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By Dr. Phil Berkenbile, Interim
State Director |
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CareerTech Eases the Transition Into the Workplace—and Life
Unfortunately, such a conclusion may be right on target. A growing number of researchers and observers show that more young people are floundering and staying at home with parents instead of moving ahead with their lives. In a recent television interview, Dr. Mel Levine, professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School and author of the new book Ready or Not, Here Life Comes, said that our society is experiencing an epidemic of what he calls “work-life unreadiness.” Levine says that some of the problem can be attributed to a gap between what students learn in school and what they need to know on the job, and he believes that more career education and counseling may help provide a solution. The conclusion that researchers are reporting is something that those involved in career and technology education have known all along. Career counseling helps students assess their own strengths and areas for improvement, so that they can begin thinking about where they might excel professionally. This helps students build confidence in their future independence. Oklahoma’s CareerTech system offers programs statewide in agricultural education, marketing education, business and information technology education, technology education, family and consumer sciences education, trade and industrial education and health careers education. In addition, CareerTech sponsors several student organizations that provide opportunities for personal growth, scholastic achievement and developing skills in public speaking, planning and leadership. The CareerTech agency provides leadership, resources and standards for the system. Since 1968, the state agency has also produced curriculum materials designed to help students succeed in the workplace and in life. In the mid-80s, training and services to Oklahoma’s businesses and industries were expanded. While CareerTech helps students plan for the world of work, it also helps them prepare for further education and future success. Students who come out of high school better focused on their future are more likely to succeed in college. In high school, CareerTech students begin assessing their strengths and thinking about what their competitive edge might be. They are much less naïve about the career they’re eventually going into, and they can better think about themselves in the long-term. But what about the 20-somethings who may be struggling in the workplace — is it too late? There’s always time to refocus and redirect. After all, Oklahoma’s CareerTech system served some 350,000 adult students last year. That’s a lot of people who decided to improve their chances for long-term success. Based on figures from the first quarter of this fiscal year, CareerTech is experiencing growth in almost all program areas. Enrollments in full-time programs at technology centers are projected to increase by about six percent and enrollments in comprehensive school programs are projected to increase by at least 13 percent. This year the national CareerTech week theme, “CareerTech: Training Tomorrow’s Workforce,” will be celebrated Feb. 13-19. In Oklahoma, the opportunities and services the state’s Career and Technology Education system provides will continue to grow in 2005.-30- posted 2/21 2005
For publication
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Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education