Superintendent Susie Hedalen Celebrates Career and Technical Education Partnerships in Billings
Montana Office of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 02/27/2026 12:05 PM MST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2026
Contact: McKenna Gregg, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Superintendent Hedalen Celebrates Career and Technical Education Partnerships in Billings
HELENA, Mont.—As Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month comes to a close, Superintendent Susie Hedalen spent time in Billings seeing firsthand how Montana students are gaining skills that translate directly into future careers. Her visits to the Billings Career Center and Billings Clinic highlighted the growing momentum behind hands-on, work-based learning opportunities across the state.
During the tour of the Billings Career Center, Superintendent Hedalen observed students gaining real-world experience across a wide range of career pathways. From medical training and early childhood development to welding, plumbing, and other skilled trades, students are developing practical skills that prepare them for both postsecondary education and immediate entry into high-demand careers. The visit underscored the vital role Career and Technical Education plays in equipping students with the tools they need to succeed.
Superintendent Hedalen also participated in a healthcare immersion experience at Billings Clinic, where she gained deeper insight into the high demand for specialized medical personnel in communities across Montana. The experience highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships between schools and industry leaders to create clear pathways from the classroom to the workforce. Also in attendance were student leaders from Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), one of Montana’s Career and Technical Student Organizations supported by the Office of Public Instruction.
“Opportunities like these demonstrate how powerful Career and Technical Education can be for our students,” Hedalen said. “By connecting classroom learning to real-world careers, we are preparing both middle school and high school students for meaningful futures while strengthening Montana’s workforce.”
These visits reinforced the importance of expanding access to work-based learning across Montana and ensuring students in every community have the opportunity to explore meaningful career pathways. Superintendent Hedalen expressed appreciation for the educators, students, and industry partners whose leadership and collaboration help prepare the next generation of Montana’s workforce.
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McKenna Gregg
Communications Director
Montana Office of Public Instruction
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