America is facing issues with technical education – how one local school is trying to help

GHENT, WV (WVNS) – America is facing a technical education problem.

According to a 2021 study done by the Association for Career & Technical education, almost 60% of CTE administrators reported lower enrollment.

This was followed by a recent study done by Education Next, where vocational studies in high school have declined since 1990.

New River Community & Technical College instructor Charles Gore has been in the HVAC business since 1974.

Along the way, he’s seen many challenges, especially with the new generation.

“It’s always a challenge. You have to meet them where they are, then you have to pull them in to where you want them to be”

Charles Gore, Instructor for New River CTC

Gore said the decline in technical specialists is because of recent retirement.

With more and more kids going into college, less and less went into technical schools.

This left a gap in the number of available technicians, one proving difficult to overcome.

“You need technicians in that middle area. Because they need to fill the shoes on the one’s that are retiring so they can help train some of the younger people coming in”

Charles Gore, Instructor for New River CTC

At New River CTC, Gore and other instructors are trying to fill that gap. Gore runs a classroom of about a dozen students.

To help teach them, Gore and other instructors specialize in hands-on teaching.

“We keep them moving and keep them interested and keep challenging them on everything we do. We can hold their attention and we can see them gradually absorbing the information”

Charles Gore, Instructor for New River CTC

Students go through courses involving safety, proper equipment, and in-class education.

When they are ready, they finally get into the labs for hands-on teachings.

Many of his students come from all over West Virginia, including one student that drives in from Pocahontas County. This dedication gives hope to Gore and his peers.

“The commitment is there. So it also drives you if they have the commitment to come, at the very least, we should have the commitment to teach them to the best of our ability”

Charles Gore, Instructor for New River CTC

When asked about the future of technical education, Gore has plenty of optimism.

With technology changing and new environmental laws, he said the world will always need proper technical training.

Gore said the need for technical education will always be there.

“All you have to do it go home and wait, something is going to break down. I guarantee it. And so, you’re going to need someone, in some field, to come out and do work at your home. You’re going to need a plumber, an electrician, a person that does what we do at HVAC, you will have to have someone at your home”

Charles Gore, Instructor for New River CTC

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