforce.

"CTE is the education of the future because it directly puts the student and their passions at the center. Ensuring that students and families are aware of their CTE options so that they can make informed decisions about their future is critically important," said Chris Vraniak OSTC-Southwest dean. "When we do our jobs, students are hungry to learn more. As they are exploring their career pathways, our community thrives because our employment pipelines are filled with skilled employees."

Career and Technical Education by the numbers:

The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 96%, compared to an overall graduation rate of 82%.

88% Of CTE students participated in an Early Middle College program.

70% of CTE concentrators reported that they were using the skills learned in their CTE programs in their current job.

93% of CTE concentrators received placement after completing their CTE program.

57% of CTE concentrators enrolled in a college or university.

(Source Michigan Dept. of Education: Michigan Career and Technical Education Facts 2020-21)

Throughout the month across the four OSTCs, Oakland Schools will celebrate students and staff while focusing on outreach initiatives to ensure that all students know the career pathways available to them.

About Oakland Schools

Oakland Schools is a regional service agency that offers support services to school personnel which are best delivered regionally and provide cost, size and quality advantages to those we serve. Oakland Schools is an autonomous, tax-supported public school district governed by Michigan General School Laws and is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) established in Michigan in 1962. 

Original source can be found here.