Morris County Vocational Partners to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce
Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) partners with local businesses to provide high school students with hands-on training, real-world experiences and career pathways, preparing them for future careers and supporting economic growth.
Scott Shaw, Director of CTE, Morris County Vocational School District said, “To provide students with real-world experiences, the district partners with regional employers who offer work based learning opportunities. These business and industry collaborations influence career readiness while also supporting economic development.”
“An example is Salvatore Minardi Salon in Madison,” said Shaw. The salon is one of Morris County School District’s high impact partners because in addition to serving on our advisory council, they also provide work based learning placements, mentorship, and training for students in the district’s cosmetology program.”
Salvatore Minardi, owner of Salvatore Minardi Salon said, “I see firsthand how valuable hands-on learning is for developing young professionals. Working with MCVSD students allows us to nurture their passion and skills, preparing them not just for a job, but for a rewarding career in cosmetology. It’s incredibly gratifying to watch these students grow in confidence and ability, knowing we’re helping to shape the future of our industry.”
“Some former students are now fully licensed professionals, contributing meaningfully to the local economy, either by continuing to work with us or branching out to build their own client bases in other salons,” said Minardi. “Their earnings have allowed them to invest back into our community supporting our neighboring small businesses, and inspiring younger students by example.”
The Morris County Vocational School District offers numerous Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that target high-demand sectors across Morris County. This career-focused training combined with academics prepares students with employability skills needed to gain direct entry into the workforce after graduation.
Meghan Hunscher, President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation stated, “To help foster partnerships and advance the local workforce agenda, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) and Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) are committed to strengthening the connections between business and industry and educational institutions by providing forums for local companies and educational institutions to connect.”
“Strong educational institutions are vital to economic development and partnerships between business and education, which lead to workforce readiness when businesses have the opportunity to provide input to curriculum development,” said Hunscher. “Equipping the incoming workforce with the skills businesses have identified – and can be applied directly in the workplace – is important to the competitiveness of the County.”
Hunscher said, “ from the Chamber’s perspective, the most valuable outcomes of these initiatives, for both employers and students, is twofold. It gives our young people an opportunity to identify and train for rewarding careers, while providing the businesses with the trained workforce they need. As an offering within the public school system, it can attract families to the area as well. It’s a win-win and can significantly improve the quality of life for our residents when they identify a career pathway, strengthening our communities today and for future generations.”
“MCCC and MCEDC are working toward developing an internship training program to help inform employers about the benefits of providing students with internship opportunities, whether for the summer or year-round,” said Hunscher. “This goal is to provide support for employers preparing to accept interns from MCVSD so that the students can gain hands-on training prior to graduation.”
Programs at the Morris County Vocational School District offer high school students career and technical education opportunities where students can gain experience outside the classroom while developing the skills employers are looking for. From healthcare and information technology to manufacturing and the trades, partnerships provide students with early exposure to high-demand industries.
The Morris County Vocational School District offers a wide range of career and technical education programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities. The high school offers Full-Time academies and Share-Time programs on its Denville campus, and Share-Time programs at the Morris County Career Training Center (located on the campus of County College of Morris).In addition, through collaboration with local school districts and the County College of Morris, it offers Full-Time Academies and Share-Time programs established at off-site satellite locations.
To learn more about MCVSD, email Gina DiDomenico, Student Recruitment & Community Relations, at didomenicog@mcvts.org or visit www.mcvts.org.