By Elle Wood

WILMINGTON — February is Career and Technical Education Month in the First State.

The Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE) held a poster contest for every school district in the state for grades levels fifth through 12th. The theme of the contest was “Navigating for your career.”

The winner of the contest was Maya Zhao, and eighth grade student at Louis L. Redding Middle School of Appoquinimink School District. Her winning poster included a car driving down the road with various signs leading to different career paths.

Christopher Stahl is the executive director of DACCTE. He enjoys promoting technical education through these contests and being able to see what ideas students have in their posters.

“I thought her poster was great,” said Mr. Stahl. “It incorporated so many little details, and I think she did a great job.”

Delaware has the opportunity for a lot of career and technical education through various high school and adult education.

“Career and technical education gives opportunities to students and citizens in general because there is CTE not only in high schools but other programs through adult education and things like that,” said MR. Stahl. “Career and technical education provides people to earn a living wage and skills that they can make a living off of.”

“It’s just a win-win opportunity.”

Promoting career and technical education in ways like the poster contest allow students from a younger age to learn what their options are as they get closer to high school. Delaware includes 16 comprehensive school districts, three technical school districts and various charter school programs, according to Mr. Stahl.

“I hope it (poster contests and events) showcases the opportunities and availability throughout the state through comprehensive high schools, tech districts and charters,” said Mr. Stahl.