Vocational Education is the Focus on Radio Boston

Hello SSVT Community,

On Wednesday, Upper Cape Tech Superintendent Bob Dutch and Northeastern University Economist Barry Bluestone appeared on Radio Boston (WBUR, 90.9 FM) to discuss how there is a great demand for vocational education statewide and how a recent study commissioned by the Massachusetts School Building Authority points out how a majority of jobs needed in Massachusetts through 2022 will not require a college degree.  Listen to the 15 minute interview here.  It is an excellent discussion of this topic.

I hope this conversation and the release of this report will lead to further discussions about how to increase student access to high quality vocational technical education.

For me, "access" starts with giving middle school students (in grades 6-8) and their parents time to learn more about careers (You can't pigeonhole an 11 year old into choosing a specific trade area, but you can get them thinking about the ways they like to learn the the things they like to do!).  This will require even more collaboration with our sending schools and direct support from the state department of education.  Maybe with less testing time, there would be more time to fit this in?

Access also includes having modern vocational technical school buildings for our students.  While we work hard to keep our 53 year old school in tip top shape, it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain a building and ensure that we have current instructional technology and equipment.  To support our school, we have applied to the MSBA to fund a building expansion and renovation project.  It is a lengthy process but I will keep you posted

---Mr. Hickey

Important Information for Our Students: What Employers Look For When Hiring

Hello SSVT Community,

Recently a local employer who is a member of one of our vocational advisory committees answered this question: 

"What does an employer look for in a candidate?"

Here is his answer:

• Positive attitude
  
• Always taking care of the customer- no excuses not to follow up with customers and find answer in a timely manner.  Being solution driven will allow sales to follow because customers are happy.
  
• Respect for co-workers and management.  Know that if you do not do your job, a fellow employee will have to pick up your slack.  Feel empathy know how your actions can negatively and positively affect the work environment daily.
  
• Willingness to learn and be humble.  If unsure ask questions.
  
• Look beyond the immediate situation to see issues/answers in future
  
• Not being satisfied with just doing the minimum to not get in trouble at work.  Go above and beyond each time. [P]eople do notice.
  
• Be professional and arrive on time.

There are SO MANY skills beyond your technical knowledge that are important to employers.  If you can fulfill all of these characteristics and bring a solid technical foundation to each job you have, I know you will be successful!

---Mr. Hickey

Well Attended November Program Advisory Meeting

Hello SSVT Community,

Last night on November 5th we hosted program advisors for our annual Fall Meeting.  Culinary Arts students provided us with a wonderful meal!  The lecture hall was filled with students, parents, industry and post-secondary advisors.  Many of those in attendance were graduates who have continued to work in their trade area.

I want to thank all those in attendance for their commitment to SSVT and a commitment to long range planning for future curriculum and equipment needs.  It helps to keep our school's programs on the cutting edge.  We now enter the budget building phase for the 2016-2017 school year and the advisory committee input on vocational technical budget requests is very important.

We are always looking for new industry advisors so if you know anyone who is working in a field related to any of our 14 vocational technical programs who might be interested in volunteering to be part of one of our committees, please contact me.  Meetings are held twice per school year.

---Mr. Hickey