The US Department of Education has identified a skills gap in the American workforce that presents a barrier to economic competitiveness. Polson is no exception, as the community is experiencing a shortage of skilled labor in trades such as welding, carpentry, and plumbing. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Employment Projections report projects a high number of job openings for these trades in Montana’s registered apprentice program. To address this issue, Polson High School aims to upgrade its facilities and expand its programs, including adding a new job training center with a new welding shop and wood shop. This center will expose students to the cutting edge of metal and manufacturing trades as well as construction trades, preparing them for fulfilling career paths in the community and the economy. Additionally, PHS already offers STEM classes that include Computer Science Essentials and classic courses in math, physics, and chemistry, which prepare students for the most rapidly growing, highest paying, and most innovative areas of the economy. By upgrading facilities and expanding programs, PHS can provide students with the necessary resources to thrive in STEM fields and trades, benefiting the community as a whole.
Closing the Skills Gap through Career and Technical Education
According to the US Department of Education, there is a skills gap in the American workforce that presents a barrier to economic competitiveness. Polson is no exception to this trend, as it is difficult to find skilled labor in certain trades without knowing someone in the industry. One way to address this issue is to offer more Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes in high schools.
The Fordham Institute supports this idea, stating that students who focus on CTE coursework are 21% more likely to graduate high school and more likely to gain post-secondary training. This is especially important given the current demand for trades and technical jobs.
The upcoming school bond election in Polson will determine whether or not the community can provide updated CTE and STEM facilities to students, better preparing them for both the present and the future. As a teacher of 13 years and a parent of school-aged children, I am passionate about the benefits that CTE can offer our community as a whole.
Bridging the Skills Gap through Upgraded Facilities and Expanded Programs
The shortage of skilled labor in our community is evident from the pages-long job list at the Job Service office and the “We’re Hiring!” sign at Rocky Mountain Twist. To address this issue, Polson High School (PHS) aims to upgrade its shops and science labs and add a new job training center if the upcoming school bond passes. The center will include a new welding shop and wood shop, exposing students to the cutting edge of metal and manufacturing trades, as well as construction trades. These opportunities prepare students to enter career paths that fulfill genuine needs in our community and economy.
PHS already offers STEM classes that include Computer Science Essentials and classic courses in math, physics, and chemistry. While new equipment can compensate for outdated teaching spaces, having appropriate learning areas is essential to prepare students for the most rapidly growing, highest paying, and most innovative areas of the economy – STEM fields. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Employment Projections report for 2021-31 projects a high number of job openings for carpenters, electricians, and plumbers in Montana’s registered apprentice program. Expanding these programs can help bridge the skills gap and better prepare students for the present condition of the workforce and economy, in addition to their futures.
According to Christina Rush, a science professor at Salish Kootenai College, having new equipment and consumables can make good things happen even in outdated teaching spaces. However, PHS’s science labs were built in 1973 and haven’t had major upgrades since. Although teachers have carried out essential repairs, only minimum ones required for safety have been done. By upgrading facilities and expanding programs, PHS can provide students with the necessary resources to thrive in STEM fields and trades, benefitting everyone in the community.
In conclusion, bridging the skills gap in our community requires upgrading facilities and expanding programs in high schools. The upcoming school bond in Polson offers an opportunity to address this issue and better prepare students for their future careers.
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