After another challenging fall and winter, the spring is not too far away. Spring always ushers in hope for new beginnings and a chance for renewal.
For this spring, we expect to post new guidance provided by the Minnesota Safety Guidance Resource and the revised Trade & Industry Frameworks. I have included the framework matrix below used to outline the foundations and connections between various program areas (Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, Communications Technology) that make up Trade & Industry. More to follow!
In this newsletter, I have information about new conferences and events. There are also reminders about professional development opportunities, grant/scholarship opportunities, and summer workshops.
I will keep sending out information, but feel free to connect if you have anything you want to share about these topics or something else that keeps you up at nights!
Take care, stay safe, and have a great journey till spring!
Tim Barrett
|
Back to top
SkillsUSA Minnesota has a New Executive Director
Tim Friedrich is the new Executive Director for SkillsUSA Minnesota. He has worked in both secondary and postsecondary education. SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization devoted to building a strong workforce. Participating students are typically pursuing eventual careers in the skilled trades, but enter all fields of work with the technical, personal and workplace skills needed to be top-notch employees!
Tim is happy to speak to anyone with questions regarding membership or SkillsUSA in general. Contact him at executive.director@mnskillsusa.org or by phone at 612-405-3404.
|
Inventory of Funded Programs to Support Education Workforce
An online resource "Diversifying the Teacher Workforce: Inventory of Funded Programs" was created by Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), the Office of Higher Education (OHE) and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to provide a high-level overview of funded programs that could be utilized locally to support and diversify the CTE educator workforce. This resource is a living document that will be edited and revised as appropriate.
Real Time Talent Minnesota Career & Technical Education Pathway Reports
Career and Technical Education: Workforce Trends and Careers of Tomorrow – These new regional labor market reports and corresponding presentations support navigating changes in local labor markets due to COVID-19, and explore how these changes may impact enrollment, industry, career advancement, and the needed programs of study by region of Minnesota.
Computer Science in Minnesota
Code.org released their annual report "2021 State of Computer Science Education: Accelerating Action Through Advocacy" which says that Minnesota is the worst state in the nation for access to Computer Science. The Minnesota Computer Science Teachers’ Association is calling for teachers to advocate for Computer Science classes and join CSTA Minnesota for a free membership.
Back to top
MDE Trade and Industry Professional Development
A number of professional development opportunities were offered this fall and winter for Trade and Industry teachers. I will be working on new offerings for this spring and summer. Feel free to suggest further topics for discussion. Send any ideas to Tim Barrett (timothy.barrett@state.mn.us).
Grill Tim – Trade and Industry Office Hours
I will be offering an open session on the third Tuesday of each month to allow T&I teachers to ask any questions you might have or to raise any issues you would like to discuss.
Day: Third Tuesday of the month
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
No registration necessary. Join the monthly Office Hours meeting (Microsoft Teams).
|
Save the Date! 2MTEC Manufacturing Educator Conference
|
The Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence is holding a three-day, high-impact conference specifically designed for career and technical educators and postsecondary educators at the Anoka Technical College. The event will provide leading-edge industry knowledge and educational techniques for teaching in-demand CTE skills. Topics will include machining, mechatronics, tool and die, employability skills, welding, and more! Check out the 2MTEC Conference website for more information. |
|
 |
SCSU WBL License Option/Summer Workshops
St. Cloud State University (SCSU)'s Department of Environmental and Technological Studies offers a number of online and in-person courses to assist Trade and Industry teachers with licensure, now including courses for a work-based learning endorsement.
Please check the SCSU website for more information and to register.
Siemens Summer Teacher Trainings
You are invited to attend the Siemens Virtual Training Symposium. All trainings will be based on 40 contact hours to help secondary school teachers with the skills and confidence necessary to deliver the Siemens Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Automation or Mechatronics and the Internet of Things (IoT) curriculum both in the classroom and virtually. The curriculum, CAD, and teacher training are all free. For more information, please contact Tom at tomwhitestem@gmail.com.
Offer Mobile Computer Science Principles for College Credit in Your High School Next Year!
Minnesota high schools can partner with Southwest Minnesota State's College Now program to offer Mobile CSP for college credit. Eligible teachers will receive professional development and the full curriculum at no cost, thanks to a National Science Foundation grant. Schools and teachers must agree to offer the course the following academic year and recruit students to enroll. For more information, visit the Mobile CSP website. To apply, email Prof. Dan Kaiser at dan.kaiser@smsu.edu.
|
Content Creators Cohort
Anoka Technical College is offering a live and online evening class this spring about everything you'll need to get started in photography, videography, drone operations, marketing, graphic design, social media and more! The course launches on February 15, 2022. Go to the Content Creators Cohort website for more information and to sign up.
Back to top
Women in Construction Week
WIC WEEK 2022 is an opportunity to share appreciation, celebrate our diversity and facilitate connections in our industry. The MSP-St Paul Chapter of NAWIC invites all interested to learn and explore careers in the construction industry with a weeklong series of educational events and networking activities which highlight the many opportunities available for women – and emphasize the growing role of women in the construction industry. All events are free, but space is limited. Register at the Eventbrite site – Search "MN WIC WEEK 2022" or visit the WIC Minnesota Chapter website for more information.
|
Regional Engineering Machine Design Contest
Minnesota Engineering Center of Excellence is hosting an engineering design contest near you! The competition is open to 6th-8th-grade teams and 9th-12th-grade teams. Regional contests and locations are posted on the Engineering Center of Excellence webpage along with the contest Handbook. For additional information, contact Melissa A. Huppert, STEM Outreach Director.
African American Registry
The African American Registry (AAREG) is the most comprehensive online database resource of African American heritage in the world, and originated and is located right here in Minnesota. The searchable registry includes information about the diverse people who have impacted the Trade & Industry community. You can find the registry and other resources at the AAREG website.
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships
The Career & Technical Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students who have faced and overcame great obstacles in their lives and who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit postsecondary institution in the United States. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies.
The Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education Scholarship application will open on March 15 with a priority deadline of June 15 each year. Should spaces remain, the application will remain open until all scholarships are awarded. Please refer to the CTE Scholarship page to confirm the current application status.
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the recipient. Complete details are available at the Horatio Alger Association Scholarship webpage.
2022 PIM Scholarship Application Due April 1, 2022
The Printing Industry Midwest Education Foundation will soon be accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year. Completed scholarship applications are due April 1, 2022. PIM Scholarships are available to students pursuing a two- or four-year degree in Graphic Communication-related majors. This includes:
- Press Operation,
- Print Management,
- Graphic Design,
- and other degrees involving print.
The applicant must reside in the state of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota or North Dakota. For more information, visit the PIM website.
Learn about HVAC careers
Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company is focused on working with the education community to help spread the word about the HVAC industry. They would love to partner with you to bring awareness of an exciting and growing career field for your students. A representative from the company will share a brief presentation and lead some hands-on exercises that paint a picture of what it is like to work as an HVAC technician. Please feel free to call or text Greg Olson on his cell phone at 612-508-3173 or email him at greg.olson@auersteel.com to start the process.
|
Register for Postsecondary Communications Technology Programs
Mesabi Range College in Eveleth is offering both in-person and remote options for courses in Photography, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and more! Check out the Mesabi Range College website for more information.
MHCA Scholarship
The Minnesota Heating & Cooling Association (MHCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the HVAC industry. The MHCA will once again be offering MHCA scholarships to students pursuing a career in the HVAC field. Individuals who are seeking a career in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) field are invited to apply.
Multiple $1,000.00 scholarships may be available. Applications are due May 31, 2022.
Construction Career Scholarships
A great number of Minnesota’s construction-related associations offer scholarships for young people seeking careers in the industry. Check out the Project Build MN website for organizations that are offering scholarships. Take a look!
Tech Trac Student Sponsorship Program
Luther Tech Trac is a program dedicated to supporting a select group of the best and brightest students who have shown passion and ambition for a career in the Automotive Technician fields. Find benefits and requirements at the Luther Tech Trac website.
Back to top
MDE Trade and Industry Page
Check out the webpage at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for Trade and Industry for the most recent information about the various topics concerning Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas of Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Communications Technology.
Drones and Wildfires Resource
There is important information available about temporary restrictions that exist around flying drones near firefighting sites. Check out material about restricted airspace around wildfires at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) website or the United States Forest Service webpage.
New Resources Available from NCAT
The National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) has been busy adding Course Curriculum resources to their online library. Included are complete course packages, as well as activities, lectures, lesson plans, student guides are more. These cost-free resources are available for download. Interested in sharing your course curriculum with the AT community? NCAT has made this simple by adding the "Submit a Resource" feature to our website.
Green Careers for a Changing Climate
The Green Careers for a Changing Climate Instructional Supplement from Climate Generation contains resources to help young people grades 6-8 learn about Green STEM Careers – careers that can help solve climate change impacts using STEM skills. Includes connections to Project Drawdown solutions and can be used in any subject area!
Check Out These Additional Career Exploration or Curriculum Resources:
Back to top
Online Learning Resource Center
Check the Online Learning Resource Center (OLRC) for updates or new resources. You can also share your thoughts, questions, and additional resources at OLRCfeedback@minnstate.edu.
Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence Teacher Facebook Page
A Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence Teacher Facebook page is available specifically for teachers of transportation to ask specific questions about online learning challenges.
MTEEA Facebook Page
The Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association (MTEEA) also hosts an MTEEA Facebook page for teachers to ask specific questions about online learning challenges.
Back to top
Want to let folks know about a great project or new program or initiative? Know of a great resource or professional development opportunity you would like to share? Have a burning question that needs answering?
Let me know about it so I can include it in an upcoming newsletter. If you have images that go with the information, please send it along to Tim Barrett (timothy.barrett@state.mn.us).
Back to top
Professional Organizations:
- International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) – Find more information at the ITEEA website.
- Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) – Learn more at the ACTE website.
Minnesota-Based Partner Organizations:
- Midwest Teachers of Transportation and Industrial Areas (MTTIA) – Sign up to join at the MTTIA website.
- Minnesota Technology and Engineering Education Association (MTEEA) – Get more information at the MTEEA website.
- SkillsUSA Minnesota – For more information, visit the Minnesota chapter of SkillsUSA at the SkillsUSA Minnesota website.
- Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Administrators (MACTA) – Check out how MACTA helps support CTE on the MACTA website.
Minnesota State’s Centers of Excellence
Explore the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence.
Labor Market Infographics
This page has links to a number of helpful infographics that provide key data to parents concerning the value of CTE career pathways.
RealTime Talent Minnesota Career & Technical Education Pathway Reports
These labor market reports and corresponding presentations provide future trends in workforce needs by regions of Minnesota.
DEED Regional Labor Market Profiles
Downloadable information about jobs/careers most needed per state region.
Advisory Committee Handbook
This handbook was developed to help build and sustain a strong and active advisory committee.
Back to top
|
