The strength of our economy and the future of our workforce depend on how well we prepare the next generation for real-world careers. Career technical education (CTE) is not just an alternative to traditional four-year college pathways — it’s a critical component of our region’s economic growth, providing students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in high-demand industries.

In the San Joaquin Valley, manufacturing remains a backbone of our economy, offering well-paying jobs that require specialized skills. However, the challenge we face is ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to step into these roles. This is where CTE makes a difference. By equipping students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to employment, CTE programs bridge the gap between education and workforce needs.

That’s why the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SJVMA) is proud to partner with Reedley College to launch the Central Valley Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Chapter — the first of its kind in California. This initiative represents a monumental step forward in workforce development, providing students with a unique opportunity to combine technical education with hands-on, paid training at leading Central Valley manufacturers. Through this program, students will graduate with both real-world experience and a debt-free associate‘s degree, setting them up for long-term success in advanced manufacturing careers.

CTE is also reshaping perceptions about what it means to be “college and career ready.” Many of today’s most successful professionals — welders, machinists, engineers, and industrial technicians — began their careers through CTE. These jobs don’t just offer competitive wages; they provide stability, career advancement, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.

Now more than ever, we must invest in and support CTE. Schools, businesses and policymakers must work together to expand access to these programs and highlight the incredible career opportunities available in manufacturing and other technical fields. When we invest in CTE, we invest in our region’s future—creating stronger businesses, a skilled workforce, and economic prosperity for generations to come.

Let’s champion CTE and give our students the tools they need to build a better tomorrow. Learn more about how SJVMA is working with educators to strengthen our workforce pipeline by clicking here: sjvma.org/collaboration-with-education/.

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Genelle Taylor Kumpe is CEO of the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance and Fresno Business Council.