By Mike Porcelli
During a previous Black History Month, I wrote about how this annual celebration had its origins in education. Today, CTE provides tremendous opportunities for Black people, as well as people of every race, gender, and ethnicity. Black History Month has been around since 1926, with a different theme each year. This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, is intended to encourage reflections on intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces. The good news for young Black people today – There’s never been a better time to acquire abilities that lead to good, high-paying careers in the skilled trades, regardless of who you are – NEVER!
The creator of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson wrote how educational opportunities determined the life people create for themselves. He believed the ability to make a living is determined by how well people use their educational alternatives. He argued, vocational schools in his time only focused on training Black students to develop a set of technical skills and not on developing all their abilities. He would be pleased that – developing students’ natural abilities and interests are fundamental to today’s CTE, for every race.
Woodson’s philosophy of nurturing critical & creative thinking is central to CTE. That’s why he would recommend it to help his people succeed today. One of the reasons often stated for the low numbers of Blacks in the skilled trades is the lack of notable Black tradesmen as role models, even though there are famous African Americans who’ve done exceptional work in every field – including the skilled trades. For example, Alexander Miles invented a new way to open and close elevator doors. How about Charles Vernon Stewart, who become the first African American admitted into Greer College, a trade school for electricians. After graduation, he founded the Taylor Electric Company.
These pioneers, and countless other African American men and women in the trades have paved the way for young Blacks today to take advantage of the unlimited skilled trade career opportunities with a CTE program. Since the industrial revolution, Blacks have always played a key role in advancing skilled trades. Their contributions deserve recognition.
Through Career & Technical Education, the skilled trades offer endless opportunities for African Americans to become highly successful tradesmen, business owners, or BOTH. Being a tradesman is no longer about race or gender. Countless African Americans are at the top of their field in every industry. The need for skilled workers today is greater than ever before. That’s why CTE is now the best path to successful careers for most people. Is it for you?
I train people of every race and gender to become highly paid professional mechanics. Similar opportunities exist in all
trades. Employers don’t care about your race – only your skills and your work- ethic! They will pay a lot for both. Take advantage of CTE today!
Unlock career doors with CTE!
