Voices of CTE: Real Stories, Real Impact
At Center Line High School, Career & Technical Education (CTE) isn’t just about preparing students for a job; it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and shaping futures. Whether students pursue careers in skilled trades, public service, or education, the hands-on experiences they gain in CTE provide them with invaluable skills. Here’s what students, alumni, and industry partners have to say about its impact.
Alicia Chase — Senior
“While my future career goal is to become a corporate lawyer, CTE has given me more than I could have imagined. Through JROTC, law enforcement, EMT, and firefighting courses, I’ve gained leadership skills, learned to stay calm in high-pressure situations, and developed teamwork abilities that will serve me well in law school and beyond. Earning certifications has also provided me with a way to pay for college and a strong backup plan. These programs give students confidence, career ideas, and the motivation to chase their goals.”
Joe Schonter — Senior
“Before I found my passion for welding, I was lost. I thought I wanted to be a forensic scientist, but I realized I wasn’t meant for a desk job; I needed hands-on work. When I discovered the welding program at CLHS, everything changed. It gave me direction, a strong work ethic, and a clear career path. Now, I’m accepted into the welding program at Ohio Technical College and have dreams of becoming an industrial welder, all thanks to this class.”
Olivia Debczak — Alumni
“CTE is an incredible opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and explore career paths before graduating. As a high school senior, the educational careers program helped me discover my passion for education. That experience led me to pursue teaching, and I recently graduated from Wayne State University. Today, I’m a district substitute teacher at the same school where I was once an elementary student. CTE gave me the confidence and real-world exposure to step into my career with a clear direction.”
Nick Laux — Industry partner
“Casadei Steel’s partnership with CTE has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve hosted student tours, offered internships, donated materials, and hired multiple students into full-time positions. Watching students develop their skills and passion for the industry fuels our own workforce and boosts morale within our company. CTE isn’t just training students—it’s building the next generation of skilled professionals.” From students discovering new passions to alumni finding success and industry partners hiring top talent, CTE at Center Line High School is making a real impact. These programs equip students with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed no matter where their paths lead.
Article written by Center Line High School for the Macomb Daily.
