districts, and we are continuing to see that number increase,” Dr. Karch says. Students who might have spent two years in college now enter the workforce immediately with credentials in hand. NDSCS works closely with K-12 districts throughout southeast North Dakota. Regional CTE directors coordinate programs that create what Dr. Karch calls “seamless transfer pathways.” Whether students choose NDSCS or a four-year university, their credits follow them. “We work very closely with our universities and the campus administrators to make sure that it’s seamless,” she emphasizes. The approach addresses North Dakota’s estimated 40,000 job vacancies while saving families thousands in education costs. For students uncertain about their career direction, dual credit programs offer lowrisk exploration of fields ranging from healthcare to precision agriculture. HIGH-PAYING TRADES AND CHANGING PERCEPTIONS The old stereotypes about technical education persist, but economic reality tells a different story. Skilled trades workers across North Dakota command salaries that rival and often exceed those of four-year degree holders. Parents who once pushed university as the only path to success now watch plumbers and diesel technicians build thriving careers. “These are actually very high-paying jobs that require entrepreneurial skills and provide lucrative pathways for many graduates to provide for their family,” notes the discussion about changing perceptions.The shift follows broader economic trends. Manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors desperate for workers have driven wages upward, creating opportunities unimaginable a generation ago. Dr. Karch sees the pendulum swinging back toward practical education. “I think we’re in one of the greatest opportunities for all of our students and adult learners because none of us fit into a box,” she says.“The greatest thing higher education can do for everyone is have all these various different pathways because everyone has different interests or sees themselves working in different environments.” 4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
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