News Detail
WAHS Set to Celebrate Career & Technical Education Month
District Wide
February 03, 2025 | Career & Technical Education
WLLIAMSPORT, Pa. (FEBRUARY 3, 2025) — Career and Technical Education (CTE) is shaping the workforce of tomorrow, and Williamsport Area High School (WAHS) is at the forefront. Throughout February, WAHS will highlight its CTE offerings that equip students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications and real-world learning opportunities.
With 15 specialized programs, WAHS prepares students for success in high-demand fields, including accounting, automotive mechanics, biotechnology, commercial art, computer information technology, construction trades, culinary arts, early childhood education, health professions, homeland security, engineering and robotics, precision machining, and welding technology. Most recently, the high school adopted a professions in education program, which focuses on the theory and practices of learning and instruction in the field of education. Combined, these programs provide pathways for students to earn free college credit, participate in work-based learning or obtain industry certifications.
“Our CTE programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s employers,” said WAHS CTE Director Matt Fisher. “By offering hands-on training and connecting students with local industry mentors, we ensure graduates are career-ready and equipped with skills that translate directly into the workforce.”
As industries nationwide face a growing labor shortage — projected to reach 6 million unfilled positions by 2032, according to a Lightcast study — CTE programs play a crucial role in closing the skills gap. WAHS is committed to preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence, whether they choose to start a career immediately, pursue higher education or enroll in specialized training.
At WAHS, Fisher believes industry partnerships are key to the program’s success.
“Our strong relationships with local businesses allows for our curriculum to remain aligned with current workforce demands and emerging technologies,” he said. “By collaborating with mentors and internship partners, we’re building a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to make an impact."
During the 2023-2024 school year, 650 students — 43% of WAHS’s student population — were enrolled in a CTE program, earning over 660 industry credentials.
Since 2018, overall program enrollment has grown by 18.5%, reflecting growing student interest and the district’s investment in expanding programs. Fisher believes key factors behind this growth include the introduction of the homeland security program in 2019, increased industry collaborations and facility upgrades.
To support growing enrollment, the district is set to begin a $3 million expansion and renovation of the high school’s welding facility this spring. The project will improve ventilation, create a dedicated classroom space, add welding booths and modernize equipment. The expansion is projected to be complete by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
“Providing students with state-of-the-art learning environments ensures they graduate with a competitive edge,” Fisher said. “We’re committed to growing and adapting our programs so that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
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