Brownwood High School students and teachers met with community members and incoming BHS students at the annual Business Industry Trade Showcase (BITS). The showcase filled the BHS student center on Monday, February 13th, as students, teachers, and community partners connected through Career Tech Education (CTE) projects. Eighth-grade students from Brownwood Middle School were invited as well, to see the future opportunities available to them in high school. “We had a great turnout, and one of the most exciting things was the addition of Mr. Baucom to our construction tech program,” said BHS Principal Lindsay Smith. “He is getting the kids excited about the future of this program and the different projects he is developing with the kids. He is also focusing on building his Skills USA participation. Skills USA is a skills-based competition where welding, auto, and construction students can participate. This is an excellent way for students to test their skills and practice for real-world situations when they enter the industry after high school.”

The BITS showcase highlighted the myriad programs offered to help students learn the basics of various skills and careers available to them after high school. Students displayed a variety of projects from food to floral arrangements, to forensic science experiments. The CTE program offers classes such as Ag/FFA (Future Farmers of America), Welding, 3D Science and Biology, Audio/Visual Production, Automotive Technology, Construction and Building Trades, Culinary Arts, TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators), Computer Science, Forensic Science, HOSA (Future Health Professionals, and Career Prep. Students have been preparing for BITS since the school year began, with over half the student body participating in some way to make the showcase a success.

The CTE program at BHS offers students multiple opportunities to explore their interests while adding valuable life assets to their knowledgebase. “I can’t say enough how important I think CTE is for students,” Smith said. “They are a way to gain practical knowledge and skills for any job or industry a student might see themselves in after high school. Even if a student is looking to attend a college or university after high school, many will need jobs to support themselves and pay for school. The great thing about CTE courses is that they prepare students for job skills that are transferable into any industry.” From everyday practicality to long-term career opportunities, the trade show allows students to get a glimpse of the larger picture as part of the Brownwood community and in their personal life goals.

[Article by Sara Musgrove, photos by BHS Media Crew]