Sumner County Schools – Career & Technical Education Advisory Council
Created in 2014 and Chaired by the President of Forward Sumner under the auspices of the Director of Schools. The Council is made of the private sector members including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, business, finance , and logistics , and a CTE representative from each high school. The Council is now a ‘subcabinet’ of the Forward Sumner Workforce Cabinet.
Purpose and Key Achievements
- Workforce Alignment: Connects businesses and educators to align CTE programs with emerging job needs.
- Program Expansion: Informs dual enrollment and work-based learning initiatives, linking students to real-world experiences.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Uses the Workforce Intelligence Template (WIT) to guide strategic improvements in local workforce readiness.
- Industry Certifications: Boosted student certifications from 111 in 2016 to 1,732 by the end of 2024, spanning multiple career pathways.
- Growing Partnerships: Supports expansion of programs at TCAT-Portland (e.g., welding, HVAC) in response to employer demand.
CTE Career Coaches
In the 2023–2024 school year, Sumner County Schools employs 137 CTE high school teachers and 9 dedicated CTE Career Coaches. Working closely with local employers and postsecondary partners, these coaches facilitate real-world learning through industry tours, campus visits, and critical networking for both students and teachers.
1,496
Industry Contacts
51
Industry Tours
(1,653 Students)
201
Campus Visits
(1,555 Students)
These numbers reflect robust outreach efforts—coaches guide students to explore career interests, acquire industry-recognized credentials, and build confidence through hands-on participation in local businesses and postsecondary settings.
As a subcabinet of the Forward Sumner Workforce Cabinet, the CTE Advisory Council continues to strengthen Sumner County’s workforce pipeline through collaborative partnerships and data-driven strategies. By actively connecting education with industry, our community remains a premier destination for building future talent and fostering long-term economic vitality.