More and more California students are choosing to take Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes to gain experience in fields with future job growth opportunities. 

This trend correlates with students’ questioning of traditional higher education model pathways, governments’ deepening financial support of technical education programs, and organizations like EnCorps providing valuable mentorship that raises the quality of CTE instruction.   

Together, these shifts reflect a growing emphasis on helping students graduate with workforce-ready skills while still keeping multiple postsecondary options open.

 

What are CTE classes?

Career and Technical Education classes focus on training students in the specific skills that they would need for a career in a technical field. California State public and charter school students are required to take at least one CTE course for graduation. 

Students who take CTE classes get to explore a range of careers in a low-commitment environment compared to waiting to go all-in on one major in college. Students learn career-specific skills and may earn badges or certifications that can be applied directly to work in the field.  

Why Take CTEs?

Some students cite the “cool” factor of working in areas like robotics and AI, or are excited to get involved with job areas they know they may want to pursue. Many students are more successful in courses where they are moving and learning through hands-on training than in a traditional classroom environment. And both parents and students realize the direct advantage of spending school time in classes that provide practical skills for future careers. For many learners, CTE offers a more engaging and relevant way to connect education with real-world applications.

What Technical Careers Are Supported?

States create CTE courses based on the predicted employment areas and needs of their economies, ensuring that students are trained for jobs that are predicted to have openings.

California CTE courses focus on 15 career pathways. Students can select courses from these industry sectors: 

  1. Agriculture and Natural Resources
  2. Arts, Media, and Entertainment
  3. Building and Construction Trades
  4. Business and Finance
  5. Education, Child Development, and Family Services
  6. Energy, Environment, and Utilities
  7. Engineering and Architecture
  8. Fashion and Interior Design
  9. Health Science and Medical Technology
  10. Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
  11. Information and Communication Technologies
  12. Manufacturing and Product Design
  13. Marketing, Sales, and Services
  14. Public Services
  15. Transportation

A California student finishing the requirements for 2 classes, including a capstone project, is deemed a “pathway completer.’ They are then considered “Prepared” on the CA College/Career Indicator (CCI). This builds a scaffold for creating and measuring the student’s readiness for post-high school life.

Government Policies Reprioritize CTE

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (known as Perkins IV), was signed into law in 2006 and reauthorized in 2018 (known as Perkins V).  Perkins V earmarks federal funds to enable students access to programs that explore careers in CTE while earning valuable credentials. 

This represents a societal change that places more value on the educational investment in technical career pathway opportunities.

EnCorps CTE Mentorship Alliance

One of the challenges with increased student interest in career and technical courses is the lack of instructors who are both skilled in the technical aspects of the career and experienced classroom teachers. 

EnCorps has created the CTE Mentorship Alliance to develop these teachers.  Led by experienced teachers and school leaders, a series of workshops mentors CTE Teachers on instructional best practices.  

Mentors review how to build classes around project-based learning. CTE teachers learn how to apply skills with inclusive and engaging instruction. Teachers receive practical help on classroom management and how to develop a curriculum that keeps students engaged. And by focusing on a full cycle of instruction, teachers learn how to design, implement, and review impact with assessments and parent-teacher conferences.  

Empowering Teachers to Support CTE Students

In addition to hosting workshops, the CTE Mentorship Alliance provides access to a prerecorded library of professional development sessions taught by experienced educators from across the nation. 

These include courses on how to set up an inclusive environment that welcomes all learners such as  “Inclusive Practices for STEM Learners” and “Culturally-Sustaining Pedagogy in STEM.” They also teach important mindset subjects like “The Science of Hope” and “The Neuroscience Behind Student Behavior.”

The EnCorps CTE Mentorship Alliance creates a long-term pattern of success by setting a structure in place to nurture a positive, long-term relationship between EnCorps mentors and CTE classroom teachers.

  

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