On September 23, ABC13’s Who’s Hiring segment took viewers inside Lamar CISD’s new Career and Technical Education Center, where juniors and seniors are gaining hands-on experience in fields ranging from culinary arts and warehousing to drone technology.
ABC13 reporter Nick Natario toured the new facility and spoke with students and district leaders about what career and technical education can offer before students leave high school.
For Lamar CISD senior Connor George, that means learning how to fly drones as part of his school day.
“I like that we get hands-on experience,” George told ABC13. “We get to fly the drones every single day.”
The center serves students across 16 career pathways and includes equipment such as drones, vehicles and simulators designed to give students experience with the tools and technology used in different industries. According to the segment, the facility cost more than $130 million.
Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens said the district sees career education as part of its role in the broader community.
“A strong workforce equals a strong community,” Nivens said. “And a school has a part to play in that.”
The segment also looked at what students may gain from CTE programs beyond entering the workforce directly after graduation. Natario cited research from Rice University’s Kinder Institute showing that high school graduates who participate in CTE programs are more likely to attend college and can earn more while enrolled in school.
Nivens shared a personal example from his own family. His daughter took nail classes while she was in high school, giving her a skill she could later use to earn additional income while attending college.
For George, the new center has changed what his senior year looks like.
“There’s just so much going on,” he said. “There’s so many new opportunities.”
Natario also acknowledged that not every school district has the resources to build a dedicated CTE facility. As part of ABC13’s Who’s Hiring job fair coverage, Workforce Solutions and industry experts will continue the conversation by sharing ways students and parents can explore career options, gain experience and prepare for college or employment even when a facility like Lamar CISD’s is not available locally.
Explore in-demand careers and connect with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and access career-building resources.
