Michigan Business Beat | Krista Johnson, LEO, Career and Technical Education Month Helps Find Talent

Chris Holman welcomes back Krista Johson, Director, Deputy Director for Workforce Development for LEO (Labor and Economic Opportunity), Lansing, MI. ● What is Career and Technical Education? ● In what ways do you believe these programs are fundamentally changing the lives of Michigan residents across the state? ● How does this initiative fit into the overall long-term vision for the future of Michigan’s workforce and economy? ● Many parents still believe a four-year degree is the only path to success. How are programs bridging the gap between vocational training and postsecondary degrees? ● We see a record-breaking number of program 'completers' this year. Why is this happening and how are you continuing this progress? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Gov. Whitmer highlights pathways for student success during Career and Technical Education Month CTE offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways LANSING, Mich. — To shine a spotlight on the power of hands-on learning that prepares Michiganders for in-demand, good-paying careers, Gov. Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in proclaiming February as Career and Technical Education Month. With nearly 500,000 job openings projected in Michigan each year through 2032, Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways. Throughout the month of February, individuals of all ages, including students and those seeking new career opportunities, are encouraged to explore programs that prepare them for successful career entry, advancement and/or continuing education. “Career and Technical Education programs offer Michiganders tangible skills they can use to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in growing fields and trades like plumbing, welding, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made through ongoing investments in Career and Technical Education and the Going PRO Talent fund, as well as our efforts to create 23,000 apprenticeships. But we’re just getting started. This Career and Technical Education Month, let’s keep working together to create opportunity, grow our economy, and help more people ‘make it’ in Michigan.” Michigan also offers Early Middle Colleges (EMCs), an MDE approved five-year program of study, who work closely with post-secondary partners to provide students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following: 60 transferable college credits, an associate degree, a professional certification, the Michigan Early Middle College Association technical certificate and/or participation in a Registered Apprenticeship. “With CTE programs, Michigan schools put students first by preparing them for high-wage and high-skills careers or postsecondary education,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “During the last three years, the number of CTE completers has increased by almost 10,800 students, or 24%, to more than 55,000 students, the highest number in Michigan history. CTE contributes to several goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan – including expanding secondary learning opportunities for all students, increasing the percentage of all students who graduate from high school and increasing the percentage of adults with a postsecondary credential.”