Future Makers Groomed for Success at Western Dakota Technical College

With an eye on recognizing February’s Career and Technical Education Month (CTE), the Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is celebrating the next “Toolbelt Generation” being groomed for careers in a variety of trades in partnership with the Western Dakota Technical College (WDT) and Wall School District (WSD).

“We are so proud of the way our students have taken an interest in learning a trade and the ways in which our school system is supporting their dreams,” said WEDC director Dr. Rochan Burrell. “These skilled, future young professionals are also contributing to their industry of choice by bringing a fresh perspective and keen understanding of the latest technologies, ensuring our workforce remains competitive.”

Best of Both Worlds

When the WSD’s new, $4.3 million dollar, 10,287 sq. ft. CTE facility swung open its doors in January 2025, it represented a vision almost 20 years in the making. The WSD board, administrators, and support staff had worked tirelessly to design and build an accredited facility with the goal of preparing students for a successful career in the trades.

Juniors and seniors can also participate in the WDT’s Dual Enrollment program, allowing them to earn credits for high school graduation and post-secondary education credits simultaneously.

This not only helps jump-start their technical education, but it gives them the opportunity to dip their toe into a variety of potential career paths in Transportation Technology, Computer Science, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, and Health Sciences.

“Learning a trade is something you can always take with you wherever you go. And bringing those learned skills back to the community is what helps keep the community running,” said CTE instructor Garrett Strohschein. “Job projections for the trades are expected to grow. The average age of trades workers is around forty-five, showing the need for the younger generation to fill those positions. We always need skilled trade workers in this world and it is only going to grow.”

WDT offers a free Video Chat with a Dual Enrollment Rep who can answer questions and offer additional guidance based on the wants and needs of each student. Students can also sit back, relax, and enjoy a Virtual Tour of the facility’s state-of-the-art learning labs or schedule an on-site visit to check out the campus (and receive a free WDT t-shirt!)

A Brighter Future

According to a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, the shifting interest from white to blue-collar jobs is largely due to disenchantment with the soaring cost of a traditional college education coupled with lackluster starting salaries within the traditional business fields.

Education Data reports the national student loan debt has ballooned to over $1.7 trillion, with the average graduate finding themselves on the hook for $106,850. Meanwhile, Sallie Mae predicts that students can expect to pay an average of $36,436/year for college, almost double the $17,600/year they’d pay to attend a trade school.

“When Gen Z’ers are looking at careers they see the competitiveness of the trades. They also see an increasing growth outlook, great job security, and competitive salaries,” said Strohschein. “This, combined with the ability to not have to go through further schooling and/or not as much schooling compared to the traditional four year route is hard to resist.”

For more information about how we’re celebrating CTE Month in Wall, click here!