On Thursday, September 11, READY NWI hosted an Update on Career Pathways event at Valparaiso University. The event was sponsored by the Region 1 Works Council and attracted 150 guests, including secondary and post-secondary teachers, counselors, and administrators, as well as employers and economic developers.
A.K. Smith Advanced Manufacturing student Quentin Coulter, a senior at Westville High School, spoke as part of a panel on Career and Technical Education (CTE). He shared his enthusiasm for the high tech, hands on experience he is gaining in the classroom and said he is looking forward to a career in manufacturing technology. Quentin credits his CTE program with helping him succeed in his academic classes, noting that the his manufacturing coursework has helped him understand Algebra and Geometry.
“Quentin is an excellent example of what is possible through CTE,” said Audra Peterson, Director of LaPorte County CTE at A. K. Smith. “Following his presentation, representatives of two area companies were so impressed that they approached him to discuss potential internships. He has accepted an internship at Urschel Laboratories in Valparaiso, which he’ll begin this week.
“All of our students in manufacturing are in high demand,” Peterson noted.
Deb Reason, parent of an A.K. Smith 2014 graduate, was also on hand to share her views about the value of CTE coursework. Her daughter, Jessica, received a certification in Early Childhood Education while still in high school and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education.
“With the many high demand jobs that continue to surface and grow, more emphasis will need to be placed on CTE in order to fill those positions in our region,” said Linda Woloshansky, President and CEO of the Center of Workforce Innovations, which organized the event.
For more information about the Works Council and it’s “Align, Engage, and Advance” strategy visit www.in.gov/ceci. For more information about READY NWI visit www.readynwi.com.