The Center for Career and Technical Education at Somerville High School will host its annual Vocational Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 22. The event offers students and parents a chance to learn about the many programs offered and a chance to tour the facilities.

In September of 1985, a new comprehensive vocational program model opened at Somerville High School, thus the beginning of The Center for Career and Technical Education. Gone were the days when only young men could benefit from a career and technical education program designed to help prepare youth for a wide range of career options. Today, walk into the Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing at Somerville High School and what you’ll likely see is male and female students working side by side in automotive, carpentry, electrical, machine technology, metal fabrication and welding, culinary arts, information support services and networking, or graphic and visual communications. You will also likely find students of both genders learning career skills in cosmetology, architectural design and dental assisting. Students may be part of the health careers program, studying to be a nurse or fulfilling their aspirations of becoming a teacher by completing the early education & childcare program.

Today’s competitive job market dictates the need for constant updating of careers and pathways and keeping informed of the latest practices.  Staying ahead of the competition involves being current on career-path trends, keeping up with technological advances and keeping up to date on specific job skills. The Center for Career and Technical Education has a strong community advisory committee, led by Chairman Tom Bent and Co-chairman Ron Bonney, that helps ensure CTE students are current on skills and practices that will give them a competitive edge. Each program also has its own advisory committee, comprised of industry partners, parents, students, alumni and post-secondary members. Each individual advisory committee shares employment trends, job outlook, post-secondary opportunities and a continuous review of program equipment and curriculum. Department committees meet twice a year, while the general committee meets three times annually.