In this episode, Rachael Mann sits down with Mac Beaton, the Director of Workforce and Career Development for Henrico County Public Schools, to explore the transformative power of creative Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities. Henrico County students recently took on an ambitious project to renovate 48,000 sq ft of a mall in under a year, gaining invaluable commercial construction experience. This unique WBL opportunity not only provided hands-on skills but also allowed students to work closely with local businesses, showcasing the vital role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in today's educational landscape.
Mac Beaton shares his extensive experience in workforce and career development, starting from his days as an apprentice electrician at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard to his current role in Henrico County Schools. With 39 years in education, Mac has been a trailblazer, implementing innovative programs that bridge the gap between education and the workforce. He talks about the nationally recognized "CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day," which celebrates students entering the workforce, much like athletes on signing day, and how this initiative has shifted perceptions about the importance of CTE.
Tune in to hear how Mac's forward-thinking approach has led to award-winning projects and initiatives that are reshaping the future of workforce development. Learn about the impact of these programs and how they can be replicated in other communities to provide meaningful experiences for students.
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Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation in education and the power of hands-on learning experiences!
