Career & Technical Education (CTE)

March 2023 - Newsletter for Ionia County CTE programs.

Ionia County Career Center Updates

Ionia County Career Center Updates

Springtime is extremely busy at the Career Center. One of our primary goals year-round is to prepare students to be "Future Ready". In the Spring of each year, we notice the changes as our Seniors make final preparations to enter the real world beyond high school and our Juniors enter their last year of secondary school. It is an exciting time for all!
Ionia County Career Center Updates
Community Partnership Spotlight

Community Partnership Spotlight

Community Partnership Spotlight
Michelle Evans & Erin Hollon work at West Michigan Works. They come in several times a year to work with students in many of our programs with their employability skills such as resumes, mock interviews, etc. We are blessed to have them helping our students!
Local CTE Program - Belding High School

Local CTE Program - Belding High School

Congratulations to Kaidence Lindsey, Sidney Helder, Bradley Winsor & Wiler Rivera! They are the first four Belding High School (BHS) students to successfully earn the Communication Skills for Business (CSB) industry certification through Certiport. BHS is now set up as a Certiport Authorized Testing Center. All former Business Communication students are eligible to attempt CSB certification. Industry certifications add to our student's marketability Industry certifications add to students' marketability and are offered free of cost to Belding students as they complete Business, Marketing & Finance CTE courses at BHS.
Local CTE Program - Belding High School
Alumni Spotlight - Kelsey Brimmer

Alumni Spotlight - Kelsey Brimmer

Kelsey Brimmer (Althoff) attended our Health Occupations program. She is now a Registered Nurse (Charge).


Q: How did the Career Center (formerly Heartlands) help you get where you are today?

A: This class really sparked my interest in the medical field, especially in bedside nursing. It also offered me the framework I needed in order to become the best possible caregiver that I could be.


Q: What advice do you have for current Career Center (formerly Heartlands) students?

A: Really just immerse yourself into this experience which is quite unique to our school. Even if you are possibly interested in any of the occupations that the career center offers, this could be a great way to get your feet wet and see if it’s something you may want to do long-term. I couldn’t recommend it enough! I don’t know if I would be where I am today without the foundation I was given here and with the guidance of the Health Occupations instructors.

Alumni Spotlight - Kelsey Brimmer

Quick Facts About CTE

Did you know – 94.9% of high school students enrolled in a CTE program graduated last year? That’s compared to Michigan’s graduation rate of 80.5%. View more facts and figures in the 2020-2021 Michigan CTE Facts Brochure! This CTE Month find a program that fits your needs and allows you to earn higher wages.

All About Mrs. Schafer

All About Mrs. Schafer

All About Mrs. Schafer

Mrs. Heather Schafer is our Health Occupations instructor. She has been with the Ionia County Career Center for 8 years. Heather is married to Thom Schafer and they have two adult children, Dustin and Danielle. Dustin is married to Hilarie and Danielle is engaged to Jacob (to be married in September 2024). Heather enjoys spending time with her family at rugby games, motocross races, snowmobile races, watching movies, cruising around backroads, going out to eat, and being at the lake. In her spare time, Heather is a part-time lab instructor at Montcalm Community College.


  • Travel Bucket List: Bora Bora
  • If she could have one superpower it would be to fly.
  • Favorite Tradition: Excessive decorating on holidays and having fireworks whenever possible
Advice from Mr. Paton

Advice from Mr. Paton

The most important lesson for students at the career center is finding their purpose in life, and a plan for obtaining the career they desire. The second most important lesson for students, finding out what they don't care for prior to the time and treasure being invested in pursuing a less-than-savory choice.
Advice from Mr. Paton
Apply to sub for our programs!

Have you ever thought about subbing for the Ionia County Career Center and/or local districts? If so click the link above. Our substitutes are hired through ESS/Willsub.

About Us

About Us

About Us
The Ionia County Career Center provides students with the opportunity to expand their horizons through enrollment in career and technical education. The center operates nine state-approved programs. Classes are a combination of traditional academics and hands-on, project-based learning. Students are given the knowledge and experience they need to secure their next step towards success e.g. first-time job, college, or apprenticeship.
250 East Tuttle Road, Ionia, MI, USA careercenteroffice@ioniaisd.org 616-527-6540 ioniaisd.org/cte