This article was originally published in the Reading Eagle:
https://www.readingeagle.com/2024/04/11/superintendents-forum-together-we-are-opinion/
By: Dr. Michael Stauffer, Berks Career and Technology Center
Thursday, April 11, 2024
When it comes to educating the next generation to lead Berks County well into the future, it is crucial to recognize the many partnerships that go into preparing today’s high school students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
From the boardrooms of local businesses to the corridors of our schools, a diverse coalition including the Workforce Development Board, joint operating committees, school boards, dedicated educators, counselors, administrators and local business representatives from every career cluster have forged a partnership aimed at ensuring no student is left behind in the pursuit of the valuable skills that will place them in the driver’s seat to achieve their goals.
At the heart of these efforts are our 18 school districts and their relationship with the county’s two premier career and technology centers. The Berks Career and Technology Center and the Reading/Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center are committed to providing high-quality career and technical education programs, or CTE, that contribute to developing well-rounded, trained individuals ready to advance their skills at a four-year college or university, postsecondary training, in the military or the workforce.
A primary advantage of CTE is its focus on practical, hands-on learning. Through our work with local business and industry, the Berks career and technology centers bring real-world relevance to our students.
Where traditional education often emphasizes theoretical knowledge, CTE bridges the gap by providing students with practical experiences so they can extend and apply the knowledge attained in the traditional classroom setting.
Through the established partnerships with the business and industry sector representing each of our career clusters, we ensure our curriculum remains aligned with industry standards, implements state-of-the-art techniques and provides our students opportunities to engage with industry-standard tools and equipment.
These partnerships enable us to offer authentic learning experiences while providing avenues for students to earn nationally recognized industry certifications.
Additionally, these partnerships have allowed for the creation of a pipeline for talent development and retention within our communities. By supporting and nurturing our homegrown talent through our CTE programs, local business and industry can cultivate a skilled workforce invested in the prosperity of Berks County now and well into the future.
Whether it is through internships, apprenticeships or simulated work environments, students enrolled in our CTE programs learn valuable lifelong skills, gain valuable insights into specific career fields and give themselves multiple options to pursue after high school.
These experiences not only enhance understanding of the subject matter, they also equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills employers are seeking.
Through the support and partnerships of the local school boards, the joint operating committees, school counselors, teachers and administrators, Berks students are apprised of the many opportunities available in the county. Whether it is a career presentation, campus tour, program visit or attending any of the multiple open house events, our centers strive to engage students early so they can make informed decisions about their future.
The importance of fostering positive relationships and collaborating with local businesses, the Berks County Workforce Development Board, the Berks County Intermediate Unit and our sending schools cannot be overstated. It is this combination of resources that affords us the means to develop state-of-the-art, practical, hands-on skills aimed at enriching the educational experience for our students to ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.
Together, we are empowering the next generation of skilled workers and leaders to take charge of their futures and drive innovation and growth in Berks County. For more information or to learn how you, or a high school student you know, can take advantage of these great resources, please contact the Berks Career and Technology Center at 610-374-4073 or the Reading/Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center at 610-921-7300.