MADISON – Today, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen celebrated February as Career and Technical Education Month during visits to Lynde & Harry Bradley Technology & Trade High School in Milwaukee and Gateway Technical College's SC Johnson iMET Center in Sturtevant.

"Career and Technical Education programs like those offered at Bradley Tech High School and Gateway Technical College provide students with the opportunity to gain experience and develop workplace skills, giving them an edge when they pursue their career goals in the future," Secretary Ray Allen said.

Governor Walker proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month to highlight and encourage CTE programs throughout Wisconsin's K-12 system. Throughout the month, DWD has partnered with the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Technical College System to build awareness of CTE programs that are benefiting students and employers alike.

Career and technical education provides Wisconsinites with school-to-career connections and is the backbone of a strong, well-educated workforce, which fosters productivity in business and industry, and contributes to Wisconsin's position in the international marketplace.

At Bradley Tech, Secretary Allen met with students, instructors and employers at a tour of their new “Design & Build” space which houses the Build motorcycle club. Bradley Tech has spent months preparing for implementation next year, with programs in manufacturing, welding, engineering, construction, and IT/web and digital communications.

At Gateway Technical College, Secretary Allen toured the SC Johnson Integrated Manufacturing and Engineering Technology (iMET) Center, and participated in a panel discussion of High School Machine Tool Operator Boot Camps supported by Wisconsin Fast Forward-Blueprint for Prosperity funding. The panel included students, businesses, workforce development partners and educators.

Recently, DWD announced a third round of Wisconsin Fast Forward–Blueprint for Prosperity grants to support worker training programs for high school pupils. Applications for up to $3 million in grants are now available.

DWD will accept applications through March 16 for employer-driven collaborations with school districts, educational partners and/or technical colleges to train and hire high school pupils.

Find out more about High School Pupil grants