Transform Your Future This CTE Month

Joel Conner • February 6, 2025

Fast-Track Your Future with Career and Technical Education

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the life-changing impact CTE programs have on students. As a proud partner of Get There, Florida's workforce education initiative, we're excited to highlight the incredible opportunities CTE offers.


CTE programs across Florida are designed to unlock potential and fuel both personal and professional growth. For students eager to fast-track their success, CTE provides a direct pathway to in-demand careers. With 17 diverse career pathways, students gain valuable, hands-on experience, often completing affordable programs in a year or less and launching into high-wage jobs.


The best part? Many of these high-paying, in-demand careers—in fields like artificial intelligence, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and information technology—don't require a four-year degree. The possibilities are truly endless.

Florida is witnessing record-breaking CTE enrollment, with over 800,000 K-12 students and an impressive 480,000 postsecondary CTE students—a remarkable 30% increase in postsecondary enrollment since Governor DeSantis took office.


This CTE Month, join us in celebrating the power of CTE and the doors it opens. Learn more about CTE and Florida's workforce education initiative by visiting GetThereFL.com.

Xello is Florida’s official, K-12 career planning and work-based learning coordination provider. With Xello, students can design a plan for their future by providing a high-quality career development experience. In the Xello platform, students can: Build personalized profiles to display their interests, skills and abilities. Take career matching assessments to guide and motivate exploration. Explore their options by reviewing career profiles, labor market data and postsecondary training opportunities. Set both short and long-term goals and track their progress with academic course planning and managing the college application process. Prepare for the world of work by developing a professional resume and creating shareable portfolios, and applying for local work-based learning opportunities. Continually learn, reflect and re-assess their plans with the support of built-in college and career readiness lessons. It has been professionally translated into Spanish and can support other preferred languages. 


Xello: xello.world/en/florida-college-career-ready 

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Trade School vs. College: Which Path Is Right for You?

By Joel Conner • April 8, 2025
When high school ends, many students face a major decision: should they go to college or pursue a skilled trade? Both options have their merits, and the right choice depends on your goals, interests, and the kind of future you want to build. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each path—and why learning a trade through programs like Plumbing, HVAC, Diesel Mechanics, and Welding in Hendry County might be the best next step for you.  The Case for Trade School Pros: Faster Entry Into the Workforce : Most trade programs take 6 months to 2 years, compared to 4+ years for a college degree. Lower Cost : Trade programs are typically far more affordable than college tuition, and many offer financial assistance or even paid apprenticeships. High Demand : Skilled trades are in serious demand. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, diesel mechanics, and welders are needed now more than ever. Hands-On Learning : Trade programs are practical and skill-focused, perfect for learners who want to work with their hands and see the results of their labor. Cons: Physical Demands : Many trades are physically intensive and may require working in various weather conditions. Limited Scope for Some Roles : While trades offer strong career paths, certain jobs may have less upward mobility compared to corporate or academic careers (though business ownership is a strong option!). The Case for College Pros: Wider Career Options : Some careers (like law, education, or medicine) require a four-year degree or higher. Broader Education : College offers a wide range of classes that can help students explore different fields and develop soft skills. Social Experience : College can offer a vibrant campus life and networking opportunities. Cons: High Cost : Student loan debt can be a serious burden. Longer Time to Employment : Many students graduate in debt and still need time to secure a job. Uncertain Job Market : A degree doesn’t guarantee a job, especially in saturated fields. Why Trades Like Plumbing, HVAC, Diesel Mechanics, and Welding Are Worth a Look Each of these trades offers unique advantages: Plumbing : High demand, great pay, and essential work. HVAC : A rapidly growing field with year-round work and constant technological innovation. Diesel Mechanics : With the rise of logistics and transportation, skilled mechanics are more essential than ever. Welding : A versatile trade used in construction, manufacturing, and art — with opportunities to travel and work on big projects. These trades allow you to start earning faster, avoid massive debt, and enjoy a hands-on, satisfying career. And best of all, they’re all available through Hendry County Schools Workforce Development . What’s Your Next Step? Whether you’re ready to weld your future, turn a wrench on a diesel engine, or bring comfort to homes with HVAC skills, we have programs to help you get started. The first step is simply learning more. 👉 Reach out to Hendry County Schools Workforce Development today. Explore our hands-on programs, meet our instructors, and find out how we can help you build a future you can be proud of. Your career starts here. #SkilledTrades #HendryWorkforce #FutureReady #TradeSchoolVsCollege #HandsOnCareers

HVAC vs. Plumber vs. Diesel Mechanic: Florida Trade Salaries & Training

By Joel Conner • February 24, 2025
It's hard to decide, so we made this guide!

Plumbing Industry: A High-Demand Career with Unlimited Potential

By Joel Conner • February 12, 2025
In today’s fast-changing job market, one industry continues to offer job security, great earning potential, and long-term career growth: plumbing. Skilled plumbers are in high demand across the country, and as older professionals retire, the need for new talent has never been greater. If you’re looking for a career that provides stability, excellent wages, and the chance to work with your hands, plumbing might be the perfect fit for you!
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