Mark Wreath is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Vancouver Public Schools.
The mission of Vancouver Public Schools’ CTE program is to engage students in high-quality, hands-on learning that prepares them for success in post-secondary education and future careers. Through a variety of pathways, middle and high school students across the district gain exposure to career options they might not otherwise encounter, explore fields that spark their interest, and build real-world skills—all before they graduate.
CTE pathways include Business, Marketing, Computer Science, Agriculture, Digital Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Culinary Arts, Social Services, and more. Two pathways that have seen major growth in the past year are Building Construction and Advanced Manufacturing. Thanks to significant investments, state-of-the-art facilities at Hudson’s Bay and Fort Vancouver High Schools have expanded access to technical trades education.
Completed in less than a year, the Endeavour Technical Trades Center adds 7,500 square feet of workspace where students receive hands-on training in foundational construction skills such as framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. The facility also features simulators for operating forklifts, mobile cranes, and other heavy equipment.
The Ed Lynch Trades Center, expected to open by January 2026, will support classes in advanced manufacturing and welding. It will significantly expand Fort Vancouver’s capacity to train students in job-ready, in-demand trades through experiential learning.
Both centers are designed to help build a pipeline of skilled workers who are ready to contribute to the region’s economic growth.
The Foundation for VPS played a key role in making these projects possible, leading collaboration among donors, community partners, and district staff—including Mark Wreath, who generously took time to speak with us about these exciting initiatives. Read our interview with Mark below!
1) How did you come to be involved in Career and Technical Education?
I graduated high school in the 1980s during a time when the prevailing message was, “All students go to college.” As a result, I was never exposed to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs during my school years. It turned out I did not go to college immediately after high school—instead, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. When I took the ASVAB, I scored high and was trained as an Aircraft Electrician. I loved working on complex systems and troubleshooting to identify faulty components on military aircraft. Looking back, I wish I had been introduced to these kinds of hands-on skills while I was still in high school.
That experience fuels my passion today. I am committed to ensuring all students and families are aware of high-quality, relevant CTE opportunities—especially those that align with local employment needs and career pathways.
2) What excites you the most about these two projects—the Endeavor Technical Trades Center and the Ed Lynch Trades Center?
What excites me most is how these two projects significantly expand opportunities for Vancouver Public Schools students. Each center is designed to provide hands-on training that can lead directly to employment after graduation. The spaces are being intentionally designed and outfitted in partnership with local employers to ensure that our instruction aligns with industry needs and future talent pipelines.
I’m also incredibly moved by the overwhelming community support. These facilities are being built through the generosity of local philanthropists and with direct involvement from our contractor community. Many contractors are contributing not just financially, but also through their expertise—literally building these spaces. Every contractor I’ve spoken with is proud to support these efforts and excited to see the return of meaningful, skills-based learning in our district.
3) Now that one building is done and another is just beginning, is there anything that impressed or surprised you about this process so far?
What has impressed me the most is how smoothly and collaboratively these projects have progressed. The fact that we’re completing them on time and within budget is a testament to the incredible partnerships involved. I’m especially grateful to the general contractor and project managers who have donated their time and expertise, and to the subcontractors who provided fair bids to help us stay on budget.
It’s been inspiring to see so many different parts of the VPS community come together: support from the Board of Directors, the VPS Foundation stepping in as the fiscal agent, the Planning and Maintenance Department providing valuable input, and contractors engaging with students during the building process—sharing their career journeys and encouraging future trades professionals.
4) What do you like about working with VPS students? What qualities do you see in them that give you hope?
What I love most is watching students light up when they get to apply what they’re learning in a real, hands-on way. When students can build, design, or produce something tangible, it connects their academic learning to real-world purpose. That spark is powerful.
Our CTE students are engaged, focused, and eager to learn. They show initiative, curiosity, and a strong desire to master new skills. Their work ethic and determination give me great hope—not just for their futures, but for the future of our workforce and community.
5) What future visions do you have for VPS and these types of hands-on training projects?
Our vision is clear: we want every graduate to leave our system with a solid plan and the skills to pursue it—whether that means entering the workforce, attending a trade school, enrolling in a community college, or heading to a university. If a student wants to go straight into employment, we want them to be ready and connected to a supportive local employer. If they choose further training or education, we want them to be confident, prepared, and informed in selecting the right pathway for their career goals.
At Vancouver Public Schools, we are deeply committed to preparing Career- and College-Ready graduates. These hands-on training programs are an essential part of that commitment.
-Leah Middleton, FVPS Communications Coordinator
