WBTO

A Big Thank You to Mitch Warren and Cascade Corporation! We are thrilled to announce that Cascade Corporation has generously donated six Miller Delta Weld 652 power stations to support high school welding programs! About the Equipment The Miller Delta Weld 652 is an industrial-grade welding power source, known for its durability and versatility. With an output range of 60-815 amps and a 100% duty cycle at 650 amps, these machines are designed for heavy-duty welding applications, making them an excellent resource for training future welders on industry-standard equipment. These units will provide students with hands-on experience across various metals and thicknesses, enhancing their skillsets and preparing them for successful careers in welding and metalworking. Considerations for Schools Before installation, schools will need to ensure: 1. Adequate infrastructure: These power stations require a three-phase power supply and sufficient space to operate safely. 2. Safety measures: Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and oversight are crucial to provide a safe learning environment. 3. Cost management: While the donation covers the machines, schools should plan for consumables and potential maintenance costs. Strategic Placement through Regional Needs Assessments At WBTO, we leverage our Regional Needs Assessments to strategically place these units where they will have the most impact. By understanding the specific needs of local schools and communities, we ensure that this generous donation maximizes its potential to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs in welding across Oregon and Washington. However, even if we aren't working in your region please don't hesitate to reach out if you feel these units could be of value to your manufacturing program. We are incredibly grateful to Cascade Corporation for their support and partnership in building a skilled workforce for the future. Together, we are making a difference! #ThankYou #CascadeCorporation #WeldingEducation #CTE #CareerTraining #ManufacturingExcellence #FutureWorkforce #Partnerships #ContinuousImprovement #WBTO Wayne Ikola

Aligning CTE with Local Workforce Needs: Key Insights from Recent Research At WBTO, our mission is to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs effectively prepare students for the workforce. A recent study by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, "How Aligned Is Career and Technical Education to Local Labor Markets?" provides compelling evidence that supports the work we're doing. The research highlights a crucial finding: students are more likely to enroll in CTE courses that align with fields supporting more local jobs. This underscores the importance of our Regional Needs Assessments (RNAs), which are designed to identify local labor market demands and align CTE programs accordingly. Why is this finding so powerful? 1. Local Job Alignment: The study reveals a strong positive correlation between local job availability and student CTE course enrollment. For instance, a 1% increase in local employment in a specific field significantly raises the likelihood of students taking courses in that field. This justifies our focus on tailoring CTE offerings to match local job market needs, ensuring students gain the skills required by local employers. 2. Strategic Course Development: By focusing on alignment, we can better guide CTE curriculum development to prepare students for in-demand jobs right in their communities. This not only enhances student employment prospects but also supports local economic growth. 3. Responsive and Relevant Education: Our approach ensures that CTE programs remain relevant and responsive to evolving industry needs. This finding supports our continuous efforts to engage local employers and stakeholders, keeping educational programs in sync with the skills and fields most likely to offer employment opportunities. The study’s insights are invaluable as we strive to connect education with real-world job opportunities, reinforcing the need for stronger alignment between high school CTE programs and local labor markets. Discover the full report and learn more about how aligning CTE with labor market demands can transform local economies and student futures: https://lnkd.in/gBTN7fjq Together, let's build a future where every student is equipped for the opportunities that await them in their local communities! #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #EducationInnovation #LocalEconomies #CTEAlignment #CommunityGrowth

Reflecting on our reach and impact in Manufacturing Education... I’m excited to share a glimpse into our ongoing journey at WBTO, where we’ve had the privilege of supporting 27 high schools across Oregon and Washington. Our endeavors have ranged from guiding future investments into manufacturing programs to training phenomenal instructors and repairing vital equipment. This map showcases the schools we’ve partnered with, each pin representing our commitment to empowering students with practical skills and new opportunities in the manufacturing field. A heartfelt thank you to our network and partners for supporting this mission. Your collaboration and dedication have been pivotal in shaping meaningful educational experiences. #CTE #EducationImpact #Manufacturing #WBTO #IndustryCollaboration #CareerDevelopment #HandsOnLearning

Exciting News for WBTO and our Partners! I’m thrilled to announce that Sarah Gibson has joined our team at WBTO! As we continue to develop effective partnerships around how we support strengthening STEM and CTE Manufacturing Programming in Oregon and Washington, Sarah brings a wealth of expertise to the table. With her background as a teacher for 10 years with Gresham-Barlow School District, she understands firsthand what it takes to deliver high-quality education and the support instructors need. In addition to her teaching experience, Sarah holds a Master of Education from Western Governors University, focusing on Instructional Design. Most recently, she worked at OMIC R&D, where she managed development of an innovative learning platform for manufacturing-related content utilizing AR, VR, and AI. As part of our team, Sarah will be supporting the implementation of our 3D Framework, providing project management expertise, and helping us improve our systems and processes. I’m impressed by her work ethic and skills – she’s already hit the ground running! All within her first week she drafted a high-quality grant application and submitted it at the very last hour! Please join me in welcoming Sarah to our team! We’re all excited to have her expertise and energy on board. Let’s make education more innovative, effective, and engaging for students everywhere! #CTE #Education #Innovation #STEM #OregonManufacturing

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Megan Dilson , CTE Manufacturing Instructor at Molalla High School to develop a customized CTE Instructor training plan and coordinate equipment repair services to continue enhancing skills training opportunities offered to students within Clackamas County. Many thanks to South Metro-Salem | STEM Partnership , Clackamas Education Service District , Clackamas Community College, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and WBTO Employer Partners for informing, funding, and supporting what this effort looks like. Dave Atherton, Bill Blevins, Julia Betts, Samir Randolph, Tom Brown

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Marlana Tizo, CTE Engineering Manufacturing Teacher at Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center, to develop a customized CTE Instructor training plan and coordinate equipment repair services to continue enhancing skills training opportunities offered to students within Clackamas County. Many thanks to South Metro-Salem | STEM Partnership, Clackamas Education Service District, Clackamas Community College, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and WBTO Employer Partners for informing, funding, and supporting what this effort looks like. Ajai Huja, Bill Blevins, Julia Betts, Samir Randolph, Tom Brown

This is a great inspiring video for students, educators, and manufacturers.