Business and community organizations assist the teachers with the
instructional component of the academies. These partnerships provide
speakers, technical assistance, equipment, and expert instruction to
prepare the students for their career goal. The local fire department and
emergency medical services agencies have provided demonstrations and
brought their equipment to the school for students to see and use as they
prepare for their the career.
Students in the Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship Academy have the
opportunity to take specialty courses based what type of business they plan
to pursue. Cosmetology is one program within this academy that prepares
students to operate and or open their own business. Students in this
program complete their coursework at Vance Granville Community College
(Warren Campus) and receive high school and college credit.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE CONTACT: Ernie Conner,
CTE Director
February 17,
2015 phone
252-257-3184, econner@warrenk12nc.org
Warren County Schools
Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month
9th grade
students are preparing for their careers in three different in the Career
Academies at Warren County High School.
[WARRENTON,
NORTH CAROLINA] – Students and faculty at Warren
County High and Middle School and Northside K-8 School will join others
across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and
Technical Education (CTE) Month. This
year’s theme is Recognizing Classroom Innovators! CTE Month provides CTE
programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE educates
students to be college- and career- ready and prepares them for high-wage,
high-demand career fields.
Career and
Technical Education programs at Warren County High School are a major part of
three Career Academies that started with the 2014-15 school year. Students who
attend one of the three Career Academies will be exposed to a four
year high school/college academic and technical challenge. All
assignments and activities are specifically designed to prepare students
to earn a business and industry certification and/or credential before
graduating from high school. It also gives students a head start into post-
secondary training and prepares students to make an easy transition into
Community College degree, diploma and certificate programs or enter the work force.
Students who
enter the Career Academy must be prepared to explore different career options
in the 9th grade, determine their career focus and be ready to complete
very specific career preparation courses and "laboratory based"
instruction in the 10th-12th grade. Students should be prepared
to exhibit a proven high level of interest in all subject matter and be
motivated to learn and participate in classroom discussions,
laboratory assignments and projects, internships, and other work
based learning opportunities.
“The Career
Academies at WCHS offer students an opportunity to take a series of high school
and college classes that prepare them for their career goal. It allows them to
focus on the skills needed to be competitive in the job market,” said Ernie
Conner, Warren County Schools CTE Director. “By partnering with the business
community, CTE programs are investing in students’ lives with the latest
technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees as
well as future leaders.”
There are three
Career Academy choices at Warren County High School.
The Engineering and Construction
Technology Academy prepares
students for careers in the Engineering and Construction field. Carpentry,
Masonry, Electrical Trades, and Solar Energy courses are available for students
to take. The school also has a partnership with the North Carolina Department
of Transportation that will provide courses in Highway Construction and Heavy
Equipment Operation.
The Medical Science and Emergency
Services Academy
prepares students for careers in the medical field that includes Nursing, Nurse
Aides, Physicians, Athletic Trainers, and Medical Administrators. The academy
also prepares students in Emergency Service and Public Safety areas such as
Emergency Medical Technicians and Law Enforcement careers.
The Business, Finance and
Entrepreneurship Academy
prepares students for careers such as Accountants, Advertising and Marketing
Managers, and Financial Advisors. The Entrepreneurship options prepare students
that are interested in starting their own business. Focus areas include,
Cosmetology, Horticulture, Restaurant and Auto Service.
Students in
grades 6-8 at Warren County Middle School and Northside K-8 School take
exploratory classes that prepare them for high school. Programs in Computer
Skills, Career Development, Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and Bio
Medical Technology and available to students at this level.
CTE encompasses
94 percent of high school students and 13 million postsecondary students in the
United States and includes high schools, career centers, community and
technical colleges, four-year universities and more. CTE
is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce
problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global
competitiveness and massive layoffs. According to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will
require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary vocational certificate. At a
time when job opportunity is so critical, CTE programs in every community are
ensuring students are adequately equipped with the skills to successfully enter
the workforce.
For more
information about the Career Academies
and CTE programs offered in Warren County, call Ernie Conner, Director of
Career and Technical Education at (252) 257-3184 or Odessa Perry, Career
Development Coordinator at Warren County High School (252) 257-4413 or check
out the career academies website (www.wchsacademies.org) and the Warren County CTE website (www.warrencareertech.org).