Career Clusters – The Big REVEAL!

We are still in the midst of winter here in Western PA, and quite frankly, the majority of the population is teetering on depression. Instead of allowing myself to completely go to the dark side, I thought that I would set up a series of attainable goals that could be accomplished and help me feel like I am making progress. By successful attainment of the goals, I will enhance my self-esteem, create good vibes, generate postive plans, and generally avoid feeling a helpless victim of my environment. Yes, this is a bit of: counselor-counsel thyself, but indulge me. As I gaze out the doorway, I see snow, and lots of it. In my happy place, this is the time of year for change to green grass, sunshine, and little birdies singing.

I attended the ACTE Vegas pre-conference on Career Clusters and thought that I understood the design of this idea of how to view careers. When I attempted to fit the career and technical education classes offered at BCAVTS into the clusters a huge blizzard of confusion descended and I became immobilized. But, just like the spring thaw, a breakthrough came. I was finally able to place our classes in the clusters that appear to be most appropriate according to the knowledge and skills statements and the occupational grids prepared by each teacher.

By putting this into space for everyone to see, I am inviting criticism, and hopefully some positive insight.  In spite of  the possibility of another icy blast, here is what I think:

Butler County AVTS offers specialized career and technical training to high school students in  Butler County. High school elective credit in select high priority occupational clusters is offered in:       

* Manufacturing Career Cluster            

 Machine Technology     

* Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Cluster               

Protective Services           

* Health Science Career Cluster           

Health Assistant     

* Human Services Career Cluster           

Cosmetology     

* Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster           

 Automotive Technology           

Collision Repair           

Heavy Equipment    

* Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Career Cluster          

Computer Aided Drafting-Mechanical     

* Architecture and Construction Career Cluster          

Building Construction          

Carpentry          

Air Conditioning/Heating/Electrical          

Computer Aided Drafting- Architectural     

* Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster          

Culinary Arts    

* Arts, Audio-Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster          

Commercial Art          

Graphic Arts    

* Information Technology Career Cluster 

Computer Networking/Telecommunications

My only concern with all of this centers around my lack of understanding and education. As a guidance counselor and educator on both the academic and CTE side of the coin, I thought that the learning curve would be short and sweet, but it was not.

This concept is being promoted for use by all counselors in academic and CTE settings without a great deal of in-service preceding it. IF this new look is to establish a positive pattern of growth, all counselors need some intense training on implementation.