Vector Solutions, the leading provider of training and software solutions dedicated to helping schools make their operations and communities safer, smarter, and better, has unveiled critical K-12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) training courses to expand its footprint within the CTE market following the 2023 acquisition of PATHWAYos, the leading platform for connecting K-12 schools and students to work-based learning opportunities.
The newly launched courses include essential knowledge and skills training for students on critical topics such as workplace communication, workplace violence, on-the-job safety, and sexual harassment. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials through OSHA-authorized training.
Vector Solutions is expanding its K-12 Training Libraries to easily integrate with existing CTE curricula to help these students attain competencies that prepare them for success in work-based learning experiences, internships, college, and future careers. The newest course additions include:
- Workplace Safety: These courses are designed to boost students’ knowledge and retention of essential safety procedures, aligning with industry best practices and national standards from OSHA, the EPA, GHS, and other safety organizations.
- Workplace Safety Microlearning: Averaging 5 minutes each, these courses are perfect for in-the-moment refresher training and focus on learner knowledge and practical skill development.
- Workplace Compliance: These courses, created to cover crucial compliance-related subjects valued by employers, provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fostering respectful and inclusive workplaces.
- Career Readiness and Life Skills: These courses equip students with the personal and professional skills to support their successful transition to continuing education, the workforce, and independent living.
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction: This OSHA-authorized programme addresses critical knowledge on various OSHA-regulated safety and health topics, helping students earn this industry-recognized credential. It includes an official OSHA-10 Construction card.
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: This OSHA-authorized programme helps students earn this industry-recognized credential. It provides an overview of the type of hazards workers might face at general industry workplaces and touches on hazard identification, hazard avoidance, and hazard control and prevention. It includes the official OSHA-10 General Industry card.
Rob Buelow, General Manager, Education of Vector Solutions, stated:
Enhancing CTE in schools is an essential investment in the next generation of our workforce. At Vector Solutions, we’re dedicated to setting students up for success regardless of their career path. There’s no better way to bridge the skills gap than by providing students with training that thousands of our industry customers already rely on to keep their employees safe and effective.
In a rapidly evolving economic landscape, every industry needs more employees, with the skilled labour shortage remaining one of the most significant challenges plaguing the U.S. economy. With more and more K-12 graduates choosing not to attend college, the need for effective CTE programmes has never been more pressing. CTE can lessen the projected deficit of 6.5 million skilled workers in healthcare, business, and trades while providing the nation’s youngest employees with life-saving information. Alarmingly, young workers are at a greater risk for injury than their older adult colleagues, with around 142,000 workers aged 16-24 seriously hurt on the job each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Vector is committed to providing resources to support those who need them most. Through Vector Cares, it has launched a collection of free courses on critical mental health and safety topics. Its platform integrates training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, risk communication, operational readiness, and more into everyday workflows to advance compliance, safety, performance, and preparation. Vector Solutions for K-12 Education is a leading provider of training, software and professional development solutions committed to creating safer, smarter and better school environments. Trusted by more than 5,000 K-12 districts in the United States, the platform suite of products saves administrators time, improves compliance, and streamlines administrative processes.