September is the month for celebrating workforce development and associated programs and professionals and this year Alvin ISD is using it as an opportunity to celebrate alumni and students from our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs.
Workforce Development Month was created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) to raise awareness and bring attention to a growing industry that is heavily impacting the national economy.
The Welding program is one of the fastest growing programs the district has to offer.
Alvin ISD has helped several program alumni take the next step in their career. One of the more recent alumni is 2023 graduate Martin Flores Gomez, who graduated from the Apache Apprenticeship Program and is enjoying success as a full time Apache employee.
“Taking welding at JBH was one of the best decisions I made. I was taught how to use different tools that I am now using here at Apache. I have been working at Apache since June and it is so rewarding to know that I am able to help out myself and my family,” shared Flores-Gomez.
In addition to the Welding program, Alvin ISD offers more than 100 courses, in over 29 different Programs of Study, within 13 career clusters.
More than 75% of Alvin ISD high school students are enrolled in at least one CTE course. These career clusters include:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Architecture and Construction
Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
Business, Marketing and Finance
Education and Training
Health Science
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Services
Information Technology
Law and Public Safety
Manufacturing
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
One thing helping Alvin ISD stand out is our state-of-the-art CTE center, JB Hensler College and Career Academy.
“JB Hensler College and Career Academy is a centrally located campus that houses upper-level CTE classes that students across the district can take as part of their Programs of Study. Students attend their home campus for introductory CTE courses, then take more advanced classes at JBH,” shared Kyle Kettler, Coordinator of JB Hensler College and Career Academy. “JBH offers an amazing opportunity for our students to get hands-on industry experience, enabling students to gain entry-level employment in high-skill, high-wage jobs.”
The many partnerships with local businesses help give Alvin ISD students real-world experience before graduation. It also allows them to meet the needs of the local workforce and produce career-ready students ready to support their community.
“Last year alone, we had 15 seniors from JBH and Alvin HS CTE courses sign contracts for employment right out of high school through our partnership with Brazoria County Petrochemical Council and the C3 Construction Career Collaborative,”said Brandy Johanson, Alvin ISD’s Director of CTE. “Additionally, we were proud to present the annual Kim Alvarez Award for Education Students to three seniors who completed the Education Program of Study from MHS, AHS, and SCHS. This award guarantees a future teaching position in Alvin ISD.”
“Alvin ISD is proud to offer these programs and the chance to train students in the field of their choice to gain entry-level employment in high-skill, high-wage jobs and/or continuing their education,” shared Johanson. “By taking these classes in high school, we are giving these students a chance to earn certifications that may normally cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in college or trade school and up to two years of education or training.”
JB Hensler College and Career Academy is hosting a Community Open House on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 5-7 pm. Join us and tour our state of the art lab spaces, meet JBH instructors, current students, and learn about the Career and Technical Education Programs of study that we offer.
To learn more about Alvin ISD’s CTE programs, visit www.alvinisd.net/CTE.