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As another school year comes to a close, Charles County students are already looking ahead to what comes next. For many students, that future includes college, technical training, military service, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce directly. Helping students explore those possibilities early is a key part of preparing the next generation of talent that will support Charles County's growing economy.

Workforce development is a key priority of the Charles County Economic Development Department. Strong partnerships with education providers like Charles County Public Schools help ensure local businesses have access to a skilled and prepared workforce. By connecting education to industry needs, Charles County is helping build the talent pipeline that will support future economic growth and business success.

A strong workforce starts with strong educational opportunities. Throughout Charles County, students have access to a variety of pathways that help them discover their interests, build valuable skills, and prepare for future careers. One of the most impactful resources available to students is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offered through Charles County Public Schools (CCPS).

Early Career Exploration

In Charles County, career exploration begins before students reach high school. Through CCPS's middle school career exploration program, students are introduced to a variety of career pathways and industries while learning more about their own interests, strengths, and goals.

Each CCPS middle school is supported by a career coach who works with students through specialized career exploration activities. Students begin developing a six-year plan that includes four years of high school and two years beyond graduation, helping them connect their educational choices to future opportunities.

"Students are more engaged when they can see how what they're learning connects to their future," said Rebecca Brandt, Director of Career and Technical Education. "By helping them explore careers, build relationships with professionals, and understand the pathways available to them, we're giving students the tools and confidence to take ownership of their future and make choices that align with their goals."

Turning Interests into Experience

Beginning in eighth grade, students can apply to CTE programs that allow them to begin focused career training while completing their high school education. These programs provide students with opportunities to gain technical skills, industry knowledge, certifications, and hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

As students progress through high school, many are able to complete graduation requirements early, creating additional opportunities during their senior year to participate in internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning experiences.

"Students don't know what they don't know," said Sandy Rooney, Career and Technical Education Content Specialist. "Giving them the opportunity to go out into the workforce and into the community allows them to see possibilities they may not have considered. It also gives them the chance to take the skills they've been learning in the classroom and apply them in a real-world setting."

Work-based learning experiences help students build confidence, strengthen professional skills, and develop meaningful connections with employers and mentors throughout the community.

"Work-based learning coordinators support both the student and the employer throughout the experience," Rooney explained. "Whether a student chooses to attend college, pursue a trade, continue working with that employer, or explore another opportunity, they have someone helping them navigate those next steps and maintain those important professional connections."

Strengthening Charles County's Workforce Pipeline

Programs like Career and Technical Education play an important role in developing the workforce that local businesses depend on today and in the future. By connecting students with career exploration opportunities, hands-on learning, and industry experiences, CCPS is helping prepare students for successful careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for employers throughout Charles County.

Workforce development is one of the ways the Charles County Economic Development Department helps create an environment where businesses and workers can succeed. Through partnerships with educators, employers, and community organizations, the Department works to strengthen connections between education and economic opportunity. Career and Technical Education programs are a critical component of that effort, helping prepare the next generation of talent for in-demand careers.

To learn more about Career and Technical Education programs offered through Charles County Public Schools, visit the CCPS CTE webpage.

Partnerships between schools, businesses, and organizations are essential to building a strong local workforce. Employers who participate in internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing opportunities, classroom presentations, and other career exploration activities help students prepare for future success while strengthening Charles County's talent pipeline.

As part of its workforce development efforts, the Charles County Economic Development Department helps foster partnerships that connect students, educators, and employers, creating pathways to future career opportunities and business success. Businesses interested in supporting career exploration and work-based learning opportunities can learn more here.