BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WPMI) February is Career and Technical Education month in Alabama. Students and faculty in career and technical education programs in Baldwin County will celebrate with special activities.
This year’s celebration theme is “Career and Technical Education Works!” According to the Labor Monthly Review, nearly one-third of America’s fastest growing occupations and careers will require a postsecondary degree and specialized credentials. The skills that Alabama’s students are learning in career technical education are a great start for their futures.
This month, celebrations will emphasize the role of career and technical education in the future career success of students. Special activities scheduled include:
February 5: Automotive Presentation “How to Pamper Your Car”: Eastern Shore Women’s Organization-South Baldwin Center for Technology: Timothy Hull
February 8-28: Guest speakers from Johnson & Wales, Anthony’s Bridal Shop, Charlotte Perkin’s Interior Design, Jason Mann and Career Coach: Mandy Bezeredi will present to Foley High’s Family, Consumer Sciences class about skills that can be used after graduation.
February 8: Gulf Shores Health Science Academy students will have a special opportunity provided by their Academy Sponsor: South Baldwin Regional Medical Center to have “hands on” test drives of the mobile robot, named daVinci. Students will experience the latest technology and understand the value that robotic surgery brings to patients suffering from numerous conditions. Intuitive surgical will be speaking on the latest advancements such as Single Site for cholecystectomy, vessel sealing and stapling in general surgery.
February 13: ALABAMA ACTE ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, Montgomery, Alabama: Six students from Gulf Shores High School will participate in this activity they will be accompanied with the Career Academy Coordinator, Charlene Hoffman, their principal, Dr. Ernesto Rosado and the Career Technical Education Coordinator, Julia Bryant. Holly Resmondo, Principal from North Baldwin Center for Technology will also attend. The Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education sponsored will feature Lt. Governor Kay Ivey as the guest speaker on Wednesday, February, 13th, in Montgomery. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice will be the luncheon speaker and Dr. Philip Cleveland, State Director of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development will provide us with critical information including funding for the Career Tech Initiative, CTE Operation & Maintenance, and the CTE Bond Issue.
February 15: Open House & Parent Day: South Baldwin Center for Technology
Regional STEM Competition-Faulkner State Community College Gymnasium; TSA (Technology Students of America) from all Baldwin County middle and high schools will participate in this local STEM competition.
February 18: Summerdale and Elberta eighth graders will tour South Baldwin Center for Technology to explore career opportunities they will also learn about classes available to take in high school.
Elberta Middle FFA students will travel to Robertsdale to explore Agriculture Careers.
February 20: Career Day Fair: Summerdale
National FFA Week Recognition: Elberta Middle School, State FFA Treasurer will visit and speak to Elberta students.
FFA Students in high school Agriculture & Science programs will prepare for District FFA Competitions: Land Judging, Tractor Driving, Public Speaking, and Livestock Judging
February 21: Joint Advisory Council Member Meeting: Dr. Phillip Cleveland, Director of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development and Amy Brabham, Vice Chancellor of Postsecondary of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development will speak to members about the State’s initiatives. Lee Lawson, Director of Baldwin County Economic Alliance will speak to Baldwin County’s needs for the workforce.
Enterprise Aviation College partnership with Baldwin County Schools will host Community and Parent Meetings in Baldwin County.
February 22: Skills USA members from South Baldwin Center for Technology will participate in Mock Skills USA Competitions
February 23: Spanish Fort High School Family and Consumer Sciences Department and FCCLA are sponsoring our 14th annual community quilt making event "Project Linus" on Saturday, February 23 from 9-1 in the FACS labs at our school. We have sewn over 900 quilts with the assistance of community volunteers since this project began. The quilts are donated to area hospitals and agencies to be given to young children to provide them comfort. Past recipients of our comfort quilts have included Thomas Hospital, Mercy Medical Pediatric Home Care Services, the Lighthouse, Home of Grace, Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Birmingham, and Children's Hospital of Charlotte.
February 28: HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students will host a Blood Drive at South Baldwin Center for Technology
The strength of the American economy is inextricably linked to the strength of America’s education system. Particularly in times of economic challenge, American employers need a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, creative and equipped for success in the global marketplace. Students need rigorous education to acquire the skills they need to compete, to follow a clear pathway into the workforce.
Alabama’s incoming ninth grade 2013-2014 will follow a new Diploma which will provide opportunity for students to take two career technical education courses. As Dr. Alan Lee, Superintendent stated it is his goal that every graduate should leave us with a firm plan to immediately go into a career-technology work field where they will continue to learn, into the military for further growth and education, or to a post-secondary school to work toward a degree, two-year, four-year, graduate, and/or professional. Every graduate should have a national certification or license, or multiple course sequence, in some career-technology field upon graduation. That will assure that even if college does not work out, they will be well prepared for a job.
Baldwin County’s career and technical education programs are Business and Industry Certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Credential opportunity is provided in several programs we are working diligently with the State Department to provide an opportunity for credentials in every program in Baldwin County.
For more information about career and technical education courses offered in Baldwin County; parents are encouraged to contact the counselor at your child’s school or contact a career technical education counselor at either North (251-937-6751) or South Baldwin Center for Technology (251-947-5041).
