What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

CTE is a comprehensive program of study that combines academic preparation, hands-on learning, and technical skill training based upon industry-recognized standards. CTE programs engage students in mastery learning to develop technical skills, employability traits, and academic competencies within a specific field of study. Additionally, students in CTE programs earn four academic distributions over their two-year experience to help met graduation requirements.

Who should consider Career and Technical Education as a high school option?

All students should look closely at Career and Technical program options for enrollment in their junior and/or senior year of high school. To be eligible for enrollment, students should be 16 years of age at the beginning of the school year, in good academic standing, and be prepared to commit to a two-year program during their junior and senior year. Career and Technical options are also available to students who wish to enroll for a one-year experience in their senior year.

How do I know if Career and Technical programs are the right choice for me?

The most important factor in looking at Career and Technical programs is to consider the student’s career goals and/or chosen college major. CTE is not for one type of student or another. CTE programs are highly specialized and prepare both college-bound and non-college bound students for a specific career major or career pathway. Some programs prepare students to continue their study in rigorous college majors while others prepare students for either option (college or employment).

How does CTE benefit a student planning to go to college for a two or four-year degree program?

CTE programs prepare students to be successful in college by affording them unique advantages. Students have the opportunity to explore college related majors prior to making a commitment toward a college degree program. CTE students are strong candidates for success in college as they are likely to stay committed to a post-secondary degree program due to the fact that they have received two years of advanced preparation directly related to their college major. Since they are less likely to change majors while in college, students also save valuable time and resources as they work towards their degree. Additionally, in many cases students can earn advanced standing through articulations with local and regional two and four year colleges.

How can CTE benefit a student planning to enter the workforce upon graduation from high school?

CTE affords students the opportunity to gain marketable skills while they are still in high school. In addition to developing career-specific technical skills, CTE students learn “soft” skills such as leadership, problem solving, interpersonal communication, industry protocol, and self-directed, responsible work habits prior to entering the workforce. Studies indicate that our graduates are more likely to retain employment and advance more rapidly than others without comprehensive technical training.

Jennifer Lawrence
Director of Career &
Technical Education

Julie Wallen
Administrative Assistant
(607) 335-1258