"There is obviously a continuing need for vocational courses, and this is a need that is supposed to be filled by the community colleges of California. However, in 2003 the automotive, architecture, fire technology, emergency management, administration of justice, hospitality, recreation and geographic services programs were discontinued in the face of serious, prolonged community protests. Despite reinstating an auto repair certificate (only 3 classes and held on the high school campus), little else has been done to restore the vocational program to its former size and breadth despite assurances by the Board to the contrary. By reducing the number of many 'hands-on' vocational programs, the College continues to disenfranchise those in the community who would benefit the most from having the technical training needed to obtain jobs in higher paying lines of employment. There is clear evidence that the community places great value in these programs, and if elected, I will make the restoration of the 2-year vocational program a priority."
Oct. 1, 2014 Dennis C.W. Frisch

"Santa Monica offers over 70 certificates in Career and Technical Education leading to a variety of career opportunities for students. Even so, we cannot settle for the status quo. We must stay current with the job markets. Over the years we added degrees and certificates in Website Design, Logistics/supply chain Management, Broadcast Programming, Database Application Development, 3D Rendering, Game Design, Digital Media and green jobs, such as Recycling and Resource Management and Solar Photovoltaic.

As we move forward new career paths will evolve and we must be responsive and prepared to work with those in the field, develop new course offerings and send prepared students into the job market."
Oct. 1, 2014 Nancy Greenstein

"Every year I've been on the Board, one of our goals is to strengthen and expand Career Technical Education (CTE) (formerly vocational education). But it's not your father's voc ed. The economy has changed and technology has disrupted just about every industry.

To a great extent, and especially via funding decisions, the state determines CTE programming on a regional basis by industry sector demand. The high delivery cost of CTE programs and the rapid industry change are challenging. To figure out how to meet these challenges, the Chancellor's Office is forming a task force to re-examine the where, what, and how-will-we-fund-it issues.

That said, SMC currently offers more than 70 degrees or certificates in CTE – these are the 2-year (or less) programs that lead to 'Middle Skills' jobs. Last year, we awarded 1,373 Chancellor-approved CTE certificates, and 37% of SMC credit students take at least one CTE course. In recent years, we added courses in logistics, recycling, and solar photovoltaic installation, to name a few. We just received a $2m grant to expand information, communication, technology, and entertainment career pathways.

Providing high quality relevant CTE programs that lead to good jobs is an on-going and evolving process, challenge, and priority."
Oct. 1, 2014 Louise Jaffe

"SMC does offer vocational classes, however it is very limited and the focus has been in transferring students to 4 year University. I believe that SMC must do more to create vocational classes in Computer Science or computer repair."
Oct. 1, 2014 Maria Loya

"Santa Monica College offers 37 Career Technical Education (CTE) related Associates Degrees and Department Certificate Programs and 37 Certificates of Achievements. Each year SMC is constantly responding to workforce needs as they arise and is flexible in creating new programs to train students."
Oct. 1, 2014 Barry A. Snell