As public funds at the local, state and national levels have spurred ambitious school construction across the country over the past several years, some lucky students are enjoying new learning environments this year. That’s good news for builders in more ways than one: attention to hands-on learning–including vocational training–is in.
School To Work Pipelines
Building schools with plenty of space for vocational education is high on the priority list at many school districts across the country. As the construction industry continues to face a labor shortage, the renewed focus on vocational training is an especially great shift:
A growing interest in high school career and technical education programs is fueling not only space redesign but also innovative practices. These include sponsorship and mentorship opportunities with local businesses to contribute funding, experiences or equipment for classrooms. Additionally, the CTE spaces being created are more true-to-life in that they might mimic a professional broadcast studio, an auto repair center or a hospital emergency room…Even non-CTE classrooms are getting redos to support hands-on learning….Students learn well through hands-on applications, allowing them to explore and problem solve….
The resurgence of vocational education presents construction business owners the chance to actively participate in building strong school to work pipelines:
One of the great benefits of these types of training programs is that they are often coordinated in conjunction with or even owned by local industry employers. This can help to speed up the job search process through formal and informal networking opportunities, professional skills training, like resume writing and interview prep, and direct mentorship from experienced industry workers. In some cases, the training program itself serves as a sort of probationary hiring period. Trainees or students are observed for their punctuality, attitude, and work ethic while also learning the necessary skills required for their future job role. This aims to streamline the HR process, so that upon completing the training course, trainees are able to immediately begin working full-time for their new employer.
Digging In?
Of course creating the new spaces appropriate for modern vocational training is also benefiting builders in real time: there’s plenty of work to do at schools. One example of a district where construction for vocational education has been active is New Jersey’s Hudson County, where installation of the final steel beam was recently set for the “brand-new Vo-Tech school being built at Bayonne High School Complex.” Excitement about the opportunities this new, two-story vocational high school will offer a diversity of students is high:
The new component was approved by Bayonne’s planning board last year and will be part of the Hudson County Schools of Technology. The new high school will serve 400 students and provide career-focused programming consisting of mechanical, construction, finance, medical, clinical, criminal justice, digital communications, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and cosmetology courses.
“We’re proud to partner with the Bayonne Public School District on this exciting new project that will offer outstanding career-focused education to local students,” said John Minella, HCST Board of Education President. “At HCST we have seen firsthand the incredible benefits to our students and broader community that vocational and career technical education can provide. The new Bayonne Vocational High School will undoubtedly expand educational and employment opportunities for students, and we are so excited to see the project underway.”
Renewed commitment to vocational learning opportunities is behind plans at many other districts around the country, including Danville Public Schools in Virginia. In Maryland, schools have a new push for learning to include industry certifications and apprenticeships. Ready to get in on the action? Chances are good that school districts near you have lots of work and initiatives underway that might be up your alley–as a potential source of both new contracts and your up and coming labor force. As you think forward, don’t forget, Colonial Surety is here to help you build the capacity to do more. Receive Free Business Credit Scores instantly, just for submitting this easy, speedy Pre-Qual for a surety line of credit in writing.
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