In his famous Thanks a Thousand project, author A.J. Jacobs takes on a simple yet daunting task: thanking every individual who played a role in making a single cup of coffee. The project took months to complete, sending Jacobs across the globe to thank more than 1,000 people for making his morning ritual possible.
The results of this project are a testament to our interconnected world, one that relies on skills, talents and knowledge that are too often taken for granted. As I consider the fascinating observations of this exercise, I find myself asking, “how would our communities function without the work of Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates?”
As the college and nation celebrate Career and Technical Education Month this February, we want to recognize the vital contributions of CTE in our society. Our Lake Land CTE graduates are woven into our local economy in nearly every industry, playing a significant role in healthcare, agriculture, business, construction, manufacturing, IT, STEM and many more.
The recognition of CTE’s immense value, however, also leads to a concerning realization about the skills gap we are experiencing throughout our state. In Illinois, more than half of all jobs require a level of education and training between a high school diploma and a four-year degree. Yet, just 40% of all Illinois workers match that description.
Since the pandemic, we are seeing an increased skepticism about the value of a college degree among graduating seniors. In our district alone, nearly half of all students are electing to forgo higher education altogether following high school, opting for instant employment and regular paychecks in lieu of college courses and student loans. The appeal is undeniable in the immediate sense, but students often do not recognize the long-term limitations of this approach when it comes to promotions and job security.
It is increasingly evident that the best hope in bridging this skills gap lies in the continual support and promotion of CTE programs. The promotion must begin at an early age by encouraging our youth to experiment with hands-on learning and open their minds to the potential of a CTE career. To that end, we are proud of our partnerships with youth programs such as Teens with Tools, the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) and the Mattoon-based Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) that expose young learners to the world of CTE.
With a powerful blend of classroom learning and hands-on work experience, CTE graduates are equipped with the high-quality education and training necessary for sustained career success. Meanwhile, the investment required for CTE completion is minor compared to the time and financial resources necessary for a four-year degree, allowing graduates to find rapid employment and stretch their wages further without the weight of student debt.
Our CTE programs are industry-driven and designed to meet local demands. By partnering with businesses and working with experienced professionals in advisory committees, we ensure our programs are equipped with the proper curriculum, equipment and experiences our students need to remain relevant in a 21st century workforce.
These business partnerships also present CTE students with work-based learning opportunities or apprenticeships. Through these arrangements, students use their knowledge and develop their skills through practical application, enjoying early career exposure and a valuable head start in their chosen industry. Meanwhile, companies benefit from a strengthened pipeline of qualified talent available for full-time hire with minimal risk.
At Lake Land College, we believe in the value of CTE, and we are proud of our efforts to invest in this form of education. I have enjoyed seeing our innovative Tech 2 Day program help our trades and technology students hold dependable jobs since its introduction in Fall 2023. I am also amazed by the incredible hands-on learning opportunities our students can access right here on campus and in the many extension centers throughout our district. Every day, our virtual cadavers, realistic patient simulators and ambulance trainer are preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals, all while our welding and CDL students hone their craft in the safety of high-tech simulations.
As we seek to promote the value of CTE and close this skills gap, I encourage our local students and area residents pursuing an enhanced education or career to consider the rewarding possibilities of a CTE career. Further, I invite us all to recognize and celebrate the importance of CTE in our daily lives. I look forward to discussing the value of these programs and brainstorming ways to promote CTE in response to the skills gap we face. After all, our communities are dependent on the collective strengths of those within them, and if we work together, there’s no limit to what we can brew.
Josh Bullock is president of Lake Land College.