DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – A Jacksonville TikTok influencer’s push for more trade programs in local schools is gaining momentum — and a response from Duval County Public Schools.
Jason Goodrich started an online petition calling for expanded trade programs in Duval County schools.
District leaders have since invited News4JX to tour their career and technology campuses for a firsthand look at what is already available to students.
District opens doors
Goodrich, who first reached out to News4JAX about the issue weeks earlier, was not able to attend the tour in person. However, district leaders and students walked the News4JAX team through several programs at A. Philip Randolph Career Academies, with a special focus on welding and carpentry — the areas Goodrich is most passionate about.
Charles Lyles, of A. Philip Randolph Career Academies, described how the district is working to ensure Career and Technical Education, or CTE, is accessible at every high school.
“No matter which school you go to, they all have at least a few CTE offerings there. And if the CTE offering that the student is interested in is not necessarily at their neighborhood high school, they can then decide that they want to become a magnet student and come either here to A. Philip Randolph Career Academies,” Lyles said. “We take students from all over the district, or to our sister school, Frank H. Peterson.”
Lyles says there are currently 21,000 students enrolled in CTE programs across Duval County.
Students put skills to work
Inside the carpentry program, students are already doing hands-on construction work. CTE carpentry student Joseph Bernier showed off the progress his class has made.
CTE programs available countywide include cosmetology, aviation and fire rescue, among others. For CTE firefighting student Rashad Brewster, the program has already given him a head start.
CTE cosmetology instructor Toya Alston says the program gives students a direct path to a career — and a license to go with their diploma.
“My favorite part is the fact that we can impart the information that we know as professionals into the students, and then they can go out into society and become a productive citizen,” Alston said. “They don’t have to leave here and just wander. They can leave here with not only their diploma, but they can also apply their licensure.”
Finding common ground
Duval County CTE Director Jill Fierle says the conversation with Goodrich helped illustrate both the progress that has been made and the work still ahead.
Goodrich joined the tour via video call and said he felt encouraged — and ready to help spread the word.
“Well, I’m going to do my part to help get it out there to people that don’t understand,” Goodrich said.
Fierle made clear the partnership is just getting started.
“We will be in touch. This isn’t over,” she said.
District leaders say they will continue to adjust programs based on community feedback and workforce needs.