Pictured from left: Derek Huegel, Wolf Industries; BGPS Superintendent Shelly Whitten; Grace Child, Tradesmen Electric; and BG CAST host David Lindner
What happens when schools and local industry actually work together?
This episode covers the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and why programs like construction trades, welding, manufacturing and technical education matter, not just for students, but for the future of local businesses and the Clark County workforce.
Joining the conversation are Grace Child from Tradesmen Electric and Derek Huegel from Wolf Industries. Grace shares how the district’s Career and Technical Education Advisory Council helps connect classrooms to real-world industry needs, while Derek discusses the growing demand for skilled trades workers and the importance of giving students meaningful pathways into the workforce before and after graduation.
The episode also covers the new construction trades building, the challenges industries face in finding skilled workers and how local levy funding helps sustain the CTE programs that prepare students for real careers right here in our community.
Whether you’re a parent, student, employer, or community member, this episode explores why investing in hands-on education is really an investment in the future of Southwest Washington. Listen on any of these platforms: