Maryland Lt Gov Boyd K Rutherford and Karen Salmon, state superintendent of schools, placed the spotlight on Maryland’s career and technical education programs by visiting students, educators, and business partners at Anne Arundel County’s Center for Applied Technology-North.
Salmon (2nd from right) and Rutherford (to her right) at CAT-N (Joe Andrucyk / Maryland GovPics via Flickr CC)
Mr Rutherford and Ms Salmon joined Anne Arundel Schools Superintendent George Arlotto, who helped lead a tour of the facility. CAT North (CATN), one of the county’s two top-flight career education facilities, shows how career and technical education (CTE) can be provided in the evolving workforce environment.
“Governor Hogan and I are committed to innovative approaches that will prepare Maryland’s young people for the 21st century workforce,” Mr Rutherford said. “Supporting career and technical education programs, like P-TECH, that provide students with in-demand skills will benefit both Maryland employers and our state economy by creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.”
Maryland schools throughout February are celebrating Month. The lieutenant governor’s visit to CATN helped illuminate these important educational opportunities.
“Our goal in CTE is preparing student that are career- and college-ready,” Ms Salmon said. “Students are engaging in high-wage, high-demand programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials as well as early college credit. CATN offers a wonderful example of where CTE students are preparing for their future.”
Maryland’s CTE programs have expanded over the past decade to provide new opportunities for students. For example, the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences program was launched with a pilot in 2008, enrolling 181 students from six Maryland schools. Today there are 3,800 students enrolled in 51 schools across 20 school systems.
Under Gov Larry Hogan, CTE has moved into broader areas that include the state’s first P-TECH programs, which provide secondary and postsecondary career training for students and provide a clear pathway to career. In addition, the Hogan administration launched “Apprenticeship Maryland,” a collaborative program involving the MSDE, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
