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METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
February 27, 2025
CTE Newsletter Vol. 11 Issue 5
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- Why CTE Matters
- SVCTE Spotlight
- SVAE Student Spotlight
- SkillsUSA Regionals: 87 Medals, 128 State Qualifiers
- HOSA Regionals: 18 State Qualifiers
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- Evergreen Valley College Tour
- SVCTE High Tea Video
- Safe Zone Environment
- SVCTE 25-26 Registration Open
- Solar Project In Progress
- New SVAE Course
- March 21 Campus Tour
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Hello Erin,
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the importance of CTE in preparing students for both the workforce and higher education. Schools, communities, and organizations highlight the value of CTE programs in offering diverse career pathways, from healthcare and electric vehicles to construction. CTE plays a key role in supporting the local economy by providing students with the skills to meet labor market demands, ensuring businesses have access to a skilled workforce, and contributing to economic stability.
CTE offers students clear pathways to immediate job opportunities and college readiness. Programs like those at MetroED provide practical, career-specific training in fields with high demand, helping students earn industry certifications and college credits, which smooths their transition into further education or the workforce. MetroED’s focus on career-focused learning in healthcare, electrical vehicles, and construction helps students build the skills employers need while preparing them for higher education success.
CTE Month also raises awareness about the demand for skilled workers and MetroED’s role in bridging the gap between education and industry. Through our programs, MetroED empowers students to contribute directly to the local economy by providing the in-demand skills that employers are seeking.
Our 28 CTE courses at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) and Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE) span across 11 industry sectors. With a 96 percent graduation rate and higher lifetime earnings for those pursuing associate degrees in CTE fields, the impact of these programs is undeniable.
Join us this month as we feature our incredible CTE Teachers! They'll be sharing why they're so passionate about teaching and how they’re making a lasting impact on students' lives. Get ready to be inspired by their words, dedication, and the difference they make daily!
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll read about how CTE is helping students like Manjeetpal Singh earn national recognition and how others excelled in the SkillsUSA and HOSA regional competitions. You’ll also learn about our new grant-funded Medical Terminology with ESL Support class at SVAE, opening doors for English language learners to enter healthcare careers.
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Want to discover eye-opening CTE facts, inspiring student success stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the hands-on learning that’s shaping future careers? Follow us on social media and stay connected with all the exciting things happening at MetroED!
While CTE Month allows us to celebrate, the work happening here continues all year long. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue supporting CTE as we empower the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders!
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Erin O'Neill
Superintendent
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The Power of Career and Technical Education:
Why CTE Matters
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MetroED’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program plays a vital role in addressing skilled labor shortages in Silicon Valley. A growing population and increasing construction demands have intensified workforce gaps, driving up building costs. According to a Workforce Shortage Survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, 94 percent of respondents reported open positions for craft workers, a rise from 85 percent in 2023. Additionally, 79 percent are struggling to fill salaried positions, up from 69 percent last year.
Beyond construction, the healthcare sector is also experiencing significant shortages. A Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) report projected that California would face a deficit of 78,610 full-time Registered Nurses (RNs) this year, with the shortfall expected to be 63,720 by 2030. By 2035, California is projected to be among the 10 states with the largest nursing shortages.
These labor shortages in both construction and healthcare highlight the urgent need for a well-trained workforce across multiple industries.
Recognizing this demand, MetroED is committed to strengthening the workforce pipeline by equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand careers. Through specialized CTE programs led by industry professionals, students receive hands-on training in fields such as hospitality, healthcare, transportation, clean diesel, HVAC, and construction. By bridging the gap between education and industry, MetroED helps fill critical roles essential to Silicon Valley’s economic growth.
In addition to meeting workforce demands, at MetroED’s 26-acre campus, students gain hands-on experience using industry-grade equipment, participating in internships at health clinics and dental offices, and earning certifications that enhance their employability. These include the ServSafe Food Handler certification (Culinary Arts), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certification (Fire Science/First Responder), and CPR/AED certification (Fire Science/First Responder, Sports Medicine and Kinesiology).
Whether students choose to enter the workforce directly or continue their education, MetroED’s CTE programs provide the skills, confidence, and experience needed for success. By offering comprehensive training and industry-aligned certifications, MetroED ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of an ever-changing job market.
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SVCTE Student Recognized in Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s Congressional App Challenge | |
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Manjeetpal Singh, a Pharmacy Technician student at SVCTE and a Evergreen Valley High School senior in East Side Union High School District recently achieved recognition for his participation in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 19th Congressional District. He was honored during a reception hosted by Congressman Jimmy Panetta for his groundbreaking app, MedCalen. MedCalen addresses a common but critical issue: medication management.
Read the News Release
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Student Juan Carlos Briceño Muñoz Shares His Journey with SVAE | |
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Meet Juan Carlos Briceño Muñoz, a former SVAE student preparing for a new chapter as he returns to Venezuela. As the new year continues, he reflects on how his experience at SVAE has shaped his future.
When SVAE student Juan Carlos Briceño Muño moved to San Jose in 2022, he knew that improving his English was essential to integrating into the community, supporting his daughters' education, and advancing his career. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance and a degree in business administration, he faced a significant language barrier in pursuing professional opportunities. Enrolling in SVAE’s English as a Second Language (ESL) classes was a crucial step in overcoming that challenge.
“My time at SVAE means growth, opportunity, and gratitude. It reminded me that learning is a lifelong journey and that with dedication, anything is possible. Beyond the English lessons, SVAE helped me see the priorities I needed to focus on to achieve my goals.”
Read Full Story
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87 Medal at SkillsUSA Regionals and 128 Qualify for State Competition
Two hundred and twenty-five SVCTE center students put their talents to the test at the recent SkillsUSA regional competitions, held virtually on five Saturdays from January 11 to February 8 and January 17. They demonstrated their expertise across a range of 30 career and technical competitions, which included Baking and Pastry Arts to Crime Scene Investigation, Cybersecurity, Dental Assisting, Digital Cinema Production, Medical Assisting, Pin Design, Robotics, Welding, Woodworking, and Firefighting. Contestants sent resumes, took a SkillsUSA essentials quiz, completed a competency test in their industry content, and performed skills assessments virtually, live or recorded. Students were evaluated against industry standards, like Occupation Health and Safety (OSHA) and related technical math.
Thirty-six students took gold while 26 earned silver and 25 earned bronze. A total of 128 students earned top scores to qualify for the state competition April 10 to 13 in Ontario, CA. They will compete against the five other regions of California. The gold medalists at that conference will attend the National Leadership & Skills Conference, June 23 to 27 in Atlanta, GA.
Read the News Release
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18 SVCTE Students Qualify for HOSA State Competition | |
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One hundred and twenty-two students from SVCTE recently showcased their skills at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals regional competition, held January 13 to 17. Based on their performance, 18 students qualified for the state competition, which will take place in Sacramento, CA, from March 27 to 29.
“Participating in CTSOs like HOSA takes learning in career and technical programs beyond the classroom, giving students real-world experience, leadership opportunities, and the chance to showcase their skills at a higher level,” said MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill. “We are proud of the 122 MetroED students who are embracing this opportunity to grow and excel in the healthcare field.”
Read the News Release
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SVAE Adult Learners Visit Evergreen Valley College | |
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A group of 62 adult learners from our ESL Advanced, ESL Intermediate High, GED, and High School Diploma classes embarked on a field trip to Evergreen Valley College (EVC). This marked their first visit to the college, offering students a firsthand look at the opportunities available in higher education.
Guided by EVC representatives and a transition specialist, students toured the campus and learned about the college’s diverse programs and resources. They also attended a presentation featuring outreach/recruitment specialists, a disability support programs and services (DSPS) representative, and the wellness center.
Field trips play a crucial role in expanding our students’ perspectives and motivating them to take the next step in their academic journeys. Seeing college life in action gives them the confidence and knowledge to pursue further education and career opportunities.
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SVCTE Students Lead High Tea Event | |
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SVCTE Culinary Arts and Fashion Design & Textile Art students collaborated with a student-led High Tea Event, captured by the advanced Film & Video Production students in this video.
The event featured a meet and greet with the fashion students, who displayed their portfolios, followed by lunch consisting of restaurant-quality dishes and a uniquely decorated cake for each table. This event allowed students to demonstrate their technical expertise in a real-world setting, many of whom were providing services like this for the first time. The video documenting the event highlights the planning, collaboration, and execution required for such an affair, providing a glimpse into the practical skills students are developing at SVCTE.
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MetroED News and Highlights | |
MetroED Governing Board Reaffirms Commitment to a Safe Zone Environment | |
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On January 15, 2025, the MetroED Governing Board passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a Safe Zone Environment across our schools and facilities. The resolution is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.
At MetroED, we believe that every student, employee, and community member deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. We recognize that a safe and inclusive environment is essential to academic success and well-being. As a district, we will continue working together to uphold these values and provide resources that support our students and employees. This resolution underscores our commitment to:
✔ Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and staff, regardless of background, identity, or immigration status.
✔ Protecting student and employee rights and privacy under federal and state laws.
✔ Providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of background, identity, or immigration status.
✔ Ensuring that our campus remains a place where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect so that every individual can thrive.
To uphold this resolution, we have taken steps to ensure additional support. These include training for staff. We also have Red Cards that provide information on the rights of immigrants and Yellow Cards that provide resources for families. We will be updating our webpage to include resources for our students and their families as well.
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Registration Open for SVCTE 2025-26 School Year
Check out our 24 diverse programs across 11 industry sectors for the 2025-2026 school year. See our 2025-2026 courses brochure, available online. Registration is currently open for all 10th through 12th grade students in Santa Clara County soon. Contact your home high school for more information. Visit our website for more details.
Whether students are interested in fields like healthcare, construction, culinary arts, veterinary science, or fashion design, there are opportunities to explore industry-specific learning experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges in both college and careers.
| MetroED’s Solar Project Underway | |
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Our solar project is officially in progress, bringing lasting benefits to our programs and community. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability by reducing energy costs and promoting environmental responsibility. By harnessing solar energy, we will lower our carbon footprint while generating long-term savings.
Beyond sustainability, this project also enhances campus safety and comfort. The new solar arrays will provide improved lighting in our parking lots and offer much-needed shade during the hot summer months. Installation will take place in three phases, with transformer installation planned for Spring 2026.
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New Medical Terminology Class Helps ESL Students | |
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SVAE is offering its first-ever Medical Terminology with English as a Second Language (ESL) Support course, designed to help English learners build a foundation for careers in healthcare. Co-taught by Luz Maria Gamboa (medical assisting) and Alan Duperrault (ESL), the course teaches students how to understand and use medical terminology while improving their English skills. By integrating language instruction with specialized vocabulary, students gain the confidence to pursue further training in the medical field.
Funded by the ELL Pathway grant, this free course provides a pathway for English learners to access living-wage jobs in healthcare. “We’re working every week to collaborate and support students,” said Duperrault. Gamboa emphasized the importance of precision in medical language, noting that pronunciation and spelling can directly impact patient care.
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For many students, this class is a second chance at a healthcare career. Jesse Garcia, who studied medical assisting when SVCTE was CCOC 12 years ago, shared, “When I saw this class, I was ecstatic—it’s motivating me to get back into what I started.” Nicole Rodriguez, an ESL learner, admitted the terminology was challenging at first but has since gained confidence. “The first day was very hard, but now I understand more. I love medicine, and this class is helping me reach my goals.”
Interested in learning more? Click here for more information.
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Sign Up to Attend Final Tour on March 21 | |
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Visitors can get an inside look at how our programs prepare high school and adult students for higher education and the workforce during a tour of the SVCTE campus. Attendees will experience cutting-edge programs and equipment firsthand. Join us for our last tour of the year:
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March 21: 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
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As Northern California’s largest career-focused education center, we proudly offer programs across multiple industry sectors, including Arts & Media, Healthcare, Technology, and more. See how we are shaping the future of both high school and adult students through workforce development.
Take a sneak peek at our state-of-the-art programs and watch this one-minute video.
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Positions are Available at MetroED!
We are currently seeking applicants that would be an excellent fit for our team. The district pays full health benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including dental, life, and an employee assistance program. You can click below to learn more.
MetroED Current Openings
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MetroED Governing Board Information | |
MetroED Governing Board Meeting
To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our webpage. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.
Next meeting: Wed., March 12 at 6:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201
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February | CTE Month
February | Black History Month
March | Women’s History Month
March 21 | MetroED Campus Tours (9 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)
March 31 | Cesar Chavez Day (Observed)
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