The Pathway Conference included two components: field trips to three facilities of local trades employers, and job-readiness panel presentations in the school auditorium

On Nov. 3, students enrolled in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program at Washougal High School gained valuable insight into the work world at the annual Pathway Conference. Students toured the job sites of major trades employers in Washougal and listened to presentations by industry partners about an array of career pathways available post-high school. The Washougal High School Career Center at Washougal School District coordinates the Pathway Conference in partnership with local trades companies to bring relevant job-readiness experiences to our students.

The Pathway Conference included two components: field trips to three facilities of local trades employers, and job-readiness panel presentations in the school auditorium.

Students boarded buses to visit three trades facilities in Washougal: Ballard Marine Construction, McDonald Excavating, and Nationwide Boiler. The CTE program cultivates local, homegrown talent by preparing Washougal students to fill high-skilled, high-demand, high-wage career positions in our community.

“The Pathway Conference is something that we look forward to every year. After emphasizing job-readiness and trade skills in the classroom, we get to connect the dots by bringing students out to trade facilities to meet employers in their career interest areas,” said Margaret Rice, Director of Career & Technical Education at Washougal School District. “It’s amazing to witness students find their passion, and to support their ambition as they make their dreams a reality.”

In the high school auditorium, students listened to a panel of presenters describe their path to a career in the trades and valuable skills to develop now for success in trades careers. Presenters included representatives from the Port of Camas-Washougal, Local 1-Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, Legacy6, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, Greenbox Mechanical, Elevator Operators, Dynalectric, Tradesmen Electric, OR & SW WA Mason Trades, International Union of Elevator Constructors, Dynalectric, and the Washington & Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers.

“The Port of Camas-Washougal has ladders of opportunities for students,” said Derek Jaeger, director of development and real estate at Port of Camas-Washougal. “In the summer, we also hire students from the school district for landscaping and grounds.”

Josh Brock led a group of students through the facility at McDonald Excavating during the conference. “When we say that the sky’s the limit, it is. You all are in a great position to make the successful career that you want,” said Brock, general manager at McDonald Excavating. Emmett Dubose, a student at Washougal High School, begins an internship at McDonald Excavating this week.

As students navigate choosing their own career path, Washougal School District works to open doors for them. The Career Center at Washougal High School creates opportunities for students to find and develop their interests. The CTE program delivers hands-on lessons in trades skills and connects students with professionals working in skilled trades and careers. Learn more about the Career & Technical Education program at Washougal High School, and the CTE career pathways offered at the high school, on our website: Career and Technical Education (CTE) – WSD (washougal.k12.wa.us) 

Information provided by Washougal School District.