HE BOOKS icts Build Careers by Seraine Page
In Florida , career and technical education ( CTE ) programs are a game changer , offering students an essential pathway to rewarding careers that don ’ t always require a four-year college degree . As the state continues to evolve with a growing demand for skilled workers in fields ranging from healthcare and education to construction and manufacturing , CTE programs provide hands-on training , real-world experience and a direct bridge to employment opportunities .
Currently , Florida has nearly 800,000 CTE students in kindergarten through high school . Additionally , there are over 20,000 registered apprentices , according to a Florida Department of Education press release .
These programs are more vital than ever to empower students to pursue financially rewarding careers in high demand across Florida ’ s thriving economy .
Below , we look at how Volusia , Flagler and St . Johns County schools are bridging the gap for local economies with students equipped with useful life and work skills — all before graduation .
Here ’ s how school districts are keeping the local talent pipeline hot .
Photo credit : Volusia County Schools
Flagler County School District
One of the significant advantages that local school districts , such as Flagler , experience with CTE programs is the tendency of students to remain in the region after graduation .
This is all thanks to the programs providing real-world skills and training that often lead straight to paid positions .
Adam Blair , Flagler County Schools Curriculum Specialist for Career and Technical Education , said the district ’ s firefighter program is a perfect example .
“ In a typical high-school firefighter program , when they go through the hoops , they can work as a volunteer firefighter ,” said Blair . “ Because of our program and the way it ’ s structured , when our students finish all their qualifications , they can be hired as paid firefighters .”
Blair notes only the top-notch trainees get to that level , but that ’ s the idea — CTE programs that train skilled students for the local workforce .
In 2024 alone , over 8,000 students received certifications or digital tools in the Flagler County School District .
Not surprisingly , Blair says healthcare and construction are two other career areas in high demand because of the area ’ s massive growth .
Adam Blair
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025 | 11 |