NISD staff, students visit with industry professionals

Nacogdoches area professionals and NHS Career and Technical Education staff shared information and ideas Tuesday during the CTE Advisory Board meeting at the Malcolm Rector Center for Advanced Careers and Innovation.

The annual meeting is an opportunity for business leaders and industry experts to provide valuable input to NISD staff about job opportunities and needs in the city and county.

The CTE program, guided by Director Coy Van Valkenburgh, offers 16 four-year programs of study for NISD students that include more than 70 courses led by 27 teachers.

During Tuesday’s program, Van Valkenburgh provided an overview of the district’s CTE offerings. Many of the pathways can lead to certifications and college hours by the time NHS students graduate.

Programs of study cover a range of opportunities for students in business and industry, public services and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and includes: Animal science, applied agricultural engineering, architectural design, automotive, carpentry, cosmetology and personal care services, culinary arts, cybersecurity, engineering, graphic design and multimedia arts, health informatics, healthcare therapeutic, law enforcement, marketing and sales, military science and teaching and training. 

NISD students completing a program of study can receive the following industry-based certifications that are currently offered: Emergency Medical Technician, Patient Care Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, American Welding Society certifications, Educational Aide 1, Automotive Service excellence, Cosmetology License, Real Estate Sales Agent, Non-Commissioned Security Officer, Adobe Certified Associate, Microsoft Office Specialist, ServeSafe Manager, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and OSHA-30.