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3 2 S T U F F M A D E I N M A I N E \ F A L L 2 0 1 9 CTE Schools The program description on Westbrook CTE's website makes it clear it's about more than fighting fires. Students will also be expected to develop oral and written com- munication skills, computer skills, science, math, physical fitness, observation, attention to detail, investigation and radio commu- nication etiquette. Once students complete the program, they'll have entry level job opportunities as E-911 dispatch- ers and firefighters. If they go on to a post-secondary fire science program, they can become fire investigators, forest rangers or insurance investigators. Stilphen says that there are other programs that may seem old-fashioned or obsolete that need students and offer high-paying and quality employment. Masonry is one example. "That's a trade that's not go- ing away, it doesn't lend itself to automation," he says. Besides the fact there is a shortage of masons and there's a lot of work to be had, it also takes skill and artistry, and offers opportunities students may not consider. Another one is marine systems — repairing boat engines and other marine-related work. "Our programs have a strong undercurrent of entrepreneurship," he says. "It's in-demand work. It's not necessarily easy work, but there are a lot of opportunities." 'We don't offer dead ends' One thing that keeps enrollment down is logistics. Students in CTE programs are juniors and seniors and must fit it into their regular high school curriculum, traveling to the CTE center for the program's classes. Maine doesn't have the resources or population to offer CTE programs in every high school, according to the department of education. Another issue is the perception of what CTE is. "Change the perception of the skilled trades," Dan Coffey of the Cianbro Institute says in the Educate Maine report. "There is a tendency to push all kids to a college education no matter what. There's a negative perception of construction work- ers, people who work with their hands. The impact that these people have on our lives is enormous. Go through your daily routine: structur- ally sound warm home, hot water, TV, cooking, driving. For all that you need a carpenter, boilermaker, electrician, plumber, mechanic. The skilled trades are the fabric of our world, and people should take great pride in doing that work." The college connection is also solid, the report points out. Peter Hallen, director of Mid Maine Technical Center in Bruns- wick, says that a professor in the Is a Proud Androscoggin Bank is named a best employer. The Aon Best Employer certification uses the most objective measure possible, employee opinion! Learn more, and come work for the best at: androscogginbank.com/bestemployer Androscoggin Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation - including gender identity and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. LONGLEAF LUMBER RECLAIMED FLOORING BEAMS | BOARDS | CUSTOM MILLWORK BERWICK, ME & CAMBRIDGE, MA LONGLEAFLUMBER.COM 617-871-6611 » CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE SOURCE: Educate Maine PATHS is one of 27 Maine CTE centers and regional schools across the state. SUBHEAD Only 14% of Maine's high school juniors and seniors are enrolled in the program 80% 85% 100% 90% 95% The graduation rate for CTE students is 90.2% vs the state average of 87.5% 14% 90.2% 87.5%