Industry Recognized Certificates/Credentials
Students have the potential to earn an industry recognized certificates and credentials through their experiences in our CTE programs. The following certificates and credentials could include the following:
Employability Skills
While enrolled in the Engineering (STEM) program, students will be expected to work on various employability skills that could be related to the industry recognized certificate / credentials listed above. See some examples of how students will work on these skills below:
- Problem-Solving Skills
Engineers often encounter complex problems and challenges in their work, such as designing a more efficient product or resolving technical issues. They need strong problem-solving skills to analyze these issues, identify potential solutions, and implement the best one. For instance, a mechanical engineer might be tasked with improving the energy efficiency of a manufacturing process, requiring them to assess the current system, identify inefficiencies, and propose modifications to enhance performance.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Engineering projects are typically collaborative efforts involving multidisciplinary teams. Engineers must work effectively with colleagues, including other engineers, scientists, and project managers. They need to communicate ideas, share information, and coordinate their efforts to achieve project goals. For example, in the development of a new software application, software engineers, hardware engineers, and quality assurance professionals must collaborate closely to ensure that the product is designed, built, and tested successfully.
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
Engineering work often requires analyzing data, conducting experiments, and making critical decisions based on evidence. Engineers must have strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate information and draw sound conclusions. For instance, civil engineers involved in designing a bridge need to analyze various factors, such as the bridge's intended use, environmental conditions, and material properties, to ensure the structure's safety and stability.
CTSO Applications
Students who enroll in a course within the Engineering (STEM) program have the opportunity to engage in in a CTSO. Below are some potential applications to a CTSO that student could be involved when participating in this CTE program:
- VEX Robotics
VEX competitions are also a great way to expose students to valuable soft skills like communication, collaboration and time-management in a fun and authentic way. The VEX Robotics competition prepares students to become future innovators with 95% of participants reporting an increased interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM-related careers. Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship each April!
- TSA: Engineering Design
Participants develop a solution to an annual theme that is based on a specific challenge noted by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in its compilation of the grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century. The solution will include a documentation portfolio, a display, and a model/prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.
- SkillsUSA: Engineering Technology-Design
Students demonstrate their ability to design an innovative engineering project and present those ideas along with a display and live model. During the presentation, students are judged on their performance as a professional team, presentation of their project to a panel of judges from the engineering field, their storyboard presentation model, and the overall effect of the presentation.