May 14, 2025- There's been plenty of district news lately regarding career and technical education and careers in the trades. Late last month, Project SPEAR students began putting the finishing touches on a custom shed they built and plan to sell. Weeks later, it was announced the program earned an HVAC Lab Grant through Explore the Trades and Ferguson.

That trades trend continued today as High School East's Hispanic Heritage Club attended the OCVTS Annual Community Construction Career Expo and Job Fair.

More than 50 businesses were in attendance, and there were hands-on instructional demos, discussion panels, opportunities for on-site interviews, and even an Excavator Rodeo. Students were able to explore the various trade occupations and practice their professional interpersonal skills.

"It was an excellent opportunity for students to explore trade careers," said Hispanic Heritage Club advisor Liz Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, the district is currently completing an application in the hopes of attaining a grant to even further elevate CTE education. All told, when it comes to career and technical education these days in Toms River, it's all hands on the hands-on deck.