The month of February is designated as National CTE Month. CTE, or Career and Technical Education, is education that directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers.

CTE encompasses many different types of education, from classroom learning to certification programs to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom.

In Hamblen County we are proud to offer programs in 15 different career clusters, including Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Arts & A/V, Business Management & Administration, Education & Training, Finance, Government & Public Administration, Health Science, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law, Public Safety and Security, Manufacturing, Marketing, STEM and Transportation.

Each of these programs offer opportunities for students to earn industry certifications such as OSHA-10, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Precision Measuring Instruments (PMI), or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.

Providing students with these skills and certifications not only allows them to have hands-on experience in career fields they are interested in pursuing, but also prepares many to step out of high school into the workforce or a well-aligned postsecondary institution.

Several other certifications are recognized by the Department of Education and Hamblen County is adding new certifications each year. In addition, CTE students are given the opportunity to earn dual enrollment credits at either TCAT or WSCC on our high school campuses or at the respective college campus. Students may also take local dual credit exams on our campus which if passed earn students college credit with minimum associated expense. “ Having these industry certifications gives students an advantage when applying for careers in their prospective fields,” Said CTE supervisor Daniel Aldridge.

When students are enrolled in Career & Technical Education courses, they are provided the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences in fields they are interested in pursuing.

By allowing students to do this in high school, they are able to help narrow down their future plans before enrolling in postsecondary education.

This can save both time and money for them as they graduate to hopefully not have multiple changes in career plans since they have a better understanding at an earlier age of what is included in a field before committing to it at the postsecondary level.

“The goal of CTE in Hamblen County is to equip all students with the tools they will need to make informed and intentional decisions about their plans after high school,” said CTE supervisor Daniel Aldridge.

Hamblen County Schools have 4565 students enrolled in Career & Technical Education courses at both high schools. These programs continue to grow, especially as they have received assistance from the Innovative High School Model Grant in 2021.

Hamblen County was one of only 21 counties across the state to receive the ISHM grant.

With this grant, many of the Hamblen County CTE classrooms at both high schools received significant equipment upgrades which were necessary to align our programs with the technology used in today’s industries.

Innovative also equipped all four Middle Schools in the district with similar equipment to ensure vertical alignment and exposure.

Hamblen County CTE is unique in that middle school students are provided the opportunity to take 3 CTE courses during their related arts class periods.

All Hamblen County Middle Schools currently offer Computer Science/Coding, Technology and Social Health courses for students. These courses lay the groundwork for students to explore a few of the pathways they will have the opportunity to delve deeper in high school.

In these classes, students also create an Academic Career Plan which helps guide their freshman registration for CTE classes.

Eighth grade students also have the chance to take tours of both high school CTE programs as well as make connections with local businesses and industries at the Future Ready Expo.

The overall goal for students involved in Career and Technical Education is that students are connected into a field where they can eventually find employment in their desired area. Hamblen County CTE has found success in doing this during high school through our Education Works program, where students are connected to job opportunities in their chosen CTE fields.

Currently, 65 students are involved in this program and it continues to grow as more local businesses and industries offer opportunities for our students.

Some of these students go on to complete their postsecondary training or education after high school in their chosen fields, but some have been able to continue employment with these businesses they start with through Education Works immediately following graduation. This is an excellent benefit to the student and the company for which they are employed.

Hamblen County CTE features many strong pathways for students to find future career opportunities. They have high quality CTE instructors who are passionate about helping their students to find success in whatever path they choose to pursue.

The Hamblen County CTE department looks forward to continuing to grow the CTE program in our schools as the importance of connecting our students to a pathway, whether it be postsecondary education or career after graduation, continues to expand.

– Emily Darnell is CTE Instructional Facilitator/Programs Coordinator