Hi, I’m Ryan Huseby, the principal at Tomahawk High School (THS). We’re excited about the diverse career pathways we offer our students.
At THS, students can explore a range of fields like Business, Healthcare, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, and more. We have over 38 Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses available. These classes don’t just teach skills; they also help students earn college credits, industry certifications, and gain real-world experience.
One of the standout features of our CTE program is the chance to earn college credits while still in high school. Currently, students can accumulate more than 53 college credits through CTE courses. This is a fantastic way to save money and time on college education. Students who join the workforce right after graduation also benefit significantly, as they gain advanced training that makes them more competitive in the job market.
Did you know that THS students complete dual credit courses at a much higher rate than the state average? About 56.6% of our students take these courses, compared to just 25.7% statewide. In the 2023-24 school year, we had 409 enrollments in dual credit courses.
In addition to academic credits, our students can earn industry-recognized certifications in areas like welding, automotive safety, Microsoft Office, and Certified Nursing Assistant. In the 2023-24 school year, THS students earned 144 certifications, exceeding the state average for this kind of achievement. These certifications make them more appealing to employers and increase their chances of career advancement.
Our Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs provide hands-on experience under the guidance of professionals. For instance, our Youth Apprenticeship program allows students to work while completing coursework for high school credit. In the 2023-24 school year, we had over 43 students participating, making THS one of the top schools in our area for this program.
This February, in honor of CTE Month, we’re hosting a Guest Speaker Blitz. Professionals from various fields will share insights about their careers, helping students understand what it takes to succeed in different jobs. These sessions are a great opportunity for students to connect with real-world experiences.
We also encourage families to engage in discussions about careers. Share your own experiences and talk about what has shaped your professional journey. These conversations can provide valuable guidance and inspiration for students as they plan their futures.
Let’s embrace CTE Month by exploring these exciting opportunities and preparing our students for a bright future!
