By Aarushi Anandakumar, @aarushiideca | Centennial High School, TX
For decades, students were told to follow the same path: go to school, get good grades, attend college, get a degree and then a job. Today, the traditional path looks different. CTE (Career and Technical Education) empowers students to explore careers and interests. By taking CTE classes, students now have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and graduate with academic and real-world knowledge, preparing the future workforce.
What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education, or CTE, is a specialized education program that provides high schoolers and post-secondary students with industry-driven classes in career fields. This program’s purpose is to prepare students for the workforce, internships or further education. CTE offers courses across many areas of interest, including business, healthcare/medical, governmental sciences, culinary sciences and more.
CTSOs are Career and Technical Student Organizations. These organizations are not just after-school clubs; they are designed to have students compete in different fields to build leadership, communication, and employability skills.
CTE Builds In-Demand Skills
CTE builds skills by combining academics with hands-on industry experience and training. Specific CTE classes students can take foster real-world skills taught beyond the classroom, such as collaboration, problem-solving and communication. Programs are also designed with input from experts and offer opportunities for students to earn industry certifications, further demonstrating their value to employers.
Furthermore, work-based learning allows students to develop professional skills through early partnerships with employers. By introducing work environments to high school students, CTE shapes future workforces by developing experienced, qualified students!
CTE Closes The Skills Gap
Employers always face difficulty finding the right candidate. Some lack workplace manners, while others lack technical skills. CTE directly addresses this need by preparing students for high-growth fields through real-world experiences, industry certifications and career-aligned coursework. By enabling students to earn credibility and industry knowledge while still in high school, CTE creates opportunities to enter the workforce without relying heavily on postsecondary education, thereby minimizing student debt. CTE programs are also aligned with local and national labor market needs, ensuring graduates are well prepared for the current workforce.
In an evolving world, CTE stands at the forefront of innovation. By combining academic coursework with career-centered training and certifications, CTE prepares students not just for their first job but also for long-term career development and success. It bridges the gap between education and careers, equipping students with valuable skills. As the workforce is constantly changing, CTE does not falter in preparing the next generation.
