Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Together we build success

November 1, 2019 4:20 PM

“College isn’t for everyone.” That’s one phrase you’ll hear from some advocates of Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Ironically, students who pursue CTE courses are more likely to attend college than those who don't. They also enter professional fields that demand high-tech instruction and life-long skills development.

This mindset of continual education and life-long learning was on display at the recent Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation’s (CMEF) Career Exposition in Pasadena, Texas. The event, an annual, invitation-only gathering of educational organizations from around the region, hosts a day-long learning experience like few others. This year, SBISD’s first saw Northbrook High School Construction Tech educators and seniors round out the 200+ attendees.

Held on the Pasadena Fairgrounds and surrounded by countless area industry leaders, event activities included professionally led, hands-on instruction, and an opportunity to network with company representatives about current career opportunities in a range of career industry fields.

Northbrook’s rising seniors were excited as many expo attending companies offer excellent starting pay, coverage of continued education costs, signing bonuses, and healthy annual salaries.

They are looking for the next generation of employees,” said Ken Dies Northbrook CTE educator. “The workforce is aging out. The average age of a worker in these fields is 28. We need kids.”

On this, Dies and fellow CTE educator Clyde Turner both agree. Maybe that’s why both couldn’t contain their enthusiasm as students donned both real and virtual gear to experience running an excavator, operating a lift, working high steel, and welding to name a few of the many session opportunities of the day.

I am proud to be here today,” said Pasadena’s Mayor Jeff A. Wagner. Wagner joined Steven Horton of CMEF to welcome students and kick-off the expo. “This is an example of how we can connect students to jobs. Excuse me, careers immediately.”

Connecting kids to careers is something that SBISD’s T-2-4 goal aims to do.

The goal, identified when Dr. Duncan Klussmann was Superintendent of Schools, remains a driving force behind the work of the school district and one that current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Blaine, is wholly committed to.

Click here to learn more about SBISD's T-2-4 goal.

The school district named a working committee to study current CTE programming and facilities and provide recommendations on future needs. Its report to the SBISD Board of Trustees is slated for December.

Both Dies and Turner will be watching. “I served on the committee,” said Turner. “Up-to-date equipment is something we need.” Along with equipment, Turner notes having a modern facility in which to house training space is critical. After walking and seeing the layout of the expo, it makes sense.

"Being here is exciting for the guys to be able to experience what would happen on the job site, not just mocked up in the classroom,” said Turner. The T in SBISD’s T-2-4 is one of the ways SBISD is preparing Every Child for productive, fulfilling, life-long careers today, and tomorrow.