How STEM plays a role in career training

When available science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) jobs are discussed, engineers or advanced scientists might be the first positions that come to mind. Yet, students who complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) play an increasingly important role in the STEM industries. In fact, a quarter of STEM careers are held by workers without a bachelor’s degree, according to U.S. Department of Commerce.

Technical education schools like Porter and Chester Institute can play a role in training students for jobs in the STEM careers. Programs at the schools often feature a curriculum that aligns with many of the goals of STEM education.

Soft Skills

Employers often struggle to find employees who are not only skilled in the latest technologies or sciences, but in soft skills, too. Soft skills such as problem solving, work ethic, and communication, are traits that employers seek in ideal candidates, and can be just as important as technical prowess. Programs at career and technical education schools balance their industry-modeled curriculum with a focus on professional development skills in these areas.

Hands-On Approach

Career training and STEM share an emphasis on a hands-on approach. Unlike a traditional classroom, students learn in industry-modeled labs that reflect settings that graduates will experience in the real world. Allowing students to use their own critical-thinking and problem-solving methods through hands-on training allows for an authentic learning experience that can result in retaining more information upon graduation, per one study.

Math and Science Connections

As the need for skilled workers grows, students will need to have a background in math and science if they choose to pursue a career in fields like healthcare or the trades. However, learning those core subjects doesn’t have to be a tedious experience that relies solely on classroom learning. Career training programs provide students instruction on those subjects and demonstrate how they can apply them in their chosen fields.

If you’re interested in a STEM career, a career education program might be the right fit for you. Visit PorterChester.edu to schedule a visit and learn more about our programs that can help you achieve your career goals.