Superintendent hosts Apprenticeship Summit to work toward removing barriers to workforce pathways for students

The Clark County School District and Workforce Connections held a summit recently with local labor unions, businesses and education leaders to develop new partnerships that will create a pipeline for students to enter into trade apprenticeships.

About 73 percent of Nevada high school graduates do not go to a four-year college or university, and the partnerships will provide more options for them to enter into stable, profitable, high-need skilled trade positions.

“This will be a game changer, not only for our children but also for our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara. “When my kids leave our high schools, the opportunities need to be open for all, whether it’s college or career,” Dr. Jara told Bryan Callahan of Channel 13.

Through this collaborative effort, Dr. Jara envisions more meaningful and effective exposure, preparation and connections to apprenticeships, vocational training, and other post-secondary options for CCSD graduates.

Juan Ambriz is a senior at Mojave High School, but he also takes courses at Desert Rose High School, which offers courses that enable him to learn skills in construction technology.

“We have the confidence, and we’re ready, once we get out of high school,” Ambriz told Channel 8 reporter Orko Manna. “We’re ready to start learning and to make sure that there’s enough people out there to work.”