A Pathway to Prosperity: Choose Blanson Career and Technical Education High School
Find out how your teens can study one of 17 programs that will prepare them for in-demand careers.
This is an architectural rendering of the Dr. Archie L. Blanson Career and Technical Education High School. The campus, which is set to open in fall 2018, is currently accepting applications.
[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]F[/dropcap]or teens that desire a unique learning experience, Blanson Career and Technical Education High School’s programs may be a good fit. The campus is set to open in fall 2018.
Vocational education across the U.S. has been undergoing changes over the last few years. Industry is becoming more involved in education. Companies are partnering with schools to align programs to meet their needs. Aldine ISD is helping shape that future with Blanson CTEHS. Students will have a chance to earn valuable college credits while still in high school. This combination helps high school graduates become more employable.
Fall 2017 — Workers are busy constructing Blanson CTEHS. The campus is located at 311 West Road (Houston 77038).
Blanson Career and Technical Education High School’s design is unique and modern. The challenge was to create flexible learning environments. These needed to support the skills necessary for competitive careers. The multimillion–dollar, state–of–the–art campus is currently under construction. When it opens in August, it will be one of the most innovative career and technical learning centers in the area.
Career Education With the Future Employer in Mind
In today’s economy, only 34 percent of jobs in the economy require a high school diploma or less. According to the U.S. Department of Education, future economies will need highly skilled workers. They will need to have strong academic foundation skills. And they will need considerable technical knowledge and skills. On top of that, they must have well-developed employability skills and attributes.
“The programs at Blanson CTE High School evolved from industry research,” said Principal Ben Ibarra. “We also looked at labor market data and took input from business partners. The goal is to train future workers who will close the skills gap in industry.
“These are fields that are in high demand now and have a growing demand in the future job market. Currently, there is a skilled worker shortage. An aging population is reducing the labor force. Companies are looking for talented, skilled workers to fill these needs.”
Deloris Golden, lead counselor at the campus, stated that students would receive specialized, practical experience in the classrooms and labs.
Click to learn how CTE programs prepare students for their future.
They will also receive hands-on training through internships. Staff will also work to develop students’ soft skills like communication, creativity, attitude and problem solving.
This high school teaches 17 different trades and provides real-world learning spaces. Graduates will leave with a specific skill such as machining, dental assistant, physical therapy assistant or construction. And most importantly, the programs will put students on a direct path to the middle class. The CTE programs also target STEM fields such as engineering and technology.
Nicole Theunissen, coordinator of campus and student initiatives, shared that students will be encouraged to pursue licenses and certifications. These will increase graduates’ employability and chances to land great jobs. However, Theunissen added that graduates should think long-term about their careers. With more training and education, they will further increase their opportunities in all kinds of careers. Individuals can potentially earn $40,000 to $60,000 annually within two years of training.
If a student has a particular interest in a career field offered at Blanson CTEHS, they should apply. This opportunity will give them an advantage.
Principal Ben Ibarra (far left) talks with students.
“Our graduates will be able to compete for those in–demand jobs. These fields offer opportunities here in Houston, across the U.S. and around the world,” said Ibarra.
“Our staff and partners will work to inspire students to achieve excellence.”
The campus will bear the name of Deputy Superintendent Dr. Archie L. Blanson. He has been supervising the campus’ progress with great interest.
Dr. Archie L. Blanson
“The goal is to keep Blanson CTE High School at the cutting edge of education,” said Blanson. “We want to ensure that the education we deliver to our students gives them the competitive advantage that they need to succeed in today‘s rapidly changing economy.
“When Blanson CTEHS graduates leave with their high school diplomas, licenses, certifications and college credits under their belts, they will possess the skills to make them marketable, employable, and desirable to college admissions officers and industry professionals alike.”
Current eighth, ninth and 10th grade students can apply to attend in fall 2018. Click to apply.
This is an image of Blanson CTEHS under construction in summer 2017. For information about the campus, programs and the application process, visit http://ctehs.aldineisd.org.
Your Future. Our Mission.
Discover the 17 programs at Blanson CTEHS. Click on the program to find out about industry certifications, partners and career pathways each program can lead to.
Instrumentation & Process Control Technology Program: Starting salary for a technician is $35,000 to $45,000. With additional education and training, an engineer can potentially earn more than $80,000. (Click)
Distribution & Logistics Program: Starting salary for a specialist is $34,000 to $35,000. With additional training, education and experience an individual can make more than $60,000. A manager can potentially earn between $80,000 to $100,000. (Click)
Machining Program: Starting salary for a machinist is $45,000 to $50,000. A CNC operator/programmer can earn between $50,000 to $60,000. A mechanical and machining engineer can potentially earn more than $65,000. (Click)
HVAC & Refrigeration Program: Starting salary $40,000 to $41,000. Individuals can potentially earn more than $60,000. (Click)
Collision Repair Program: Starting salary is $52,000 to $53,000 with individuals potentially earning more than $65,000. (Click)
Diesel Technology Program: Starting salary is $45,000 to $54,000. The median salary is $52,000 with a potential to earn more than $57,000. (Click)
Hospitality Services Program: There are job opportunities in Houston, across the country and abroad. Depending on the position, the starting salary is $16,000 to more than $79,000.
Animation Program: Starting salary is $28,000 to more than $75,000.
Audio Video Production Program: Starting salary is $28.000 to more than $75,000.
Computer Programming & Game Design Program: Starting salary is $42,000 to more than $60,000.
Construction Program: Starting salary is $35,000 to $45,000.
Dental Assistant Program: Starting salary is $32,000 to more than $71,000.
Emergency Medical Technical Program: Starting salary is more than $30,000.
Industrial Robotics & Automation Technology: Starting salary is more than $50,000.
Personal Care Technician Program: Starting salary is $22,000 to more than $33,000.
Physical Therapy Assistant Program: Starting salary is $42,000 to more than $67,000.
Welding Program: Starting salary is $32,000 to $42,000.
About the Author: Leticia Fehling
