Enhancing our vocational training
“When our students are connected to a person or a program, they seem to do better than those kids that are not connected, are struggling academically and are potential dropouts.”
 
- Skilled jobs now account for over 65% of all jobs
- The largest and fastest growing segment of the emerging technical workforce is occupations that do not require a 4-year college degree
- Only 25% of all new jobs in the future will require a 4-year college degree
- Students are not prepared to enter college: nearly 30% of college starters leave after the first year / the success rate for college completion is 25%

Employment opportunities for unskilled workers might encourage dropouts, while communities that clearly value education and encourage school-community partnerships are more likely to establish programs and foster attitudes that maintain student engagement in schooling.

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO STAY IN SCHOOL:
1) Focus on student goals - help students identify what it is they want to get from the student experience
2) Encourage school involvement - students involved in extra-curricular activities feel part of the group, important to the school, and motivated to perform in order to participate
3) Consider realistic post-secondary goals - since not every student is college bound, help students identify strengths and areas of interest, and explore career options that maximize the students' interests and goals
 
NEW VOCATIONAL ACADEMY WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL CERTIFICATIONS AND / OR EDUCATION IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
- Agriculture - food and fiber production and agribusiness*
- Business - accounting, bus. Administration, management, IT, and entrepreneurship
- Family & Consumer Sciences - culinary arts, management, and life skills*
- Health Occupations - nursing, dental, and medical technicians (including C N A)*
- Marketing - management, entrepreneurship, merchandising, an retail
- Technology - production, communication, and transportation systems
- Trade & Industrial - skilled certifications such as automotive technician, carpenter, computer numerical control technician
 
Industry Certifications include Pro-Start, CISCO, Lodging Management, Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and Broadcast Communications
 
Currently the Vocational Academy serves students form Nickerson, Haven, Buhler, Fairfield, Sterling, Andover, Pretty Prairie, Inman, Chase, Lyons, HCC, and Hutchinson (have received calls of interest from Wichita, McPherson, and several communities around Wichita - would be able to help these markets with new academy)
 
Top two fastest growing industries in Reno County  are health care and information technology - two areas the new vocational academy will train students to be able to achieve certifications and enter the workforce directly after graduation
 
New Vocational Academy will be able to accommodate a student services center for job placement, testing and career counseling (helping students write resumes, apply for jobs, practice interview techniques, etc.)
 
Currently, over 1,400 students participate in vocational programs per day. Enrollment has approximately doubled in the last 10 years, and over 80% of students completing a vocational program gain employment in either their chosen field or enter higher education