In the realm of education, particularly within secondary schooling, the adage “not everyone is going to go to college” often resounds. This holds true for a myriad of reasons, spanning from financial constraints to individual aspirations and available opportunities.
Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable shift in public education towards not only graduating students who are prepared for college but also those who are equipped for various career paths. Gone are the days when the singular focus was on college preparedness; today, there is a recognition that both trajectories are equally valid for students.
These Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of students and interests. Contrary to popular belief, participation in CTE programs is not limited to those who opt out of college.
While it may add some weight to their academic workload, many college-bound students successfully graduate high school with a CTE certification. Some leverage this certification to secure employment and support their college education financially, allowing them to delve deeper into their chosen field.
This shift signifies a pivotal evolution in educational philosophy—one that acknowledges and embraces the diversity of career pathways available to students beyond traditional academia. Whether aiming for higher education or immediate entry into the workforce, CTE programs serve as valuable resources in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
What is a CTE Program
A high school graduate can swiftly transition into the workforce, armed with their completed certification or training attained through a career and technical program or class.
According to the Texas Education Agency, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is defined as follows: “Career and technical education programs offer a sequence of courses that provides students with coherent and rigorous content.
CTE content is aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions.”
For instance, in Texas, a pathway leading to a phlebotomy certificate typically progresses from health science to medical terminology, followed by anatomy and physiology, culminating in a practicum in health science. Completion of this sequence of courses equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for pursuing careers in healthcare.
What Kinds of CTE Programs are Available
Starting with my roots in Texas, I’ll highlight the diverse array of options available to students who opt for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway.
In Texas, there are 12 distinct board programs of study offered: agriculture, architecture, arts, business, education, health science, hospitality, human services, information technology, law/public service, manufacturing, and transportation/distribution/logistics. Interestingly, California and Florida also list 17 and 18 programs respectively, with Texas mirroring the strands provided by these states.
Each program of study encompasses various pathways for students to pursue certifications. For instance, within the realm of information technology alone, there are 32 different certifications available covering areas such as software programming, cybersecurity, and computer repair.
Here’s a breakdown of the different strands in Texas along with the number of potential certifications within each program of study:
- Agriculture (13)
- Architecture (30)
- Arts (19)
- Business (12)
- Education (4)
- Health science (37)
- Hospitality (5)
- Human services (5)
- Information technology (32)
- Law/public service (4)
- Manufacturing (38)
- Transportation/distribution/logistics (43)
Similar situations exist in many other states. Across the board, these states are nurturing the future workforce within their communities and beyond through the diverse array of CTE certifications they offer.
How to Help Students Explore CTE Programs
Facilitating student engagement with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs typically commences during middle school, where students undergo interest surveys and personality assessments to align their preferences and styles with suitable career paths.
While it’s acknowledged that students’ interests can evolve significantly from seventh to tenth grade, initiating this process early is advantageous, considering the multi-year commitment many CTE programs entail. Moreover, introductory CTE classes in the first and second years of high school offer flexibility, allowing students to explore different avenues without committing to a final career path.
However, adjustments become more challenging in the later stages of the program, particularly during levels three and four, as they are crucial for obtaining desired certifications.
In Texas and several other states, middle school curricula include courses like Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, which aim to foster career exploration and develop problem-solving skills.
Upon entering high school, various pathways facilitate students’ exploration of CTE programs. Some schools offer freshman introductory classes that delve deeper into career options, salaries, and the educational requirements for different professions. These classes play a pivotal role in guiding students toward career paths that align with their interests and aspirations.
During freshman orientation, CTE programs actively recruit students by showcasing posters and providing information on potential earnings, scholarship opportunities, and competitions within their respective fields.
Furthermore, many CTE pathways feature clubs and organizations related to specific career domains, serving as both social and educational platforms for students interested in areas such as engineering or video game design.
Additionally, school counselors play a vital role in connecting students with CTE programs. Through the counseling process, students chart their CTE course plans, academic trajectories, and scheduling arrangements. Counselors leverage their expertise to assess students’ performance and personality traits, guiding them towards paths that align with their interests and potential for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CTE programs?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer students the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in various career fields, preparing them for both immediate employment and further education.
How do CTE programs benefit students?
CTE programs provide students with hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world experience, making them more competitive in the job market. These programs also help students explore diverse career pathways and align their interests with potential career options.
At what age should students start exploring CTE programs?
Students can begin exploring CTE programs as early as middle school. Many schools offer career exploration courses and activities to help students identify their interests and aptitudes.
What types of CTE programs are available?
CTE programs cover a wide range of career fields, including healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, and more. These programs may offer certifications, associate degrees, or apprenticeship opportunities depending on the industry.
How can schools help students explore CTE programs?
Schools can support students in exploring CTE programs by providing career counseling, organizing informational sessions and workshops, offering hands-on experiences through internships or job shadowing, and collaborating with local businesses and industry partners.
Are there prerequisites for enrolling in CTE programs?
Prerequisites for CTE programs vary depending on the specific program and institution. Some programs may require certain academic courses or skills assessments, while others may have open enrollment.
Can students pursue higher education after completing a CTE program?
Yes, many students choose to continue their education after completing a CTE program. CTE programs often articulate with post-secondary institutions, allowing students to earn college credits or seamlessly transition into associate or bachelor’s degree programs.
How can parents support their children in exploring CTE programs?
Parents can encourage their children to explore their interests and passions, research different career options together, attend school events and information sessions about CTE programs, and provide guidance and encouragement throughout the decision-making process.
Conclusion
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs play a crucial role in preparing students for success in both their careers and further education. By offering hands-on training, industry certifications, and practical experiences, CTE programs empower students to explore diverse career pathways and develop essential skills for the workforce.
Starting as early as middle school, students have the opportunity to discover their interests, talents, and aspirations, with support from educators, counselors, and parents. Through collaboration with local businesses and industry partners, schools can provide students with real-world experiences and connections to the workforce.
