Butler marks CTE Month by spotlighting career training that delivers results

This month, Butler Community College is celebrating National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, sponsored by the Association for Career and Technical Education, by highlighting the programs, partnerships and people preparing its students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers across Kansas.

Statewide, CTE continues to produce excellent results for students. More than 55,000 secondary and 38,650 post-secondary learners participate in CTE programs, earning industry-recognized credentials and graduating at higher rates. In Kansas specifically, 98.6% of CTE concentrators graduate compared to 89.1% of all students.

"The value of CTE is clear in our student outcomes and strong industry partnerships, which are helping meet the region’s need for skilled professionals who fuel the modern economy,” said Dr. Peter Linden, dean of career and technical education at Butler.

The impact of CTE is on full display daily at Butler—in classrooms, labs, and worksites—where students are gaining the hands-on skills that local employers rely on.

For example, Butler Agriculture instructor Jason Bradley is looking forward to the addition of a new greenhouse at the ag facility this spring. “This greenhouse is going to provide students with hands-on learning when it comes to the early stages of plant and crop development,” said Bradley. “Overall, it's going to be a great asset for the students to take what they've learned in the classroom and put it to work.”

Butler's Welding Technology faculty are receiving additional training in order to keep up with industry expectations and provide students with the best possible instruction. “I was able to complete my Certified Welding Inspector course through the American Welding Society,” said Jerod Lambert, welding instructor. “This certification gives me the ability to test students' welds and certify them. This gives students an understanding of what industry weld tests are like and how to pass them, while earning an industry-recognized credential.”

Thanks to a new program developed by a leading truck manufacturer, Diesel Technology students are now completing the same training used in dealerships nationwide. “We’ve started using Kenworth Essentials,” said Todd Williams, diesel technology instructor. “Passing these modules will give our students the opportunity to start at a higher wage, at a higher position and be moved to the front of the hiring line.”

From agriculture to advanced manufacturing, Butler’s CTE programs open doors for students and build the skilled workforce south-central Kansas needs.