February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! CTE month is a time dedicated to celebrating and promoting the vital role that Career and Technical Education plays in preparing students for successful careers in various industries. During this month, we shine a spotlight on the diverse range of opportunities available within our CTE programs.

One amazing opportunity offered to our CTE students is job shadowing, which enables students to explore potential career paths in real-world environments. The purpose of job shadowing is to give our students a work-based experience where they spend one-on-one time with someone in a career field that they are seriously considering.

Job shadowing provides students with a great opportunity to ask job and industry-related questions, network with people in the field, and gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world environments. These experiences provide an immersive way for students to observe professionals in their fields of interest, gaining insights that go beyond classroom learning and further encouraging them to pursue their career aspirations. This firsthand experience allows students to make informed decisions about their future careers and helps them understand the practical applications of their studies.

In previous years, students have had the chance to apply to shadow employees from various participating businesses around Victoria in their preferred career field. This allowed students to be best matched with the organization or industry that aligned closest to their request and interest. CTE students were able to get hands-on experience in healthcare, education, cosmetology, and more.

The benefits of job shadowing are significant. A few takeaways students gain from their job experiences are:

Real-World Experience: Students gain exposure to the workplace and see how concepts learned in class are applied to real-life scenarios.
Career Exploration: Job shadowing allows students to explore various roles within their chosen industries. This exploration can help them confirm their career interests based on firsthand experience.
Professional Networking: These opportunities provide students with a chance to connect with industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future internships or job placements. Building relationships early can open doors to mentorship and job opportunities.
Skill Development: By observing professionals at work, students can identify key skills and competencies that are valued in their desired field.
Confidence Building: Spending time in a professional setting can boost students’ confidence as they learn how to interact with others in a work environment, improve their communication skills, and understand workplace expectations.

As we celebrate CTE Month this February, it’s clear that programs like job shadowing play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and real-world career opportunities. By providing students with hands-on experiences, career exploration, and professional networking, CTE programs are not only helping to shape future leaders but also equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen fields. We are excited to continue offering job shadowing opportunities in the spring, empowering students to explore their passions and make informed decisions about their future careers.

If you are interested in partnering with the CTE Department in VISD to provide a job shadowing experience, you can send an email to CTE@visd.net or contact Andrea Prihoda Pope, CTI Principal and CTE Career Readiness Specialist at 361-788-9288.

Graisyn Nieto is the communications specialist at Victoria ISD.

Howell Middle School

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