Banning USD Hosts CTE Meeting Of The Minds With Industry Professionals

BANNING, CA — Banning High School recently welcomed industry leaders, employers, and educators to its Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Advisory Meeting, an event dedicated to strengthening the bridge between education and the workforce.

The gathering, held on Jan. 30, allowed professionals to engage with students, explore innovative learning environments, and contribute insights into aligning CTE programs with current industry standards, according to Angel Mead, District & Community Relations Coordinator, in a recent news release.

The event featured representatives from businesses across Banning and Riverside County and was made possible through a partnership with Tomorrow's Talent, according to Mead.

"These representatives were greeted by students eager to showcase their skills and hands-on learning experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to tour Banning High School’s state-of-the-art CTE facilities, where they observed students utilizing advanced technology and equipment in various career pathways."

From automotive engine components and theater production sound boards to a cutting-edge digital media production studio and a warehouse-sized construction classroom, visitors were impressed by the real-world applications of student learning.

“Seeing the level of hands-on experience and industry-relevant tools available to students was
truly inspiring,” said one industry partner. “The skills these students are developing will set them
up for success in their future careers.”

Superintendent Terrance Davis highlighted the importance of collaboration between education and industry, stating, “At Banning Unified School District, we are committed to ensuring our students receive the best possible preparation for their future careers. Partnerships like the one with Tomorrow’s Talent allow us to provide students with hands-on experiences and industry connections that will make them competitive in the workforce.”

Banning Unified School District’s CTE programs provide students with dynamic opportunities to
explore career pathways, gain industry certifications, and earn high school credits. The district
offers CTE pathways, including:

• Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Digital Film, Theatre Performance, Theatre Tech (certifications in Adobe Premiere Pro, Voice Acting, Writing for Performance).
• Business and Finance: Academy of Business (certifications in Social Media Marketing and Microsoft 365).
• Building and Construction Trades: College-level courses like Introduction to Construction Technology.
• Transportation: Hands-on automotive training with certifications in SP2 Automotive and OSHA-10.
• Public Services: Leadership development through Cadet Corps programs with specialized certifications.

The collaboration between education and industry strengthens Banning Unified’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce, equipping them with technical expertise and career-ready experiences.