Harrison County CTE Programs Equip Students for Future Careers

Harrison County Schools’ career and technical education (CTE) program is actively preparing local students for the workforce. With a focus on connecting middle and high school students to career opportunities, the program is gaining traction as local industries seek skilled employees.

Geraldine Beckett, the county liaison specialist for the CTE Programs, has dedicated the past three years to fostering relationships with local businesses. This initiative aims to create valuable opportunities for students, particularly in sectors like aviation, which require skilled workers. “When you have industries in your area that need employees,” Beckett noted, “these careers are doable for our students, and we want to try to provide opportunities for those who may not be going to college.”

A key feature of the Harrison County CTE program is the job shadowing and internship opportunities offered to high school students. Beckett emphasizes the importance of work-based learning experiences for each student. “My goal for every student is to have a work-based learning experience like an internship or job shadowing experience and a plan in place when they graduate,” she stated. This plan may involve attending college, entering the workforce, or joining the military.

Currently, the job shadowing and internship placements range from one day to one week. Students like Paul “Drew” Skidmore, a senior at South Harrison High School, have found these experiences transformative. Skidmore’s day-long job shadowing at Advantage Technology confirmed his interest in pursuing a career in technology. “It has made me more confident in the fact that I would like that field,” he shared. Skidmore plans to major in cyber crime or a related discipline in college, recognizing the expanding nature of this field.

The job shadowing opportunity came about through a Business Symposium hosted by Pierpont Community and Technical College at the Gaston Caperton Center. Beckett organizes various CTE events to help students explore potential career paths. Following these events, students complete surveys to express their interest in job shadowing. Beckett reported a noticeable increase in student interest, with participation rising from six or seven students last year to fifteen this year.

As industries evolve in West Virginia, Beckett emphasizes the need to adapt to changing job market demands. “As employers’ needs change and diversify, we’re going to have to come up with creative ways to prepare employees for these jobs,” she explained. Her focus remains on building connections with local businesses and technical schools to ensure that students are well-prepared for the workforce.

The Harrison County CTE program exemplifies how educational institutions can effectively partner with local industries to bridge the gap between education and employment. By providing students with practical experiences and career guidance, the program stands as a model for workforce development in the region.