CTE courses teach trade skills including welding, auto repair, woodworking, electronics, and more.
Woodland Public Schools will start offering the Cascadia Technical Academy’s Pre-Electrician program to juniors and seniors from Kalama, La Center, Ridgefield, and Woodland School Districts starting this fall with the 2024-25 school year. The Pre-Electrician program qualifies as a pathway to graduation where students will learn the residential and commercial electric codes; wiring and motor controls; electrical theory; and how to read blueprints.
The demand for electricians is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing need for skilled workers in the renewable energy sector and the ongoing maintenance of existing electrical systems. Additionally, becoming an electrician provides graduates with an avenue to high-paying career opportunities as well as the potential to become entrepreneurs and run their own firms.
By partnering with Woodland Public Schools, Cascadia Tech will be able to offer the Pre-Electrician program to students throughout Cowlitz County
By partnering to launch the program, Woodland Public Schools and Cascadia Technical Academy can reach more students throughout Cowlitz County, “In an era where education is evolving rapidly, collaborative efforts between educational institutions and community organizations are crucial,” explained Asha Riley, Assistant Superintendent for Woodland Public Schools. “Our partnership with Cascadia Technical Academy holds immense promise to provide specialized programs for students throughout Cowlitz County.”
Additionally, the partnership between the two educational institutions helps to lower costs for all involved. “Cost-sharing ensures that financial burdens are distributed fairly between all districts utilizing the program,” said Riley “This makes the program accessible to a broader range of students, inclusivity that is essential for promoting social equity for students throughout our region.”
Cost-sharing is not merely about financial transactions; it symbolizes a commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success. “With Woodland Public Schools and Cascadia Technical Academy joining forces to provide a pre-electrician program, we create a powerful synergy that benefits students, educators, and the community at large,” said Riley.
Woodland Public Schools