Looking for talent? The Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County and Sumner-Bonney Lake School District have teamed up to connect employers across industry sectors with Career and Technical Education (CTE) program directors from Pierce County school districts.

The 2024 Employer & CTE Program Director Meet & Greet will be held 4-6 pm on March 14 at Bonney Lake High School. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about the resources and talent pools CTE programs offer.

Around a dozen Pierce County school districts are expected to be represented at the event, which will include:

• • An overview of what CTE programs provide.
  • A panel discussion including CTE directors, teachers and students.
  • An open networking event where industry partners can visit and connect with school district CTE directors.
  • Information on how employers can be involved in shaping the future workforce.

Fueling the economic development engine

CTE programs provide students the exposure, experience, skills, knowledge, industry certifications and college credits they need to be prepared for successful, high-demand careers.

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between academics and careers so students can seamlessly transition from our schools to the next step in their career journey,” Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Director of Career and College Readiness Aaron Tomyn said. “We don’t just lecture about careers. Students are doing the same or similar work with the same technology and equipment they will use in the workforce. They’re gaining the skills and knowledge expected of industry professionals.”

“CTE programs go a long way to fuel economic development,” Chief Leschi Schools CTE Director Nancy Nelson said. “When students see the relevance in what they’re learning in school, they try harder. They see the connection between what they’re learning and what they can do after graduation.”

And when students finish their education with a goal and direction, they’re going to be more employable.

“They’re coming out of high school with the skills they need to be work ready,” Nelson said.

Building the future together

In addition to Meet & Greet events, CTE directors also engage with Pierce County businesses and organizations through several vital initiatives.

• • CTE directors form advisory committees that involve business and industry leaders to ensure programs are relevant and align with current career trends.
  • All CTE classes incorporate work-based activities, such as guest-speaking engagements, industry site visits, internships, mentorships, paid work experiences and mock interviews.
  • Whenever possible, CTE directors forge partnerships with businesses to facilitate direct-hire opportunities for students, which strengthens the link between education and employment in the local economy.

For more information and to register for the 2024 Employer & Career Technical Education Program Director Meet & Greet, click here.

Check out this integrative graphic to learn more about CTE pathways to careers.