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West-MEC Helps Arizona Students Gain Skills and Find Careers
Pursuing a Career & Technical Education can Help Arizona Students Gain Skills and Find Careers
by: West-MEC
In recent years, high school students have started stepping away from a traditional post-high school academic path. While attending a four-year university is a great option, there are other opportunities that students are beginning to explore. Career and Technical Education (CTE), which allows high school and adult students alike to learn a trade from highly trained industry professionals, is one of these options.
CTE occupations are in high demand due to talent shortages all over the world, resulting in an abundance of job opportunities for students as soon as they receive their industry credentials.
The real-world job experience, problem solving skills and willingness to learn that
CTE graduates possess are just a few of the myriad of reasons they become irreplaceable members of any team.
According to the U.S Department of Labor,
CTE certifications generally lead to jobs with average salaries ranging from $40,000 - $77,000.
Indeed, even high schoolers who plan to go to a four-year university can benefit from learning a trade. Studies show high school students with a CTE focus are also more likely to persist and complete their higher education than their peers because these students did their career exploration in high school rather than college.
In addition, CTE courses offer dual enrollment opportunities allowing students to earn college credit while in high school. In Arizona, for instance, Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) has partnered with Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, as well as many community colleges, to offer dual enrollment programs.
High school students who have completed dual-enrollment courses typically take fewer classes in college and save money on tuition.
Focusing on indispensable, in-demand skills will help students present themselves as the best candidate for stable employment post-graduation. CTE provides hands-on learning, work-based experiences and valuable skills needed to succeed in many profitable industries.
CTE courses are a great option for any highly motivated student who wants to learn a skillset. Whether they plan to attend college or not, CTE certifications provide a wide range of job opportunities.
CTE programs are worth considering. Think about it!
