Students in Bryan ISD Ready for the Workforce with CTEC Program

Bryan, Texas – March 4, 2024

As the future job landscape continues to evolve, Bryan ISD is at the forefront of preparing students for the workforce through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. In particular, students at the Bryan Career and Technical Education Complex (CTEC) are honing their skills and gaining valuable experience.

Building Skills for the Future

One student, Maxine Kalil, a sophomore in the CTE program, expressed her enthusiasm for learning about machinery and manufacturing processes. She mentioned, “I learned how to use machines manually like the lathe and mills, and recently, we delved into CNC applications, which involve computer numerical control.”

A Hands-On Approach

Teacher John Gerzik oversees the practicum STEM and manufacturing class, where students get to turn ideas into tangible creations. Gerzik highlighted the importance of students understanding the tools and processes, stating, “They have to instruct the machine on which tools to use and then set up the machine accordingly.”

Record Enrollment and Diverse Offerings

Bryan ISD reports an impressive 78% of high school students taking CTE courses, with over 90 different courses available district-wide, serving around 3,400 students. This program boasts the highest enrollment in the district, reflecting the growing interest in technical education.

Empowering Students with Skills

Smaller class sizes and focused attention within CTE classes allow students like Bryan Ybarra, a senior passionate about robotics, to excel. Ybarra shared his excitement about preparing for upcoming competitions, where students tackle complex challenges in robotics.

Promoting Inclusivity and Hands-On Learning

While the program is predominantly male, students like Kalil are breaking barriers and encouraging more girls to join. Kalil emphasized the benefits of the hands-on learning environment, stating, “It’s a different way to learn, much more hands-on and interesting.” Ybarra echoed this sentiment, mentioning the rare opportunity to work with industrial machines at such a young age.

Preparing for the Future

Once students complete their CTE coursework, they have the option to continue their education or transition directly into the workforce, equipped with advanced skills and practical knowledge gained through the program.