Find out what’s happening in our region and learn how to get connected! Postcards from the field offer a snapshot of current programming and upcoming events. Get quick access to vital details about the Linn-Benton Region by clicking on district details. Industry partners, parents and guardians, educators, students and CTE instructors interested in getting involved can check out our partner guides. Is there someone specific you are trying to get in touch with? Try our CCL Regional Contacts Directory. We organized our essential, regional links by audience for quick access. If you are looking for local CCL institutions, check out CCL spaces! Contact us at Career Connect Oregon to get in touch.
LBCC's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day marks a significant milestone for high school seniors and incoming LBCC students. On this day students sign letters of intent, symbolizing a commitment to securing a spot in the high-demand college CTE programs scheduled for the upcoming fall semester. The diverse array of programs at Linn-Benton Community College includes Accounting Technology, Animal Technology, Automotive Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Culinary Arts, Nutrition & Food Systems, Early Childhood Education, and Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology. As an added incentive, the LBCC Foundation has generously awarded approximately $500,000 in scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year, supporting the educational journeys of LBCC students. Don't miss your chance to be part of LBCC's vibrant CTE community and secure a promising future in these dynamic fields.
At this convention, High school juniors and seniors are invited to explore their interests and take steps toward their desired career paths. This event supports juniors preparing for the fall of senior year, when applications for preferred schools, apprenticeships, or gap years should be underway. Seniors are encouraged to check in with their counselors to ensure their career paperwork is filled out correctly for graduation. Come visit this exciting collaboration between Corvallis School District 509J, Oregon State University's College of Business (COB), Austin Entrepreneurship Program (AEP), Benton County High Schools, Corvallis Public Schools Foundation and the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce.
Linn-Benton Community College’s CCL Summit featured a rich agenda promoting broad spectrum collaboration between education and industry. The day began with a warm welcome and breakfast facilitated by Deron Fort, CCL Systems Navigator, and Sarah Whiteside, Director of the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub. The summit covered a diverse range of topics, including Samaritan Health Services' presentation on navigating entry points into the healthcare workforce. Knife River showcased career opportunities in civil construction, presenting it as a highway to a bright future. Other highlights included discussions on nurturing students' academic growth through culturally based mentorship programs, the Oregon Employability Skills curriculum, and insights into apprenticeships. Regional resources and career information were explored through internship and externship programs, emphasizing the bridge between education and industry. The summit concluded with attendee input gathering, a regional sector career fairs Q&A, and a wrap-up of the day's discussions, setting the stage for future collaborative efforts. Notably, LBCC President Dr. Lisa Avery made a special appearance to welcome participants.
Dear Industry Partners,
Being based locally is an asset! Strengthen your community partnerships by reaching out to your Career Connected Systems Navigator or Small Business Development Center. For further guidance, contact your Workforce Development Board, STEM Hub Director or get in touch with high school career and guidance counselors.
Your direct involvement makes a difference! Provide guidance and feedback to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by serving on a local CTE Program Advisory Committee. Mentor young people by developing internships, registered apprenticeships and posting job opportunities. Engage in outreach and promotion by participating in a career day or career fair.
Do you have a resource or contact to share? Please reach out to us at the contact information below! For an overview of how your company can get involved, download our CCL Guide for Industry Partners below. You can also visit the Career Connect Oregon page for industry partners.
Dear Community-Based Organizations,
Did you know that Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are uniquely suited to improve workforce development for young people ages 18-24 with pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships? Learn more by reading this helpful article by the Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning!
While your organization builds capacity to run apprenticeship programs, you can partner with other organizations and provide essential training, offer referrals, and contribute services to complement existing programs. Consider pilot programs as a viable starting point!
For information about national apprenticeship initiatives, consult Apprenticeship USA. For resources specific to Oregon, check out this link from the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries. The Oregon Health Authority is partnering with CBOs to provide funding for apprenticeship programs. Additional sources for general funding can be found at Care Oregon and the Oregon Community Foundation.
Dear CTE and STE(A)M Instructors, Counselors, and Education Administrators,
If you know someone starting out, send them to the Oregon Department of Education to learn about CTE teacher preparation and licensure. Once you are in the classroom, you are covered by Oregon State Standards. In addition, Career Connect Oregon has combined standards from the American School Counselor Association and Oregon Administrative Rules in an easy-to-read handout. We also provide you with curriculum suites at Career Connect Oregon.
To stay up-to-date in your field, consult with the Association for Career and Technical Education, and always check out what in-person and online trainings Oregon PDNetworks has to offer.
Return often to stay informed about what’s happening in your region and who to get in touch with to connect your students with the rich resources in your community.
You can also visit the Career Connect Oregon Page for educators.
Dear Students,
Get help and find the career and educational path that feels right for you. Here are some places you can check out right now!
Match careers to your interests at Oregon CIS, YouScience. Ask your school counselor for more information. What’s hot? Use Oregon’s Employment Department to research wages, required skills and education for high-demand jobs. Get paid to learn at AmeriCorps, JobCorps, and YouthCorps while serving in communities across Oregon and the US.
Want to start a business? Oregon’s Small Business Development Center and DECA have programs to help your ideas grow. Many careers with high levels of responsibility require a degree or training. Find hundreds of programs across Oregon schools. Check out Oregon’s 7 Public Universities, 17 Community Colleges, and Licensed Private Career Schools. Concerned about how you’ll pay for education? Oregon Student Aid has affordable options for everyone. You can also visit the Career Connect Oregon page for students.
Resource Guide for Grades 1-4
Resource Guide for Grades 5-8
Resource Guide for Grades 9-12
Dear Families and Caregivers,
You are the first influence on the young person in your home, and Career Connect Oregon is here to assist you in guiding them. Begin by encouraging self-discovery and exploration. What jobs are they interested in? Oregon CIS, YouScience, and Oregon Department of Education’s Career Explorer are excellent, free resources for developing awareness and beginning exploration.
What skill does your student need to develop along the way? Tap Oregon Employability Skills for their traits framework and C3 for their career journey maps, which will help in planning coursework and early workplace experiences.
As students enter high school, keep an eye on Oregon Diploma requirements. Oregon Employment Department’s Career Explorer will help spark a conversation about jobs.
PARTNERS WORKING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Title: V.P. of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development
Role Description: The V.P. of Academic and Student Affairs oversees all academic and student affairs departments and programs.
Phone Number: 541-917-4220
E-mail: buchela@linnbenton.edu
Title: CCL Systems Navigator
Role Description: The Career Connected Learning Systems Navigator connects educational programs with career development, collaborating with schools and industry to provide students with diverse career learning opportunities.
Phone Number: 541-917-4707
E-mail: fortd@linnbenton.edu
Title: Small Business Development Center Director
Role Description: The Small Business Development Center Director leads initiatives to support and grow local small businesses, providing guidance, resources, and training. This role involves collaboration with community stakeholders to foster a thriving small business ecosystem
Phone Number: 541-917-4930
E-mail: hoskinb@linnbenton.edu
Title: Director of High School Partnerships
Role Description: The Director of High School Partnerships cultivates relationships between high schools, students and external organizations – coordinating programs that enhance students’ educational and career readiness experiences.
Phone Number: 541-917-4208
E-mail: mallorv@linnbenton.edu
Title: Dean | Advanced Manufacturing & Transportation Technology
Role Description: The Dean of Advanced Manufacturing & Transportation Technology at a community college oversees educational programs in these fields, ensuring they aligning with industry standards and job-market needs. This role involves curriculum development, faculty leadership and fostering industry partnerships for student career advancement.
Phone Number: 541-917-4754
E-mail: schills@linnbenton.edu
Title: Director STEM-CTE | Mid-Valley STEM
Role Description: The STEM-CTE Director at a STEM Hub manages programs that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with Career and Technical Education (CTE) – focusing on creation of practical, industry-relevant learning opportunities for students.
Phone Number: 541-917-4725
E-mail: whitess@linnbenton.edu
Title: CTE Regional Coordinator
Role Description: A CTE Regional Coordinator oversees Career and Technical Education programs across a region, ensuring they meet educational and industry standards. They work closely with schools and local businesses to align CTE offerings with workforce needs.
Phone Number: 541-917-4219
E-mail: moond@linnbenton.edu
Title: Cooperative Work Experience Coordinator
Role Description: A Cooperative Work Experience Coordinator manages and facilitates work-based learning programs that integrate academic learning with practical work experience. This role involves liaising between students, faculty, and employers to organize internships, co-ops, and other forms of experiential learning opportunities.
Phone Number: 541-917-4778
E-mail: burbeea@linnbenton.edu
REGIONAL RESOURCES
CTE Teacher Licensure is needed for an instructor to teach in a state-approved CTE program. Find out specific information for your program career cluster at the Oregon Department of Education’s CTE Teacher Licensure: Teaching, Learning, and Communication Resources. For help obtaining a CTE endorsement in your region, contact your CTE Regional Coordinator.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */CTE Educator Resources from the Oregon Department of Education provide information and a multitude of resources related to Career and Technical Education in Oregon.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Open Learning: WBL Hub is Oregon’s K-12 open educational resource repository for work-based learning. The Oregon Open Learning: WBL Hub contains resources created by Oregon educators to help learners get the experience employers are seeking and gain the skills and credentials they need to enter and succeed in their careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */ASPIRE – Oregon Student Aid. The ASPIRE program helps educate Oregon students to become career and college ready. ASPIRE offers education, resources and mentoring opportunities for all students.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Connect Oregon – Curriculum for Educators offers curriculum suites aligned with ASCA standards and OARs. Suites include quick-start guides, lesson plans, and handouts. Cooperative learning strategies and creative assessment ideas included in each suite!
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Workforce Talent Development Board provides a productive space for educators to engage and partner with one another that includes innovative task forces, research projects, data and reports, strategies and recommendations.
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Link to CTE Educator Resources
REGIONAL RESOURCES
Career OneStop Take this 30-question interest assessment to help you match your interests with exciting careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Journeys Watch young Oregonians in high-demand trades share their career journeys and give you a window into their workday.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Pathways: Explore career pathways through the Oregon Employment Department to understand the education and training needed for different occupations. Learn which jobs are in highest demand and what they pay.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */OSU Career Development Center: Access one-on-one advising, résumé workshops, webinars, networking opportunities and an array of state-of-the-art online career tools.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career and Technical Education: Oregon Department of Education offers programs and resources for students interested in technical and vocational education. Learn more about the 6 career areas and find programs in your school.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Apprenticeship: This website offers information on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, helping students explore hands-on training opportunities in various trades statewide.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Training Corps: For students interested in environmental careers, OCC provides opportunities for training and work experience in conservation. Get paid to learn at AmeriCorps, JobCorps, and YouthCorps while serving in communities across Oregon and the US.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Apprenticeships | LBCC: LBCC offers a full-spectrum of apprenticeship resources, including coursework, access to training, connections to industry, mentorship and advisory committees.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */REGIONAL RESOURCES
Search CTE Programs Across the State. Curious about what Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are available? Visit this link for a database of searchable CTE programs at every high school in Oregon.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Young Employee Safety strives to prevent injury and illnesses and promote well-being among young workers through resource sharing and community partnership.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Information System provides career exploration and planning tools. Parents can access resources to help their children explore different career paths.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Student Aid: The Higher Education Coordinating Commission offers information on higher education options in Oregon, including college and university programs.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Personal Education Plan and Profile: Find out more about this document for secondary students—updated yearly—that contains their interests, coursework, career aspirations, participation in career-related learning and a portfolio of their achievements.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon C3 Career Journey Maps are centered around 16 major career clusters and designed to encourage discussion among practitioners, students and their families. Each map includes sample jobs, general specifications, job descriptions, suggestions for preparation, links to additional resources and suggestions for next steps.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */REGIONAL RESOURCES
Search CTE Programs Across the State: Visit this link for a database of searchable CTE Approved CTE Programs offered in Oregon’s high schools. There are two report options available; a Basic Search that displays program information for one secondary school offering CTE within the selected academic year and an Advanced Search that contains additional filtering options allowing users to explore results across, regions, counties, or career areas.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Workforce Talent Development Board – Employer Resources: Post your job openings, identify qualified candidates and plan for the future of your employees. The majority of the Workforce Talent Development Board is made up of Oregon business leaders from Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Energy, Sports and Apparel, Forest Products, Food and Beverage, and other sectors. The WTDB provides multiple tables, convenings and events for these leaders, and their public sector partners, to develop and drive strategy, policy and value for Oregon’s workforce system.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */WorkSource Oregon: Grow your skilled workers with apprenticeships, internships and training options. WorkSource Oregon is here to partner with your business and provides free services for employers and helps businesses craft job postings for improved results, convene job candidates through job fairs and hiring events. They can also help your business identify possible tax credits, provide customized workforce data analysis, and establish market-competitive wage rates to attract and retain talent.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Business Services | LBCC: Corporate training and professional development, the Small Business Development Center, and customized training form the three major business resources offered at LBCC. Seasoned business advisers with diverse industry expertise provide confidential and free assistance to entrepreneurs.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are an excellent way to invest in your community’s young workforce. They compliment classroom learning, ensure a trained and engaged staff, and contribute to worker satisfaction and retention. For details on how your business can participate, follow the link below:
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Mapping CTE, STEM and Workforce Education in Oregon This interactive story map shows how five groups promote career-connected learning and develop job skills across the state. The following maps allow you to interact with Oregon’s Community College Districts, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Partnerships, Education Service Districts, Regional science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) Hubs and Local Workforce Boards.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Minors, their parents and employers should know about the laws that protect children at work. They include hiring and working conditions that are specific to minors, restrictions on the hours and the types of work a minor can do.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Regional Career Technical Education Partners and Locations
Tangent, OR
Search Pacific Northwest Carpentry Institute’s catalog and courses for information about paid apprenticeships and training.
Tangent, OR
For those interested in entering the electrician profession or continuing education, the Central Electric Training Center is a priority destination.
Albany, OR
Knife River provides construction materials and services for any size project, including aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete.
Albany, OR
The Chamber unites local leaders for collective impact and offers opportunities and programs to enhance the economic climate and quality of life in the Linn-Benton area.
Corvallis, OR
“A membership-driven organization dedicated to serving the business needs of its members and advancing the interests of all business, for the good of the community.”
Lebanon, OR
The Chamber promotes community and economic growth through networking events, such as lunch forums, award banquets, business expos and leadership programs.
Salem, OR
Membership in SEDCOR offers support, networking, resources, and mentorship for small businesses in the Willamette Valley.
Millersburg, OR
ATI uses materials science to play a pivotal role in advancing technologies, from jet engines and protective armor to medical devices and clean energy solutions.
Mid-Valley, OR
OEN is a nonprofit, membership-driven organization with a 28-year track record that supports scalable startups from every industry across the state.
Lincoln City, OR
Northwest Oregon Works invests federal, state and local funds into individual career development and businesses through training and permanent placements in Benton and surrounding counties.
Albany, OR
The Community Services Consortium works to eliminate poverty in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties, investing over $20 million annually in wrap-around services to tens of thousands of people.
Corvallis, OR
“Casa Latinos Unidos is committed to strengthening the Latinx communities in Linn and Benton Counties by supporting people in meeting basic needs, building resilience, and capacity.”
Albany, OR
Browse county-posted job openings within a variety of disciplines. Jobs posted at the link below contain PDFs with job descriptions, salary information, and other relevant details.
Salem, OR
Willamette Workforce Partnership serves as the Workforce Development Board for Linn and nearby counties. It invests in comprehensive employment, training and educational services.
Albany, OR
OCWCOG’s Community Services Program supports older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans through various assistive programs.
Albany, OR
“Beginning as an integrated preschool, Old Mill Center now provides six programs and services that support the educational, social, emotional, mental health and occupational health needs of children and families.”
Salem, OR
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action addresses community challenges from housing assistance to education, enabling low-income Oregonians of all ages to live happier, healthier lives.
Albany, OR
Since 1993, this organization has built 43 homes, facilitated repairs, and forged partnerships for affordable housing. They’re dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through homeownership.
Corvallis, OR
The Foundation invests in local communities, establishing permanent charitable funds to address challenges, improve quality of life, and collaborate with organizations for strategic impact.
Corvallis, OR
Engages and inspires K-12 youth through mentoring, modeling good character and providing relevant, structured enrichment programs in a safe, inclusive and positive environment.
Corvallis, OR
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library hosts more than books. Events hosted at the library include skill-building on a number of topics. Programming includes events and resources for all.
Albany, OR
“Linn Benton Lincoln ESD serves districts, schools, and students by providing equitable, flexible, and effective educational services made affordable through economy of scale.”
Albany, OR
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub in Linn and Benton counties aligns local industry to provide STEM and CTE opportunities that prepare students for well-paying careers and successful futures.
Corvallis, OR
Corvallis School District’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program offers support coursework for students aimed at helping them reach their goals past high school – including work, technical school, and college.
Corvallis, OR
Linn-Benton Community College serves over 18,000 students across six campuses in Linn and Benton counties. LBCC prepares students for transfer to university and a wide variety of careers, including nursing and healthcare, business, manufacturing and agriculture.
Corvallis, OR
Open Campus and Juntos collaborate to support K-12 students and job seekers. Their programs include OSU Juntos for Spanish-speaking families, college information sessions, STEM camps, financial aid assistance, college tours and career development support.
Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Committee. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.
