(The Pharmacy Technician program was only one of the many visited
The Pulaski County High School Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) was part of a visit by several groups Thursday to highlight different areas that would benefit possible future employers considering moving to the Pulaski County area.
Members of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a state organization that helps recruit national and international businesses to the Commonwealth, and Onward NRV, a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley, were escorted by Pulaski County Economic Development Director Michael Solomon, wno hosted the group on a lifestyle visit for Pulaski County.
The CTE Center was one stop on the tour that also included tours of the Pulaski County Innovation Center, as well as the Pulaski County Experiential Center.
"We appreciated the opportunity to show regional and state-level economic development offices that we provide a high-quality education for students as they plan for their careers,” Director of CTE and the Governor’s STEM Academy for Pulaski County Public Schools Megan Atkinson said. “Starting the Workforce Development conversation in the K-12 setting allows us to build a strong foundation for our future workforce. We are fortunate to have strong industry partners invested across multiple career pathways. The Career and Technical Education points of pride showcased programs that supported Health and Medical Science, Advanced Manufacturing and Production, Transportation and Logistics, IT and Cybersecurity, and Construction."
Pulaski County students and CTE staff members were also on hand to help explain their programs and give examples of how those programs have benefited students and local, regional employers, and international employers.
Originally known as the vocational department, the CTE Center now prepares students for future employment in many areas, including offering the chance to earn industry certifications and licensing while still in high school. These opportunities offer students the chance to enter the workforce immediately after high school into good paying jobs, or they can continue to earn further certifications and licensing while working in their field of choice.
To see more photos from the visit, click this LINK.