APG Specialty Publications METRONORTH_WORKS_19_DE | Page 11

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION:
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS
Each day over 800 students convene at
Anoka-Hennepin’s Secondary Technical
Education Program (STEP). They are taking
coursework in welding, construction trades,
auto mechanics, or any of the other career
pathway programs offered. While some
are focused on pursuing post-secondary
education and others are aiming to directly
enter the workforce, all are focused on a
career choice that both interests them and is
in high-demand for area industry.
Located adjacent to Anoka Technical College,
STEP students have direct access to college
level facilities and programs through a
partnership approach. High school students
from throughout Anoka County also benefit
from connections with industry partners
that lead to them being attracted to high-
demand, well-paying careers.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is
much more than what could be considered
the traditional shop class.
“Today’s Career and Technical Education
programs are much more developed and
effective for students,” commented Jes
Lipa, coordinator of Anoka-Hennepin’s
CTE programs. “Students find a purpose in
learning and they prepare for careers that
are in line with industry expectations. The
approach is working for both groups.”
From culinary arts to emergency medical
technician and more, students have choices
and options to pursue their passions. The
Career and College Pathways program
offered through Spring Lake Park Schools
provides students access to business and
entrepreneurship, health and human
services, and technology, engineering and
design. Business and community partners
play a vital role.
Students across the county have access to
CTE programs through area technical college
programs. Industry partnerships provide
wide-ranging opportunities like job shadows,
manufacturing facility tours, internships,
mentorships, career fairs and more.
While industry and education leaders agree
that two-thirds of new jobs will require
some sort of post-secondary education and
training beyond high school, this doesn’t
necessarily mean a four-year college degree
is the answer for all. CTE programs prepare
students with a strong academic base
and provide options to pursue certificate
programs, apprenticeships, licensure and
military careers, along with 2 and 4 year
degrees. Many of the CTE course offerings
in high school also include industry
certifications, concurrent enrollment, or
articulated college credit to save money and
give students a boost as they pursue post-
secondary goals.
CTE programs at area high schools are
working to meet the needs of industry and
maintain a strong local economy in Anoka
County and beyond.
Career and Technical
Education Options
Advanced Culinary Arts
Art Technology
Automotive Technician
Aviation Occupations
Business and Computer
Construction
Dental Occupations
Emergency Medical Technician
Engineering
Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Manufacturing and Machine
Technology
Medical Careers
Music Media Careers
Nursing Assistant
Salon, Spa, and Barbering Careers
Sports Medicine and Fitness
Welding Occupations
MetroNorth Works |
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