Talking Shop with CTECS

In this episode, we delve into the world of apprenticeship in Connecticut. From researching the licensed trades to initiating contact with employers, we’ll outline the step-by-step journey of becoming an apprentice, offering insights into the requirements along the way. Learn more about the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s grade 9-12 programming in the licensed trades and apprenticeship related instruction.

Dave Cremin, President of Straton Industries, a manufacturer located in Stratford, Connecticut, shares his strategy for building a workforce pipeline through CTECS’ Work-based Learning program. In this episode discover how employers can leverage technical high schools to attract and retain skilled talent.

Join us as two CTECS students take center stage to share their personal experiences and compelling reasons for choosing a technical high school. Delve into their exciting trades, manufacturing and information technology, and gain a firsthand perspective on how these specialized programs are shaping their educational and professional journeys.

Dr. Ellen Solek speaks to experts in the manufacturing and information technology fields about what it takes to succeed in the modern workforce. Dr. Christine Benz, Training and Development Manager, TRUMPF Inc., and Dr. Jeff Auker, Head of Innovation and Delivery at Infosys., Hartford, CT, offer advice and insights on working in teams, understanding your customer and adapting to emerging technologies.

In a world rapidly transformed by technological advancements and evolving industries, education must adapt to meet the demands of the workforce. In this episode of Talking Shop, we speak with Senator Jan Hochadel about how career and technical education training programs at CTECS are evolving to fulfill employer needs, and how partnership and innovation are the keys to success.

Don Shubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industry Association, discusses current career opportunities in construction and the future of workforce development in the field. Learn more about employer benefits of partnering with the technical high schools for a workforce pipeline in the construction field.

In this episode, the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) reveals the school systems Vision of a Graduate. The Vision of a Graduate outlines the most important skills and qualities CTECS students need in order to find success in career and/or college. It is our promise to students and families, and demonstrates CTECS commitment to preparing students to fulfill the state’s workforce needs. Learn what attributes CTECS stakeholders deemed most vital for graduates to have, and how CTECS will embed the Vision of a Graduate in day-to-day school life.

As technology rapidly increases across all types of vehicles, so does the need to train skilled automotive technicians. In this episode, learn how Subaru-U developed an innovative educational model to introduce aspiring technicians to manufacturer-specific training. CTECS’ transportation expert Lou Camacho will share how Connecticut’s technical high schools partner with Subaru of New England to access this educational opportunity, and how trade programming is evolving to meet new technologies.

In this episode of Talking Shop with CTECS, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona proves that anything is possible with a technical high school education. He shares his personal story from an automotive technology student at Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden, CT, to holding the highest education position in this country. Secretary Cardona also discusses how Connecticut’s technical high schools are meeting the workforce development needs in our country when many education systems are not.

In this episode of Talking Shop, CTECS Interim Executive Director Dr. Ellen Solek discusses biliteracy in a global economy with Margaret Ortiz-Sanchez, CTECS’ Supervisor of World Languages, English Learners Program and the Seal of Biliteracy. Looking through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) lens, our guest shares CTE classroom strategies for English Learners, ways districts can celebrate their biliterate student population, the benefits of career tech ed in language acquisition, and more.