Mount Olive High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program isn’t just a set of classes; it’s a launchpad for students looking to build practical skills, explore career paths, and gain independence. Led by veteran educator Mike Winsel, the program reflects the district’s commitment to preparing students for a future filled with opportunities.

Mr. Winsel, who has been teaching industrial technology and CTE at Mount Olive for 25 years, has transformed what was once a dusty workshop into a hub of innovation. “When I started, it was pretty much just woodworking,” he recalls. “But I’ve never been one to teach hobbies. My goal has always been to prepare students for real-world opportunities where they can build careers.”

Under Mr. Winsel’s leadership, the program has evolved to include state-of-the-art precision machining and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming. These skills are highly sought after in today’s job market, and Mr. Winsel ensures his students graduate with both the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel. “Precision machining is a wide-open field,” Mr. Winsel explains. “There are 10 jobs waiting for every one person who graduates in this area.”

One of the program’s key features is its dual-credit partnership with Southwestern Illinois College, which allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. For Mount Olive students, this opportunity opens doors to high-paying jobs in fields like engineering, welding, and automotive technology. “I’ve had students go through the Ford ASSET program and come out making $70,000 a year at just 20 years old,” Mr. Winsel says. “These are life-changing opportunities.”

The impact of the CTE program is evident in the stories of students like Chloe Green and Reese Heyen. Chloe, a junior, has already set her sights on a career in the trades, though she’s still deciding between becoming an electrician or a welder. In Mr. Winsel’s precision machining classes, she’s thriving. “Chloe is one of the best students I’ve ever had,” Mr. Winsel shares. “She takes on projects with focus and independence. She’s going to go far.”

For Chloe, the appeal of the trades lies in both financial security and personal enjoyment. “There are opportunities everywhere,” she says. “It’s a field where I know I’ll always have work, and I really enjoy it.”

Reese, meanwhile, has her eyes on a different path: agricultural accounting. Through a dual-credit program with Lincoln Land Community College, Reese is taking ag business courses that will position her for success in the agricultural sector. “I’ll graduate with an ag business degree, which will help me start my career right out of high school,” Reese explains.

Despite living in nearby Gillespie, Reese feels deeply connected to the Mount Olive community, thanks in part to her mother’s role as a junior high science teacher. “Mount Olive is like a family,” she says. “Everyone knows each other and supports each other. It’s a special place.”

Lili Readenour, another student in the program, is pursuing an entirely different path—emergency medical services. Through a partnership with the Litchfield Fire Department, Lili is working toward becoming a licensed EMT by the time she graduates. “I’ve always been interested in healthcare,” she says. “I’m an adrenaline junkie, and I thrive in high-paced environments. Being an EMT feels like the right fit for me.”

Lili’s dedication to her future career is matched by her love for her hometown. “Mount Olive is a close-knit community where everyone is there for each other,” she says. “I may leave for college, but I’ll probably come back. This place is home.”

Mr. Winsel attributes much of the program’s success to the support of the Mount Olive Academic Foundation and the community as a whole. “This district has always worked with me and supported what I wanted to do,” he says. “Whether it’s funding new equipment or cheering on students, the community is invested in our success.”

The students echo this sentiment, describing Mount Olive as a place where relationships and shared values form the foundation of daily life. “We’re like a family here,” Chloe says. “It’s not just about academics or sports—it’s about being there for each other.”

As the program continues to grow, Mr. Winsel remains focused on providing students with the tools they need to succeed. “At the end of the day, it’s about giving kids a start in life,” he says. “Whether they go into the trades, healthcare, or business, I want them to leave Mount Olive with skills they can use and a future they can build on.”

In Mount Olive, the CTE program is more than a curriculum—it’s a bridge to opportunity, led by passionate educators and embraced by a community that believes in the power of education to change lives.