Career and Technical Education (CTE) is more important than ever. While a four-year college degree has been the traditional path, CTE offers a critical alternative that aligns skills with the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce. Nationwide projections show a 10.4% growth in STEM jobs between 2023 and 2033—more than double the rate for non-STEM jobs. With California identified as having the largest growing STEM workforce, the state is poised to lead the country in this industry.
The Challenge: The momentum is there, but so are the roadblocks. Despite significant funding and a renewed focus from state policy, California faces three key barriers to building a robust CTE system:
- A structural shortage of qualified CTE educators at the high school level.
- Uneven program quality and equity across the state.
- A cultural perception gap about the value of CTE.
The Solution: These barriers are deeply connected, and solving them requires a holistic approach. EnCorps’ new white paper explores these challenges in detail and lays out a strategic, systemic solution. We’re calling for greater collaboration between non-profits, school districts, and businesses to create a CTE system that is accessible, equitable, and sustainable.
Read the Full Story: Ready to dive deeper into the future of CTE in California? Our white paper, “Building the Future Workforce with EnCorps,” provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and offers a clear path forward.
- Learn why CTE teacher retention is a critical issue and how mentorship can be the key to solving it.
- Discover how we’re partnering with districts to bridge the gap between industry and the classroom.
- Explore our recommendations for a systemic approach to make CTE programs a more impactful community of practice.
Download the EnCorps study, “Building The Future Workforce with EnCorps,” here to uncover the facts and join the conversation!