Maddie Berry believes that cooking is the language of love.
Berry is one of more than 300 juniors and seniors enrolled in Career Tech at Madison Local Schools.
“If they like the food I make, that makes me very happy,” Madi said.
The senior learned her love of cooking in the Culinary Arts program, one of 11 programs offered at UW-Madison. The district's Career Tech program was recently recognized in the state report card, earning him a five-star rating.
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Why not? A whopping 98% of UW-Madison's Career Tech students graduate. Every district will accept that number immediately.
“I think it (the five-star rating) is important, but it's not the be-all and end-all,” said Jake Grove, who is completing his second year as director of Career Tech Education. “There are areas that support students that are not reflected on report cards.”
More than 70% of Madison's 3rd and 4th grade students are enrolled in Career Tech
There is a lot of interest among UW-Madison students. Approximately 72 percent of juniors and seniors enroll in one of the programs, including automotive technology, business administration, carpentry, cosmetology, cybersecurity, early childhood education, electrical maintenance, health technology, precision machining, and welding.
Madison Local Schools offers programs for students in grades 7-12. They begin their career in technology by taking electives in food science, engineering, robotics, health science, and medical detectives. These courses are typically offered on a semesterly basis and are designed to allow students to explore different career paths.
Once a student enters high school, additional courses tailored to Career Tech are offered. These courses are in the fields of business, manufacturing, construction, information technology, and food science. Students can learn basic skills and explore some career paths before enrolling in a two-year program.
In their second year, all high school students work with a career coach to develop a plan tailored to their strengths and interests. This is done through research-based practices and skills assessment. Students will then have the opportunity to explore the program and choose the path that best suits their goals.
Danielle Golub, a senior in the cosmetology program, said the tour influenced her decision. She quickly noticed a sense of community.
She plans to attend Northcentral State University and major in radiology.
“I really fell in love with doing nails,” Daniel said. “I'll do that on the side.”
Regarding her time in career tech, she said she gained a background in many fields.
“It's very hands-on,” she said of the program. “I think that's the best way to learn.”
Like Golab, Brooklyn Coulter is a senior who plans to attend North Central to study business.
“If you want to start your own business, a business degree will help you with your career as a hairdresser,” Brooklyn said.
She is also glad that she chose cosmetology.
“I love how everyone is willing to learn and let me learn,” Brooklyn said. “When you're just starting out, they don't judge you as harshly.”
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Career Tech Matches College Credits
Each of the 11 Career Tech Pathways is matched with college credits and provides students with the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials. This will not only help you fit into an in-demand job, but also give you an edge over other students applying for the same position.
Kayla Lewis is a junior who works at Rumble Inn, a coffee shop that opened at the high school a year ago.
“Teachers are trying to get us to do it ourselves so we can prepare for the future,” she says. “I really like it. It's a great environment.”
She said culinary arts students bond because of the proximity to their jobs. Kayla already works part-time at Mansfield Family Restaurant on South Main Street.
Maddie Berry said she plans to look for a job in the food industry when she graduates in a few weeks.
“I was able to actually start living my life,” Maddie said.
She credits career technology.
“I feel more confident in myself,” Maddie said. She says, “I was nervous at first, but this year I've been able to handle any job.''
Madison's Career Tech program is different from similar programs at Pioneer Career & Technology Center and West Holmes Career Center of Ashland County.
“We are our own. They have schools that feed their path, but our schools are our own children,” Grove said.
“Students will be able to stay here in the building and take the Career Technology program, as well as all the other classes and programs we offer,” said Superintendent Rob Peterson. It also gives you opportunities.”
“Kids going to Pioneer or Ashland may have to take a bus or drive out, so they lose a little bit of instructional time.”
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Career Technology in Madison Local Schools. Mr. Grove offered the following suggestions as to why the program has lasted so long.
“I think the community is blue-collar,” he says. “That's what we reflect. That's what our kids will grow up to be.”
More information: Students visit Miller Fabrication for a closer look at local jobs in manufacturing
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