GGUSD Announces New Skilled Trades Career Pathway

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Trustee Walter Muneton, Superintendent Gabriela Mafi, Board President Teri Rocco

Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) leaders unveiled a brand-new four-year Skilled Trades Career Pathway during a special Building Bright Futures event on September 25 at Rancho Alamitos High School.

Board of Education President Teri Rocco shared the exciting details of the new pathway which will roll out next fall for high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and welding.

“We are excited that our new CTE program will meet the growing demand and opportunity for students interested in the Skilled Trades,” said Rocco. “I have personally been advocating for a Skilled Trades Pathway throughout my time on the Board and it’s so exciting to see it come to fruition.”

The Skilled Trades Pathway will be a comprehensive four-year pre-apprenticeship program that students enter freshman year and gain four years of cumulative Skilled Trades courses. Students in the Pathway will gain the skills and experience needed to enter an apprenticeship right after high school as well as essential safety certifications needed in the industry.

Important partners who attended the event in support of GGUSD’s new program include representatives from North Orange County ROP, Western States Carpenters Union, Simon Builders, and the Orange County Department of Education Career and Technical Education Partnership (CTEp).

“We are excited to have valuable industry partners on board who have provided real world expertise and worked alongside us to develop a Pathway that will ensure students graduate high school ready for success in Skilled Trades careers,” said Board of Education Trustee Walter Muneton.

During the event, students and families posed by a giant tractor adorned with a welcome sign and participated in interactive hammer and drill stations run by the Western States Carpenters Union.

Rancho Alamitos High School was identified by industry experts as the GGUSD high school to launch the Skilled Trades Pathway in the fall due to its existing available space for state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge skilled trades training.

While the district is launching this Career Pathway at Rancho Alamitos High School, GGUSD students who attend other high schools will have opportunities, after-hours, on the weekends and during the summer, to utilize the facilities and participate in Skilled Trades learning. The district plans to expand the pathway to additional schools in the years to come.

The Building Bright Futures event also featured a showcase of many of GGUSD’s existing 14 Career Pathways with interactive demos, displays and discussions with CTE students and teachers who highlighted the many benefits of CTE Pathways including hands-on learning, industry certifications, college credit, and work-based internships. In 2023-24, 77% of high school students participate in CTE.