Choosing a career can feel like a big decision, especially when you are still in high school. But students do not always have to know exactly what they want to do right away.
At Lamar CISD’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, students have the opportunity to try different career paths, build hands-on skills and learn what working in an industry can actually look like.
Latoya Casimere, who works with youth programs at Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, said that kind of career exploration can help students make more informed decisions about what comes next.
“Career exploration is so critical in a young person’s journey,” Casimere said. “It’s important for them to learn about careers, touch it, see it, feel it, engage with professionals, and understand what the industry looks like before they actually commit to a future in that career pathway.”
More Than Classroom Experience
Lamar CISD’s CTE Center offers 16 programs, giving students a wide range of options to explore. Programs include automotive technology, collision repair, construction trades, distribution and logistics, drones, health science, robotics and culinary arts, along with programs such as cosmetology and pharmacy.
Dr. Kayse Lazar of Lamar CISD said the programs combine academic and technical skills with hands-on experience and connections to industry partners.
The connections with employers are an important part of that experience. Students can learn about the skills employers are looking for, what a typical workday might look like and what they should expect if they decide to pursue that field.
Casimere said students also gain something that cannot always be learned in a classroom: connections with people working in the industries they are considering.
“You actually learn so much more than just those hands-on technical skills,” she said. “You learn about those soft skills that they’re looking for. You learn about what their day in the life looks like and what to be prepared for.”
And sometimes, students discover that a career is not for them. Casimere said that is useful information, too.
A New Direction for Connor
For Connor, a senior in the drone program, exploring a career path changed how he thought about his future.
He had originally planned to study engineering after high school. But when he saw the drone program at the CTE Center, he decided to give it a try.
“I saw that drone option, and it opened up a whole new amount of possibilities for me,” Connor said.
After spending time learning to fly drones, Connor began considering careers in areas such as photography, videography, aerospace and cybersecurity. He is also preparing for the Part 107 license required to legally earn money flying drones.
The program gave him a chance to gain experience before making a decision about college and his career.
“I could have a career out of flying drones instead of engineering like I wanted to a while ago,” Connor said.
There Is More Than One Path
Not every student will take the same route after graduation.
Some students may use their CTE experience and industry certification to enter the workforce. Others may continue their education at a college or other postsecondary institution.
Dr. Lazar gave the example of students in the patient care program who can earn a Patient Care Technician certification. Some may begin working as PCTs after high school, while others may continue their education to become nurses or pursue medical school.
Workforce Solutions can also help students take what they learn in the classroom into an actual workplace through paid work experience and other work-based learning opportunities.
For students who do not have access to a CTE center like Lamar CISD’s, Casimere said there are still ways to explore careers. Hire Gulf Coast Youth offers career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for young adults ages 16 to 24. Students can also use the career exploration tools at wrksolutions.com to learn about careers, labor market demand, and the education and training needed for different fields.
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.
