CTE Local Advisory Council formalized
Published on August 6, 2019
ELKTON, MD – Cecil County Public Schools, Cecil College, and the Susquehanna Workforce Network have forged an official partnership serving as the Career and Technology Education (CTE) Local Advisory Council (LAC).
“Our three organizations have extensively worked in partnership in support of CTE initiatives,” stated Dr. Jeffrey Lawson, Superintendent of School. “The formalizing of the partnership in this capacity even further enhances the coordination of a more seamless transition for Cecil County students through education to workforce training to a career.”
The LAC works with the existing and local regional workforce system in alignment with federal expectations associated with CTE programming, helping to create linkages to ensure coordination and collaboration among partners. The purpose of the LAC is to help determine the need for specific CTE programs of study that are necessary based on the issues of economic development and workforce preparation and projections of needs based on labor market information. Data plays a strong roll in justification for recommendations for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the CTE programs.
“Cecil College is pleased to announce a partnership with the Susquehanna Workforce Network and Cecil County Public Schools in support of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Local Advisory Council (LAC),” stated Dr. Mary Way Bolt, Cecil College President. “The LAC is comprised of essential businesses and industry, education and other key stakeholders who ensure our CTE programs are effective in meeting the needs of employers while supporting student success.”
The school system and the college work together to design seamless transitions for students to have pathways of study they begin in public school and continue further education at the college level. These paths will ultimately lead to students finding careers in the region. The LAC as a whole also helps to promote a positive awareness of CTE programs within the community. The businesses often help to serve as guest speakers, mentors, provide internships or job placements for students, provide industry-oriented professional development, share information with teachers in order to remain current with changes, and so much more.
“The Susquehanna Workforce Network’s (SWN) Board of Directors, the Workforce Board for Cecil and Harford Counties, has over 35 years of experience in oversight, planning and operations of workforce development programs as well as critical awareness of the economic and workforce needs of the community, region and state,” stated Bruce England, Executive Director of the Susquehanna Workforce Network.
“The Workforce Board views strong Career and Technology Education as a critical priority to advance the skill levels of the region’s emerging and existing workforce, provide career opportunities for students, and address many of the labor force demands of area businesses. The Workforce Board’s majority membership is comprised of private sector business representatives and decision makers from the region’s major industry sectors. This expertise and experience and SWN’s collaborative relationships with Cecil County Public Schools and Cecil College will further support the development and continuous improvement of Career and Technology programs that prepare students for careers, training and education that can provide students a pathway to the acquisition of jobs in our community,” England added.