Preparing Our Students for the Workforce: Celebrating CTE Month

February is Career and Technical Education Month, an ideal time to recognize the vital role CTE plays in preparing Citrus County students for life beyond graduation. In Citrus Schools, CTE is not a secondary option or an alternative track. It is a core component of how we equip students with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and purpose they need to succeed in college, careers, military service, or a combination of all three.

Citrus Schools remains firmly committed to delivering a high quality education that connects learning to real world opportunities. Across our district, students have access to more than 171 CTE courses offered at our three main high school campuses, along with dual enrollment opportunities through Withlacoochee Technical College. These offerings span 63 distinct career and technical subject areas, lead to 41 industry certifications, and support more than 24 clearly defined program pathways aligned directly with workforce needs. This breadth of opportunity allows students to explore interests, build technical skills, and discover career possibilities while still in high school.

What makes CTE especially powerful is its relevance. Students are not simply learning concepts from a textbook. They are applying knowledge through hands on, practical experiences that reflect real workplace environments. Whether a student plans to enter the workforce immediately, pursue higher education, enlist in the military, or follow a blended path, CTE provides a strong and transferable foundation for long term success.

Our academies and programs reflect both student interests and the economic realities of our region and state. The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School prepares students for careers in healthcare, one of Florida’s fastest growing and most essential industries. The Academy of Computers at Citrus High School develops skills in information technology and cybersecurity, fields that continue to expand across nearly every sector of the economy.

Students interested in the skilled trades can enroll in welding programs at Citrus High School and Lecanto High School, gaining experience in a field where demand consistently exceeds supply. The Construction Academy at Citrus High School introduces students to building trades, project management, and modern construction technologies. Additional school based academies in agriculture, culinary arts, drafting, JROTC, and business ensure students throughout Citrus County can pursue pathways aligned with their interests and strengths.

Several of our programs also partner with Space Florida’s Space Academy, providing students with exposure to advanced industries that may once have seemed distant or out of reach. These partnerships help students see clear connections between classroom learning and high wage, high skill careers, often without leaving their home community.

Workforce development efforts in our community continue to gain momentum beyond the K-12 system. Withlacoochee Technical College has unveiled plans for a new aviation maintenance and training program, marking a significant step forward for our region. The proposed program includes Airframe and Powerplant training, along with advanced specialty pathways that prepare students for in demand roles such as aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, and non destructive testing professionals. In addition, WTC and Citrus County Fire Rescue are collaborating on new opportunities to expand workforce training that benefits both students and public safety professionals.

Industry certifications are a critical component of these efforts. These credentials benefit students regardless of their post graduation plans. For students entering the workforce, certifications signal readiness and competence to employers. For those pursuing college or technical training, certifications provide practical experience and a clearer understanding of career expectations. Even students heading directly to colleges and universities gain an advantage by arriving with technical skills and industry recognized training already in hand.

As we celebrate CTE Month, we recognize the students who are taking ownership of their futures, the educators who guide and inspire them, and the community partners who invest their time and expertise. Career and Technical Education in Citrus County represents opportunity, preparation, and pride. It ensures every student has access to meaningful pathways that lead to success, and that commitment remains strong as we build an even brighter future together.

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