Today’s advanced manufacturing environment moves fast, and students entering the workforce need skills that keep pace. High school tech ed programs play a critical role in shaping that readiness, but only if they stay connected to industry expectations and emerging technologies.

The new year doesn’t have to be just about personal resolutions; it’s the perfect moment for schools to commit to bold, future-focused goals. These five resolutions are designed to help programs strengthen partnerships, expand opportunities, and ensure every student graduates with credentials that employers trust.

Resolution 1: Build Relationships with Three New Local Companies

Strong industry partnerships give students a clearer picture of what modern manufacturing looks like. For many schools, the challenge isn’t willingness, it’s knowing where to start. The good news is that companies are more open than ever to collaborating with local schools and programs, especially when those programs demonstrate a commitment to teaching real-world skills.

Employers want graduates who can step onto the floor with confidence. That’s where intentional outreach comes in. Start by identifying three local companies that align with your program’s pathways. By staying local and making connections in your community, it’s a huge win for both sides.

A simple, well-crafted invitation can open the door. A great way to reach out would be through a phone call or an in-person invitation. When you connect, keep the first conversation focused on learning about the employer and their needs: What does your facility make? What technologies are you investing in? What kind of skills are in highest demand? How can your school help fill your talent needs? Offering support and partnership builds trust and opens the door to a stronger, long-term relationship.

Once these connections are made, offer to host them at your school to see the students’ work in action and offer the chance to speak about their organization to the students directly. This also leads well into our second resolution.

Resolution 2: Take Your Students on Three Facility Tours

Nothing beats seeing industry in action. Many students do not think of manufacturing careers simply because they are not exposed to it. When the only images they have of manufacturing come from outdated stereotypes or secondhand descriptions, it’s no surprise that they overlook the field entirely.

A facility tour has the chance to change that perception instantly. The moment students step onto a modern shop floor they have the chance to see the innovation, opportunity, and possible future for themselves.

These tours have benefits for both the students and educators. Students will see firsthand the technologies they’re learning about in class, reinforcing concepts in a way that a textbook or school lab can’t. These experiences make learning tangible and help students understand why their coursework matters.

For educators, tours offer a window into the skills employers expect from entry-level talent. Seeing real workflows, equipment, and processes can help refine curriculum, identify gaps, and stay aligned with industry trends.

This year, work with the three companies you build a relationship with and take your students on tours of their facilities.

Resolution 3: Attend One Industry Tradeshow

For educators, attending an industry tradeshow is one of the fastest ways for educators to understand where technology is heading. A single event, like IMTS (International Machine Technology Show), can reshape a program’s direction, ensuring students are learning the skills today’s workforce actually needs.

By making tradeshows a consistent part of professional development, tech ed programs ensure they remain relevant, forward‑thinking, and deeply informed about the skills today’s employers value most. Regular attendance also helps teachers build relationships with vendors, industry experts, and workforce leaders who can offer insight, guidance, and potential partnerships. Over time, this ongoing exposure creates a cycle of continuous improvement, where programs evolve alongside industry rather than lagging behind it.

As a bonus, if you are local to Chicagoland (or within driving distance), IMTS has a great opportunity for students with its Smartforce Student Summit. The Smartforce Student Summit is designed to inspire students to seek an education in STEM that leads to a career pathway in manufacturing. This would be a great opportunity to get students in front of national and global leaders in the industry.

Resolution 4: Attend Two Technical Education Conferences

One of the most valuable things a tech ed teacher can do is learn directly from other educators who have already solved the challenges they’re facing. Technical education conferences create that space. These events offer a rare chance to compare notes, gather new ideas, and walk away with practical solutions that can be implemented immediately.

Conferences like the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the American Technical Education Association (ATEA), the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) and their state-level counterparts bring together thousands of educators, industry and workforce leaders who all have the same goal: prepare students for high-demand, high-tech careers.

By committing to attend two technical education conferences in 2026, tech ed programs invest directly in their own growth. They ensure their teachers stay sharp, their curriculum stays relevant, and their students stay competitive in a rapidly changing workforce.

Resolution 5: Have 100% of Students Earn Industry-Recognized Certifications

For today’s students entering the workforce, graduating with only classroom experience is no longer enough. Employers want evidence that students can demonstrate real skills, work safely, and understand the technologies used in modern manufacturing and automation environments. Having each student earn at least one industry-recognized credential will solidify your program as a resource for local workforce.

There are industry-recognized credentials for a wide variety of technical topic areas. AWS supports welding pathways, CompTIA strengthens IT fundamentals, OSHA provides essential safety training, NCCER serves construction trades, and the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) aligns with [MM8] advanced manufacturing, automation, and smart systems. Together, these credentials create a comprehensive, workforce-ready foundation that helps every student graduate with skills employers trust.

Credentials validate what students know and what they can do. They provide a standardized, industry-aligned way to measure competency. Each credential becomes a tangible asset students can showcase in their portfolios and on their résumés, helping them stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.

By committing to 100% credential attainment in 2026, tech ed programs send a powerful message: every student deserves the chance to graduate with validated, job-ready skills.

Confident, Capable, and Ready to Contribute

As we jump into 2026, tech ed programs are stepping into a year where industry expectations are rising faster than ever. Students need more than exposure. They need real skills, real experiences, and real alignment with the technologies shaping today’s workforce.

A set of clear, intentional resolutions can help your program grow, give students stronger opportunities, and ensure your school stays connected to current industry expectations. When educators commit to these actions, they create classrooms that reflect real industry environments and produce graduates who are confident, capable and ready to contribute on day one.

If your program is ready to take the next step toward stronger industry alignment and more job-ready graduates, explore how SACA can support your 2026 goals below.

Find local industry SACA members: https://www.saca.org/member-institutions/

SACA benefits for educators: https://www.saca.org/education-membership-benefits/