Talking Shop with CTECS: Recent Episodes
Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS)
Our goal is to educate the general public on the benefits of CTE while myth-busting perceptions about a career in the trades.
Join us and our expert guests to talk about the widening skills gap; student debt; cutting edge industries; high-paying, in-demand careers; educational strategies and pathways; and so much more.
Have an idea for the show? Email us at CTECS@cttech.org with subject line “Talking Shop”
Don Shubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industry Association, discusses current career opportunities in construction and the future of workforce development in the field. Learn more about employer benefits of partnering with the technical high schools for a workforce pipeline in the construction field.
In this episode, the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) reveals the school systems Vision of a Graduate. The Vision of a Graduate outlines the most important skills and qualities CTECS students need in order to find success in career and/or college. It is our promise to students and families, and demonstrates CTECS commitment to preparing students to fulfill the state’s workforce needs. Learn what attributes CTECS stakeholders deemed most vital for graduates to have, and how CTECS will embed the Vision of a Graduate in day-to-day school life.
As technology rapidly increases across all types of vehicles, so does the need to train skilled automotive technicians. In this episode, learn how Subaru-U developed an innovative educational model to introduce aspiring technicians to manufacturer-specific training. CTECS’ transportation expert Lou Camacho will share how Connecticut’s technical high schools partner with Subaru of New England to access this educational opportunity, and how trade programming is evolving to meet new technologies.
In this episode of Talking Shop with CTECS, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona proves that anything is possible with a technical high school education. He shares his personal story from an automotive technology student at Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden, CT, to holding the highest education position in this country. Secretary Cardona also discusses how Connecticut’s technical high schools are meeting the workforce development needs in our country when many education systems are not.
In this episode of Talking Shop, CTECS Interim Executive Director Dr. Ellen Solek discusses biliteracy in a global economy with Margaret Ortiz-Sanchez, CTECS’ Supervisor of World Languages, English Learners Program and the Seal of Biliteracy. Looking through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) lens, our guest shares CTE classroom strategies for English Learners, ways districts can celebrate their biliterate student population, the benefits of career tech ed in language acquisition, and more.
CTECS Interim Executive Director Dr. Ellen Solek talks with two founding members of the CTECS C.A.R.E.S. Council about the importance of forming relationships in a school community. In this episode, learn about social-emotional learning strategies that can be used in the classroom, at home, and in the community that lead to positive outcomes for students and staff.
CTECS Interim Superintendent Dr. Ellen Solek sits down to speak with Vinal Technical High School student Krista Meehan, junior in the Carpentry program, and Sara Bruno, Sustainable Architecture Department Head (DH) at Platt Technical High School.
In this episode, Dr. Solek and guests discuss their experiences as women in CTE, including the challenges, assumptions, and advantages of being a woman in male-dominated industries.
CTECS Interim Superintendent Dr. Ellen Solek sits down to speak with Howell Cheney Technical High School student Jayden Oyola, senior in the Information Technology (IT) program, and John Jordan, Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology (MDET) Instructor.
In this episode, Dr. Solek and guest discuss misconceptions of Career and Technical Education (CTE), John’s unique perspective as a Cheney alum who’s passion for the field landed him back in the classroom, and reflect on Jayden’s growth as a student and individual.
CTECS Interim Superintendent Dr. Ellen Solek kicks off the Talking Shop podcast with Robert Trefry.
In this episode, Dr. Solek and Robert Trefry discuss how Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming is embedded into Connecticut’s workforce pipeline strategy; the skilled-trade career opportunities available to individuals across socio-economic backgrounds; and Connecticut’s unique high school model for CTE as an exemplar for the nation.
Robert Trefry is a well-respected advisor in Connecticut’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives. He has several decades of leadership experience in the healthcare industry, and expertise in executive and organizational coaching. As CTECS Board Chairman and a member of the State Board of Education, his influence in the CTE sector has provided life-changing educational opportunities to many thousands of high school and adult learners over the years, and supported the economic growth of Connecticut.