Volusia CTE students gain knowledge, training that gives them an edge after high school
Daytona Beach News Journal | By Mary Ellen Ritter | November 12, 2024
DAYTONA BEACH — When most people recall their most enriching high school courses, subjects such as math, science and English typically come to mind.
But today’s high schoolers may think differently when asked that question.
Volusia County Schools offers various Career and Technical Education programs and academies districtwide, providing students with workforce experience, industry certifications and hands-on learning before high school graduation.
CTE students can develop a competitive edge in the job market and also enhance soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication, according to a district press release.
Additionally, they often have a clear pathway to either enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education at postsecondary institutions, the press release said, since Volusia’s CTE program strengthens partnerships between schools and local businesses.
Districtwide, course offerings include but are not limited to the following: information technology and robotics; finance; teaching education and learning; technology, engineering, science and aeronautics; and gaming and simulation.
The News-Journal visited Seabreeze High School, where students have the opportunity to learn about health sciences, digital video technology, agritechnology, digital media and multimedia design; and culinary arts.
Here’s what students had to say.
Health sciences
Mackenzie Nichols is a senior ambassador in Seabreeze High’s Allied Health Academy. After three years of learning and becoming certified in advanced life support, she finally put her skills to the test in May when she performed CPR on her way to school while driving by a fatal car crash.
“By being in the Allied Health Academy, I am able to utilize my skills outside of the classroom and go into autopilot when the time comes, even if I’ve never worked on anything other than a dummy,” she said.
Conor O’Brien, co-president of Allied Health Academy, said this program allows students to shadow medical professionals. Additionally, he believes students have a “competitive edge” when it comes to submitting college applications.
“The extensive volunteer hours that we get and involvement in the community enhances resumes, while the four different certifications, such as CPR, patient care tech, EKG and medical administrative assistant, set us students apart from the best competition countrywide, and lets us get accepted to more prestigious colleges with outstanding medical programs,” O’Brien said.
His classmate, Luca Olivari, said being in the academy has taught him the importance of teamwork and empathy, which he believes are essential in delivering quality patient care.
“This experience has reinforced my passion for health care and has inspired me to continue my education in this field,” he said.
Digital video technology
Students in the Digital Video Technology program are equipped with Canon cameras, tripods and brand-new Mac computers, which they use to create videos in Adobe Premiere Pro.
“Instead of just lectures and notes, we’re always creating videos and learning as we go,” said Carter Eby, a sophomore.
“This program shows students how the film and video industry truly works by promoting collaboration and hands-on learning,” junior Allison Pate added. “Our Adobe Premiere certification can help us to land jobs in the industry, and the skills that we learned in our program, we can apply to our careers outside of high school.”
Agritechnology
In agritechnology classes, students work with animals and in garden boxes. Additionally, they can earn industry certifications relating to topics like technology, agro-sciences and animal science, among others, which set students up with job opportunities following high school graduation.
Summer Martin, a junior at Seabreeze High, spoke highly of the school’s agriculture technology course.
“You’ll master essential skills like blueprint reading, welding and metal fabrication,” she said. “From construction farm structures to repair equipment, you’ll gain knowledge and skills to succeed in this dynamic trade.”
Digital media and multimedia design
Rebecca Morrow, a senior in the digital design program and yearbook editor at Seabreeze High, said joining yearbook has made her passionate about graphic design and has helped her develop skills pertaining to journalism, business, design, technology and social media.
“In yearbook, the students do everything,” she said. “Between the designing of the pages, taking all of our photos … our marketing and sales … we do everything.”
Zeno Louizes added that students learn how to use professional design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
“I plan on taking over my family’s business one day in the future, and the skills I’ve been learning in yearbook are able to help me know how to appeal to people in the advertising world better,” he said.
Culinary arts
Students in the culinary arts program said it has helped them secure jobs such as servers in the restaurant industry and bakers at Publix.
“This program has not only equipped me with essential cooking techniques, but it has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for culinary arts,” said senior Nora Smith. “What I enjoyed most about the program was the hands-on experience in the kitchen. Each day felt like a new adventure.”
