July 10, 2014 - Universal Technical Institute Partners with SkillsUSA to Deliver Innovative STEM Program at the National Leadership Conference
On June 27, more than 50 SkillsUSA advisors and teachers attended the inaugural STEM, Skills and Strategies Workshop during the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Mo. The workshop, sponsored by Universal Technical Institute (UTI), focused on identifying and promoting STEM in the technical curriculum along with the introduction of a new Career Readiness Curriculum offered through SkillsUSA. This workshop is part of an ongoing effort by SkillsUSA to support innovative teacher training that promotes relevant and timely workplace learning in career technical education programs across the nation.
“The STEM, Skills and Strategies Workshop provided an excellent foundation for our teachers to integrate STEM into their current classroom curriculum,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA. “Through industry-supported programs like this, teachers nationwide learn techniques that enable them to apply technical skills grounded in academics to better prepare students for the world of work. I am grateful to UTI for making this possible. We anticipate excellent results at the local level.”
The training focused on integrating STEM principles into existing curriculum to benefit career technical education students regardless of chosen career path. The intent is to help students understand the importance and application of science, technology, engineering and math relative to high-wage, high-skilled and in-demand careers. This was complemented by a session on SkillsUSA’s new Career Readiness Curriculum, which provides customizable classroom, SkillsUSA and workplace experiences to prepare students to become world-class workers, leaders and American citizens. Topics include personal responsibility, planning and time management, workplace diversity and career development opportunities.
“UTI and SkillsUSA share a common vision and commitment to career technical education,” says Jerry Ellner, national director of high school development at UTI. “Programs that support hands-on learning, accelerated training and job readiness are critical for developing the next generation of the STEM workforce. We’re proud to work with SkillsUSA to continually link teachers and students to relevant programs and workplace opportunities.”
The SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference showcases career and technical education students. This year, more than 15,000 people including students, teachers and business partners participated in the 50th annual Conference.
For more information on UTI, stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.
