A.W. Beattie celebrates National CTE Month

Note: The following article appeared in the February edition of Northern Connection Magazine to celebrate National Career and Technical Education Month.:

“SkillsUSA is a nationwide student leadership organization that enables students in career and technical education programs to hone their professional skills alongside their technical and career skills. SkillsUSA promotes continued education and hands-on learning to prepare students for the future workforce,” said John M. Brown, Building Construction Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor/Board of Directors, at A. W. Beattie Career Center.

As an advisor in SkillsUSA, he assists students at A. W. Beattie in preparing for leadership conferences and skills competitions throughout the school year. Alongside his fellow advisors, they help the students fundraise and promote community service in their student body. Additionally, Brown is in charge of running the annual Pennsylvania SkillsUSA Western Region Conference, a three-day student leadership event normally held each fall at Seven Springs. He also sits on the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Board of Directors as a representative for the western region of the state.

“The program is incredibly beneficial to students in that it prepares them for the workforce by promoting participation in events that helps them to start networking at an early age. SkillsUSA has this incredibly broad reach when it comes to leadership and skilled workforce training, all of which has this amazing effect on the students and their view of work. Over time, you see that pride of a job well done surface in these students, and it’s incredibly inspiring,” said Brown.