February is CTE Month

FEBRUARY IS CTE MONTH

Clare - The Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service Districts Career & Technical Education program is recognizing all its students and supporters in celebration of CTE Month in February.

"CTE directly impacts Clare and Gladwin Counties on students, employers, and the local economy," said CTE Director Eric Johnson. "Across the state in February, people recognize the crucial role CTE plays in developing the careers of many young people."

CTE serves 370-plus students from Beaverton, Clare, Farwell, Gladwin and Harrison, helping train them for careers in hands-on fields like construction, education, manufacturing, health and several more. Juniors and seniors spend half of their school day in CTE classrooms and labs, gaining skills, experience and certifications that make them attractive to employers.

"It's an exciting time for CTE," Johnson said. "We are in the planning stages to build a 30,000-square-foot facility at the John C. Magnus Center campus, home to four CTE programs."

The expansion, which is projected to be completed in August 2025, will allow for the relocation of all the CTE offices, support staff and classroom and learning lab spaces that expand on current CTE programming.

In addition to the expansion, CTE is in the heart of recruitment season, talking to 10th- and 11th-graders and getting them signed up for next fall's classes.

Along with these developments, CTE has several upcoming activities scheduled. These activities include:

• The Agricultural Science program's gilt "Betty" delivered 12 piglets in late January. The students will gain valuable experience this semester as they learn about the care and handling of these piglets.
• Fourteen students have qualified to compete in the state finals of the Health Occupations Students of America Leadership Conference, held in Traverse City. The students will be competing at the conference in CPR/First Aid in April.
• Construction Trades students continue their year-long projects building two modular homes and a shed at the John C. Magnus Center. The students have started the two-section house project for the Gladwin County Land Bank's with framing and setting trusses. The home for the Clare County Habitat for Humanity is further along with the students beginning the vinyl siding and installation of cabinetry.
• And while it's technically taking place after CTE Month on March 21, preparations are already underway for the CTE Reverse Job Fair, in which more than 150 CTE students seeking summer and full-time work will meet with prospective employers at the Magnus Center.

"The Reverse Job Fair presents a great opportunity for kids to not only sharpen their interview skills but to potentially nail down an actual job in the field they're studying," Johnson said. "Last year’s fair had more than 70 employers participate, and we'd love to see even more this year. Employers looking for energetic workers who have learned their craft from professionals and earned industry certifications shouldn't miss this opportunity."

Learn more about CTE's activities by visiting CTEitsWorking.com, searching 'ClareGladwinCTE' on Facebook or calling 989.386.9334.