Pub. 1 2021 Issue 2

49 Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) working integrally with the Career and Technical Education Division of the Montana Office of Public Instruction. There are over 50 chapters in the secondary and post-secondary institutions across the state. Meaning, we have members from junior high school students to college-level students. Our focus is to prepare quality leaders in the trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. How do we do that? Our advisors are the “shop” teachers in Career and Technical Education and Industrial Technology using the SkillsUSA Framework curriculum that promotes three components in their classrooms: Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, Workplace Skills, and Personal Skills. Not only are technical skills such as cranking wrenches and abiding by company safety protocols necessary, but so are skills such as teamwork, leadership, work ethic, responsibility, decision making, communication, and integrity. In fact, I’d venture to say that dealerships seek these employability skills in prospective employees over technical skills. Potential employees who bring these “soft” skills to a business at the beginning are much more easily trained because they see the value in having a learning attitude. Those employees then become more productive and promotable. That is our goal at SkillsUSA Montana. What can we do to help the automotive industry? We know you need a voice in the public school system. The cultural mindset that your industry is a “dirty, blue-col lar” career choice needs to change. We can help, starting at the junior high school level. Our mission is to help educate and inform the students, parents, and guidance counselors about al l the amazing opportunities in the automotive industry. We also know that you demand not just a workforce but a quality workforce. We can open the doors to Montana schools so you can work with our advisors. It is vital for them to fully understand what your industry needs to turn around and guide their students in the right direction. In your direction. SkillsUSA Montana is the bridge connecting you to classrooms – and a future quality workforce – across the state. Mary Heller is the State Director for SkillsUSA Montana. In March 2021, she was also appointed to the Montana Board of Public Education by Governor Greg Gianforte to provide a voice for Career and Technical Education in Montana’s secondary schools. To learn more about SkillsUSA Montana, contact Mary at mary.heller@skillsusamontana.org or 406-399-0640. Interested in narrowing the skills gap? Wondering how to promote your industry in Montana’s education sector? SkillsUSA Montana is the bridge between you and Montana’s classrooms! Who are we? SkillsUSA Montana is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure Montana has a skilled workforce. For more information, please contact: Mary Heller, State Director SkillsUSA Montana mary.heller@skillsusamontana.org 406-399-0640 To learn more: www.skillsusa.org SkillsUSA Montana: Working with industry to grow tomorrow’s quality workforce. SkillsUSA Framework Personal Skills Workplace Skills Technical Skills Grounded in Academics SkillsUSA has am impact on the lives of America’s future workforce through the development of personal, workplace and technical skills that are grounded in academics. • Computer and Technology Literacy • Job Specific Skills • Safety and Health • ServiceOrientation • Professional Development • Communication • DecisionMaking • Teamwork • Multicultural Sensitivity and Awareness • Planning, Organizing andManagement • Leadership • Integrity • Work Ethic • Professionalism • Responsibility • Adaptability/Flexibility • Self-Motivation