A special group is helping to connect Buncombe County Schools students with their career interests.
The BCS Business Advisory Council recently gathered to focus on apprenticeships and how career and technical education (CTE) courses are preparing students for the future. The council includes local business and industry representatives, career development coordinators, and school and district administrators. Members work to advise, assist, and advocate for students and school programming. The group promotes career and technical programs in the community, and strives to strengthen the relationship between educators and business partners.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to convene this diverse council of stakeholders," said BCS CTE Director Michele Smith. "We hear directly from our business and industry partners about current and projected workforce needs, which is crucial for our strategic planning and program development. By working together, we ensure our Career and Technical Education programs deliver relevant, high-quality instruction and expand work-based learning opportunities, equipping our students with the in-demand skills they need to succeed in their careers.”
The group works together on events including field trips, guest speakers, and “Career Cafes,” where professionals come to a school during lunch to visit students and share information about their jobs.