Celebrating CTE success

College of Lake County (CLC) celebrates career and technical education (CTE) programs this February during CTE Month. CTE programs put students directly into high-skill, high-demand and high-wage occupations in local workplaces following program completion.

“As a steadfast advocate for career and technical education, CLC remains committed to bridging the skills gaps in the labor market by offering comprehensive and accessible CTE programs,” said Miguel Mireles, acting dean of the engineering, math and physical sciences division. “Our approach not only empowers students with practical, in-demand skills but also fosters equitable access to opportunities for economic mobility within our community.

CLC offers a wide variety of CTE programs to fit many interests, and the list continues to grow. 2023 was the first full year of classes at the Advanced Technology Center that opened in fall 2022. The 70,000 square-foot building includes a 27,000 square-foot welding and fabrication lab and 12,000 square-foot industrial technology lab space, plus a hydraulic and metallurgy lab with $5.5 million worth of equipment.

One of CLC’s CTE initiatives is the Transform Lake County program. An Illinois Workforce Equity Initiative, the grant looks to recruit and serve underrepresented, low-income and underemployed Lake County community members with workforce training, focusing on North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion and Round Lake. People can apply to earn short-term career certificates in select programs. Classes are taught at the Grayslake and Lakeshore Campuses. For more information about the grant and to apply, visit www.clcillinois.edu/TLC

Another scholarship opportunity for students interested in CTE is the Metallica Scholars Initiative which provides cost-free tuition and fees for students pursuing careers in technical career programs. And, yes, it is connected to the popular rock band Metallica through their All Within My Hands Foundation.

Students in CTE programs can compete against some of the brightest minds across the country in SkillsUSA. At SkillsUSA 2023, the team of Tori Elizondo, Jose Gallo, Genevieve Garcia and Dalia Gnaladja took first place in the Business/Entrepreneurship team competition last June.

Also, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, CLC is hosting STEM for Girls, a free event for girls in grades 7-12 who are interested in science, technology, engineering and math programs. This is a great opportunity for school groups, scout groups, youth groups and individual girls. Participants can sign up at www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-stem-day-for-girls-tickets-754088487967