EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine August 2017 | Page 15

learning and continuing education more accessible and
cost effective.
In this issue of EVOLVE, we take a look at how career
preparation and workforce training are more embedded in the
culture of our business communities than ever before. We see it
in partnerships with area schools that are introducing our young
citizens to potential careers. We see increased collaborations
among business leaders and area educators to develop top-notch,
relevant curricula delivered in traditional and creative new ways
that are appropriately suited for adult learners. We will highlight
case studies that show why and how some businesses like Boston
Whaler, Thompson Pump & Manufacturing, and others are
investing in their incumbent workers’ professional development,
evidence of a new paradigm in today’s corporate environment that
places a premium on knowledge and continuing education.
CAREER ACADEMIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION: –
EXTENDING THE CAREER PATHWAY
The beginning stages of this lifelong learning trek belong to the
high school and college level. Career academies provide students
an education with a purpose. They are avenues for students at the
high school level and below to be introduced to actual careers,
managed by the schools themselves, and provide them with an
introduction on what their future pursuits might be. Elsewhere in
this issue of EVOLVE you’ll read about the exceptional work being
performed by Volusia County Schools in providing a talent pipeline
through career academies.
While in today’s age of learning career academies are the initial
stage of getting high schoolers college and job