HVALF Endorses Washtenaw ISD’s Career Technical Education Millage for Better Schools and More Union Jobs.

Ann Arbor, MI – At its August 7th meeting, delegates of the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation (HVALF) voted to endorse Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s (WISD)’s Career Technical Education (CTE) millage proposal on the ballot in Washtenaw County this November. The proposal would fund hands-on training for students from diverse backgrounds for good, union jobs outside of traditional four-year degrees.

Too often, the trades and service jobs that sustain our communities are overlooked by an education system that channels students towards a college education. In reality, for every two workers that hold bachelor’s degrees there are seven workers who hold associate’s degrees, certificates, or other credentials who provide critical work to support our economy. The CTE millage combines hands-on experience and classroom work to create opportunities for all students to gain comprehensive training in fields like automotive, healthcare, building trades, and more.

By improving funding and access to local CTE programs, we strengthen pathways to apprenticeships with our affiliate unions and equip students with the skills they need to build lifelong careers as union members. HVALF is proud to partner with WISD to build stronger schools, healthier communities, and fairer workplaces in Washtenaw County.

For more information, visit WISD’s CTE Millage informational webpage: https://www.washtenawisd.org/career-technical-education/cte-millage/.

Contact HVALF Field Coordinator, Trent Varva, with questions by email at tvarva@huronvalleyalf.org, or by phone at (734) 251-1822.