SALEM, Ore.-February is National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of hands-on learning, technical skill development, career exploration, and the programs available for students.
“CTE is where Oregon’s workforce begins,” said Dr. Abby Lee, Executive Director of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA). “Community colleges are the backbone of our state’s economy, training the professionals who keep Oregon moving forward.”
Oregon’s 17 community colleges, including Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) in Pendleton, will highlight CTE programs that impact local economies and power the state’s workforce throughout the month.
“Career and Technical Education is about meeting students where they are and giving them skills they can use right away,” BMCC said in a statement. “CTE programs at BMCC connect learning to real careers, strengthen our local workforce, and help students build sustainable futures right here in their communities.”
BMCC offers several CTE programs, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Meat Sciences, Welding, Industrial Trades, Health Occupations, Business, and Information Technology, and will share CTE stories and program highlights on social media throughout February.
OCCA will also partner with the state’s community colleges for CTE Day at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on February 18.
The public, as well as members of the State Legislature, are invited to attend CTE Day festivities, which include displays and hands-on demonstrations showcasing CTE programs offered at colleges throughout the state, according to OCCA.
BMCC will highlight its Meat Sciences program during CTE Day at the Capitol, including hands-on instruction in areas such as meat grading, cutting, and processing.
Representatives from BMCC also plan to meet with local legislators to discuss the importance of CTE programs to workforce development, rural communities, and regional economic growth while in Salem, according to the college.
“National CTE Month and CTE Day at the Capitol are opportunities to show policymakers and the public how Community Colleges WORK for Oregon by delivering real workforce solutions and supporting local economies,” said Dr. Lee.
More information on BMCC and its CTE programs is available online.
