Last week, I had the opportunity to step away from the daily demands of my role as Adult Education Principal at BCIT and immerse myself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Driving through Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, I expected rest and relaxation, but I returned with something equally profound: a renewed perspective on the vital role Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays in our workforce.

Yellowstone’s geysers and bubbling hot springs were breathtaking, but it was the Grand Teton Mountains—their jagged peaks rising sharply against the sky, mirrored in pristine alpine lakes—that truly took my breath away. The sheer scale of these mountains, carved over millennia, reminded me of the lasting impact of skilled, purposeful work. Just as the Tetons were shaped by forces over time, so too are communities and economies built by the hands of skilled trade professionals.

Traveling through Bozeman, Jackson Hole, and surrounding areas, I was struck by the rapid pace of construction, infrastructure expansion, and economic development. New hotels, restaurants, and attractions were springing up everywhere, each a testament to the skilled trades that make growth possible. Carpenters framing walls, electricians wiring facilities, plumbers installing essential systems, and HVAC technicians ensuring comfort—every role contributed to shaping these thriving communities.

Amid the majestic Tetons and Yellowstone’s vast wilderness, my thoughts returned to the classrooms and workshops at BCIT Adult Education. The landscapes reminded me that CTE is about more than teaching—it’s about building the workforce that builds our future. Our programs equip adults with the skills to participate in—and benefit from—the kind of growth and opportunity I witnessed firsthand in the Mountain West.

My time in Yellowstone and the Tetons recharged my spirit and strengthened my dedication to supporting the hardworking trade professionals who keep our country moving forward. The lessons of these mountains are clear: just as nature builds over time with patience and precision, so too does a skilled workforce create lasting impact. Through CTE, we are not just teaching a trade; we are shaping the future.

- Dr. McAlpin

Published 11/11/25