LBCC Heads to the State Capitol for CTE Day Feb. 1 | Linn-Benton Community College

LBCC Heads to the State Capitol for CTE Day Feb. 1

ATTC automotive program LBCC joined Oregon’s 16 other community colleges for Career Technical Education Day at the State Capitol on Friday, February 1 for a day of highlighting college CTE programs which provide critical training for today’s workforce.

Programs were on display from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the State Capitol Galleria West, 900 Court St NE, Salem, which covered mechatronics, manufacturing, renewable energy, electronics, apprenticeship, health care, culinary arts, and emergency services programs.

LBCC showcased its transportation programs, which includes automotive, heavy equipment/diesel, and alternative fuels. Participating industry partners included Papé Kenworth, CoEnergy Propane, Pacific Propane Gas Association, and the Propane Education and Research Council.  

Graduates of community college CTE programs have a high employability rate, with many being offered jobs before completing their program. These high-paying, career-oriented positions are in areas such as welding, non-destructive testing, mechatronics, machine tooling, and health care careers such as nursing, diagnostic imaging and dental assisting.

According to Lumina Foundation, 60 percent of jobs across the nation will require some kind of degree or certificate by the year 2025. Yet only 45 percent of all workers have the skills to fill such positions. Funding for CTE programs at the community college level will add capacity, potentially doubling the number of CTE graduates – and helping to close the skills gap for industry.

As legislators begin their work on the State budget, Oregon community colleges are poised to share their message of the important role that community college’s play in our local and state economies. Advocacy for community colleges this legislative session will be critical.

Community colleges are leading the way with passion, purpose and a drive to educate future generations. You can help by telling your story.  

Find out how you can support your community college at: linnbenton.edu/advocate

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About Linn-Benton Community College: More than 18,000 students rely on Linn-Benton Community College each year for higher education including career technical education, transfer degree programs, professional development, corporate training, small business development, community education classes and more. Serving the mid-Willamette Valley with six locations including its main campus in Albany, LBCC partners with multiple business and industries to enrich the community and support economic growth. LBCC students choose from more than 80 programs and go on to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, skilled workers and community builders.

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