Community colleges across Oregon raised awareness of career and technical education (CTE) programs throughout the month of February in honor of National CTE Month. The CTE programs at Clatsop Community College (CCC) play a critical role in supplying our region with a workforce to keep the economy and communities strong. Mayor Fitzpatrick of Astoria and Mayor Wright of Seaside both gave proclamations at their first meeting of February stating their declaration of the importance of CTE programs to our region’s economy. The College’s Board of Education also made proclamation of CTE Month and the importance of these career paths that lead to livable-wage jobs in our region at their February 14th board meeting.
CCC provides job training, degree and certificate programs, and upskilling in a variety of fields to support local community business and industry, including historic preservation, maritime, welding, nursing, fire science, criminal justice, business, and apprenticeships. CCC works closely with industry leaders in the community to make sure CTE program curriculums are on par with industry needs and the latest best practices. Many industry leaders sit on program advisory boards to collaborate with the college on what skills they need college graduates to have in their field.
CCC career and technical programs are customized to meet the unique needs of our surrounding communities. This ensures that the workforce receives the necessary skills and training essential for reinvigorating Oregon’s businesses and industries and filling key unfilled positions. According to a 2021-22 economic impact report from the national labor market analysis firm Lightcast, Clatsop Community College added $112.5 million to the state’s economy, and the colleges’ impact supported more than 1556 jobs. Essentially, one out of every 16 jobs in Clatsop County is supported by the activities of CCC and its students.
