CCISD prepares students for college and careers

With college tuition costs climbing at a record pace, many high school students must decide whether to invest in a college degree or dive right into an entry-level job. Whether driven by economics or personal preference, this decision has a major impact on not just the student but also employers who are looking to hire workers with technical skills.

Copperas Cove High School hosted its inaugural college and career readiness fair demonstrating not only what their students are learning in the classroom, but how the training benefits the local workforce.

CCHS Career and Technology Education teachers Cynthia Cooper and Candace Frank-Barnett planned and executed the event.

“This fair was designed to bring not only Central Texas College and the high school together to show off the common goals of attending college after high school, but it also brought together the community side of going to work after high school and starting careers,” Cooper said.

CCHS offers more than 30 certificates in various career fields including phlebotomy, welding, automobile mechanics, and emergency medical technician. In partnership with CTC, CCHS students attend college classes while enrolled at the local high school gaining additional skills to ensure they are ready for the world of work and acquiring both high school and college credits simultaneously.

CCHS students who are Certified Medical Assistants utilized their phlebotomy skills to draw blood from fairgoers. CCHS students who are members of the Texas Association of Future Educators shared opportunities for certification as an education paraprofessional upon high school graduation.

CCHS HOSA President Alexis Grasso’s booth focused on the health science courses and related organizations at the high school.

“We offer a range of classes and even include courses that offer certifications allowing students to be career ready right out of high school and with valuable knowledge such as medical terminology that is critical for their future in health care,” Grasso said.

One-third of the jobs available over the next few years will require a non-specific traditional college degree. Skilled trades such as plumbing, electric, and welding are already experiencing shortages of qualified people.

Healthcare, one of the fastest-growing occupations in 2018, and technology are also experiencing the same problem—there are more jobs opening and no one to fill them. CCHS is preparing its students to fill that void, said Cooper, adding that the CTE fair will be an annual event.