College today means a lot more than just pursuing a four-year degree at a university. Being “college ready” means being prepared for any postsecondary experience, including study at two-year and four-year institutions leading to a postsecondary credential (i.e. a certificate, license, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree).
In today’s economy, a career is not just a job. A career provides a family-sustaining wage and pathways to advancement.
According to the Center on Education and the Workforce about 40 years ago, 72 percent of US jobs were held by individuals with a high school degree or less. By 2018, only 38 percent of jobs will be available to individuals without some education and training after high school.
According to the Brookings Institution nearly one-half of all job openings in the United States will be in “middle skill” jobs, all of which require at least some postsecondary education and training.
By contrast, those with a high school diploma or less are eligible only for the one-fifth of all job openings that are deemed “low skill.”
CVIT, with its Central Programs, offers career readiness training to students while still in high school. Superior, Globe, Miami, San Carlos and Hayden/Winkelman students take advantage of free college classes that leads to community college and/or industry certifications.
“With a wide range of program offerings we hope not only to reach the interest of students in our communities, but also meet industry needs” says Pete Guzman, CVIT Superintendent.
Courses include Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Fire Science, Electrical and Instrumentation Technology, Welding, and Cosmetology programs are provided in cooperation with Gila Community College.
Pre-Engineering Geology program is provided in cooperation with Central Arizona College, Arizona State University and Resolution Copper.
For more information about how high school students can take advantage of these programs in the 2013/2014 school year contact Beata Tarasiuk, CVIT Coordinator/Recruiter, at 928.425.9654.
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