Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is actively addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers by focusing on preparing students for high-demand careers in trades and technical fields. Dr. John R. Hill, Director of College and Career Readiness at MPS, emphasized the district's commitment to enhancing career and technical education, stating, "We have been able to upgrade facilities and help with staffing, and we would like to continue to expand and strengthen career and technical education."

The investment in career and technical education has been made possible by the 2020 referendum approved by Milwaukee voters. This funding has allowed MPS to expand arts, language, and physical education instruction while also bolstering programs that prepare students for trade and technical careers after high school.

Since 2020, MPS has added seven educator positions in technical education and computer science, as well as support staff for programs like culinary arts. The district has also seen growth in its youth apprenticeship program, with an increasing number of students participating in apprenticeships.

Facilities for trade, technical, and STEM instruction have been modernized and expanded, ensuring that students have access to up-to-date equipment and technology. Dr. Hill highlighted some of the improvements made since 2020, including refurbished automotive labs, renovated computer labs, updated welding shops, and modernized Project Lead The Way labs.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 fiscal year, MPS plans to further enhance facilities to provide students with specialized skills for entering the workforce. This includes upgrading Project Lead The Way rooms, building a new culinary arts lab, and renovating CTE labs with robotics workspaces and broadcast studios.

MPS's continued investment in trade, technical staff, and facilities demonstrates its dedication to preparing students for successful and fulfilling careers in high-demand fields.