As we enter the second week of Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, Central City Public School students continue to develop critical skills essential for their future careers. The school’s CTE classes, particularly in business and health sciences, introduce students to a vast array of rewarding career opportunities across all education levels.

In the realm of business education, Brittany McPhillips and Jody Gavers guide students through the intricacies of the business world. Mrs. McPhillips offers vital courses such as Word Processing, Introduction to Business, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, and Advanced Marketing. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gavers delves into Information Technology, Personal Finance, and Accounting. Mrs. McPhillips emphasizes the universal importance of business skills, stating, “It doesn’t matter what career you choose in the future, business skills are essential. It’s crucial for students to explore business and general CTE classes, as these skills will be utilized throughout their lives.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Gavers highlights the practical application of these skills, “We aim to enhance students’ skills for various careers and everyday life. We strive to provide practical uses for English and Math, integrating these subjects into real-world scenarios.”

Van Fasbender, a student with aspirations in the business sector and an officer in DECA, exemplifies the impact of these programs. DECA, an organization dedicated to preparing emerging leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, offers students valuable insights into the business world through mock interviews, classes, and job shadowing opportunities. Van shares his experiences, “Through DECA, I’ve participated in competitions, job shadowed at a marketing firm in Omaha, and engaged in community service. These experiences have significantly broadened my understanding of the business field.” Van plans to further his education at UNK through the Kearney Law Opportunities Program after graduation.

Chelle Gillen, in the health sciences department, opens her students’ eyes to various medical career paths. Her curriculum includes Introduction to Health Sciences, Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology. Students also have opportunities to job shadow at local hospitals and medical centers, gaining firsthand experience in diverse medical professions. Mrs. Gillen notes, “The health science field is burgeoning with opportunities due to advancements in technology and an aging population. A major benefit for our students is the chance to earn dual college credit through Central Community College in our Medical Terminology class.”

Makayla Enevoldsen, a student intent on pursuing a career in the medical field, plans to study Radiation Tech at Northeast Community College. She credits the health sciences classes for providing a clear direction for her future, “The variety of science classes offered at our school has allowed me to pinpoint my desired career path. Learning about different job opportunities in health science has been invaluable.”

Thanks to business and health science CTE classes, Central City Public School students gain insights into career fields they may have never considered, helping them discover their passions. With the support of dedicated teachers, students are well-equipped to navigate their futures post-graduation.