tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post909655277536449919..comments2024-03-18T05:43:40.444-04:00Comments on Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Preparing Students for the New Collar WorkforceLisa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-7912236695885172212019-01-06T15:28:57.536-05:002019-01-06T15:28:57.536-05:00I am a Career and Technical Educator (CTE) at East...I am a Career and Technical Educator (CTE) at Eastern Guilford High School in North Carolina. I teach technical drafting classes that focus on electrical, architectural and mechanical design. Drafting is considered a trade like HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding. Most industry companies may require only an associate degree or certificate for this career. Drafting is a very competitive demand for most leading manufacturers and in construction.<br /><br />In my classroom, I expose my students to real-world scenarios in various drafting disciplines. Determining the scope of work, project management, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills are required for most assignments. The assignments become rigorous and require a higher level of thinking to successfully complete the blueprints for the design prompt. I require teamwork and leadership in most assignments. Various students will have a position or duty in our mock company. <br /><br />All CTE programs have a Career and Technical Student Organization that is nationally recognized. In my discipline, SkillsUSA (formerly called Vocational Industry Club of American; V.I.C.A.) is the organization to prepare students for the workforce. This organization sponsor various activities like CareerSafe certifications, leadership conferences, trade skills contest, and resume building. I am an advisor and student in my classroom participate and conduct their own business meetings. Go to www.skillsusa.org for more information. <br /><br />Prior to final exams, my students take the Autodesk Certified User exam prepared by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business (https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/). If they successfully pass the exam, then the students can use the credential on their resumes and college applications. This certification can exempt students from taking entry-level courses at the post-secondary level. Also, prove to employers that they are competent in this career field. <br /><br />To ensure all students have opportunities is I have each student their own drafting station with CADD system. In addition, Autodesk offers free drafting software to all students associated with an educational institute for personal use. Regardless of the skill level, every student is involved with the project-based assignments. There is a lot of planning on my end to make everything work for all students. I have to create duties and task for the high level and low-level students. Every student in my class has the opportunity to take the Autodesk Certified User Exam. My high school has two 3D printers to create prototypes of their models for display. <br /><br />One conversation are we having with students and families is there is a huge demand for skilled young workers in our area because the senior/master tradesman is retiring. Therefore, our school system is encouraging high school juniors and seniors to participate in the Guilford Apprenticeship Program (https://www.guilfordapprenticeship.com). This is an opportunity for students to work part-time at a leading manufacturer in the area and go to the local community college to learn the trade for free. The student will learn responsibility, employability skills and be taught the specific trade as a high school student. After high school graduation, the student will work full time with benefits that their selected company.<br />M. Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14024527425511135781noreply@blogger.com