Career-oriented education in schools

SANDPOINT – Vocational technical education programs are available in the Lake Pend Oreille School District as a way for students to start their careers.

Alex Gray, educator at Sandpoint High School and CTE coordinator at LPOSD spoke at last Tuesday’s board meeting. He said the CTE courses are a series of courses in a professional field with courses that build on each other to result in a synthesis experience.

“It gives students a great start in their careers,” Gray said. “LPOSD has 13 CTE programs in its three high schools. ”

Sandpoint High School offers nine programs: Business Technology, Culinary Arts, Health Professions, Information Systems Technology, 3D Design, Journalism and Multimedia Program, Natural Resource Management and a Welding Program which is also an introduction. to trades, Gray said.

Clark Fork High School’s CTE programs include computer science, business and industry skills, welding, auto shop, graphic design, and engineering principles.

Lake Pend Oreille High School has a Culinary Arts and Graphic Design program. Rand Rosecrans, the culinary arts teacher even expanded the class to include a garden to teach students where the food comes from.

“These students also have student leadership opportunities nationwide,” said Gray. “The SHS welding program is owned by the Business Professional of America. Health students belong to the Health Occupation Students Association of America.

All of the programs offer work experience, Gray said. He pointed to an audience member who had recently graduated from SHS and who was heavily involved in the SHS Information Systems Technology program.

He had several industry certifications before he graduated, Gray said. He is now employed as a full time computer technician with the school district. He participated while in high school, in unpaid and paid internships in East Bonner County and SHS, Gray said.