Career Connect NW

Celebrating an awesome 2023-24 and looking ahead to scaling and expanding in 2024-25! Check out the Career Connect NW summer newsletter! https://lnkd.in/gppqufmk

Today, Career Connect WA (CCW) partners enjoyed the privilege of a visit from Alejandro Castillo, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Assistant Secretary Castillo spent time with instructors and students at the Advanced Manufacturing (AJAC) Apprenticeship Program at South Seattle Community College. WA Representative Vandana Slatter (48th LD) also joined. The WA Jobs Initiative (WJI)/Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) grant has allowed more Washingtonians to access training and support services, resulting in careers with family-sustaining wages in high-demand industries. For more information on the Good Jobs Challenge/WA Jobs Initiative, visit https://wsac.wa.gov/wji

A holistic approach is needed to achieve equity in K12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Rather than relying on a single method, a multifaceted strategy that combines various efforts is more effective. This post highlights five interconnected strategies identified from a recent K12 Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) Stakeholder Assessment project conducted in Washington State. These strategies are deemed most relevant to meeting the CLNA requirements. All stakeholders involved contributed to these five strategies, which were identified through a thorough analysis of project data. Several common themes emerged from the stakeholders' input, including: – Clear Objectives: Stakeholders recognized the importance of not only students earning a high school diploma but also helping them succeed in their post-secondary career journey and supporting local employers in developing a skilled workforce. – Recognizing Essential Relationships: Collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including students, families, educators, employers, and community partners, are essential for achieving equitable outcomes in K12 CTE programs. – Leadership with a Practical Vision: Effective leadership is crucial for integrating the five strategies to achieve measurable, sustainable, and equity-focused outcomes. The five CLNA-related approaches identified are: 1. Simplifying CTE: Make CTE easily understandable for all stakeholders by creating clear career pathways, visual maps, and value propositions. 2. Empowering K12 Professionals: Increase awareness and knowledge among teachers and counselors about CTE pathways through collaboration with industry employers. 3. Optimizing Advisory Committees: Enhance the design and management of CTE Advisory Committees to maximize their effectiveness. 4. Creating a 13th Year: Collaborate with higher education and industry employers to provide a transition year experience for students post-graduation. 5. Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities: Standardize WBL opportunities and promote engagement among all students, with a focus on underrepresented groups. Further project reporting may become available that outlines actionable steps, measures, and future topics for exploration. If you have any questions, please contact us at https://lnkd.in/gWcvdNUe

Look at this new legal interpretation program being built through CCW program builder funding! This will be an amazing opportunity for students and community members alike. If you are interested in partnering, please contact Hollie Del Vecchio and Skagit Legal Aid!

Career Connect NW is excited to welcome Dr. Ishmael Vivanco to the Northwest Educational Service District 189. We look forward to working with you to bring career connected learning opportunities to our NW students!

Lack of access to early learning and childcare is a critical workforce issue in Snohomish County. To understand the impact of child care on hiring and retention for Snohomish County business, we're gathering crucial data from businesses which will guide us in developing family-friendly workplace policies. Take this quick survey by July 31 to join with us in our efforts to create a thriving business environment for everyone! https://lnkd.in/gz3GzU_u

New to teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses? This training will kickstart your journey and help you prepare for the classroom. Click hours included!

Thank you Harmsen, LLC for being such a great partner in providing STEM Like Me! experiences for students across the NW region!

Career Connect NW is so appreciative of the incredible support from Supt. Larry Francois over the last several years. Best wishes on your next chapter!

A highlight of the ClimeTime sponsored “Teaching & Learning in a Changing World” summit at the Northwest Educational Service District 189 was the Career Connect NW coordinated STEM Like ME! for teachers! By sharing information about regional family wage/high demand careers with educators, we multiply reach and incorporation of curriculum for these amazing student opportunities. Thank you to the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (aerospace careers), Sierra Pacific Industries (manufacturing careers), Skagit Regional Health IT department (cybersecurity careers), and Whatcom Community College Medical Assitant program (healthcare careers) for sharing your expertise and awesome hands-on activities with our educators!