CTE Month: Your Blueprint for Building a Stronger Workforce Through Local Partnerships
February is CTE Month—a perfect time to explore how career and technical education is reshaping workforce development. A recent infographic produced by the Association for Career and Technical Education gives plenty of food for thought. Let’s break it down.
Understanding Modern CTE
Today’s CTE offers a comprehensive approach to preparing students for the workforce by integrating academic learning with practical skills for a variety of industries. From agriculture to construction to manufacturing and more, CTE addresses the diverse and evolving needs of the job market.
CTE encompasses a wide range of educational levels. For example, in Newark, New Jersey, The Office of Career and Technical Education runs programs from Kindergarten through grade 12.
High school students enrolled in CTE courses boast a 96% graduation rate, and are ready to enter the workforce or tackle a post-secondary education. But CTE isn’t just for traditional students. Adults looking to reskill, upskill, or change careers can also find CTE programs tailored to their needs.
An Associates Degree in a CTE-related field can pay up to $2.8 million in lifetime earning potential, making it an attractive alternative to a traditional four year university degree.
Why Partner with Local CTE Programs?
CTE programs serve 7.8 million high school and 3.3 million college/adult students. With a projected shortfall of 6 million skilled workers through 2032, CTE programs create an ideal pipeline for up and coming talent.
CTE programs give students early exposure to our industry, familiarizing them with terminology, equipment, and safety requirements while helping them understand potential career paths before making employment decisions.
Hiring CTE graduates is cost effective,too. These potential workers already have the foundational education they need to succeed. They often have the relevant certifications as well. Partnering with local programs also drives down recruitment costs. Employers make direct connections with the prospective workforce and have less need for external recruiters or hiring agencies.
Partnering with CTEs builds up the community through local job creation, which in turn can attract other businesses who need a skilled workforce base.
Your Partnership Blueprint: How to Get Started
There are several ways to put a partnership into place with your local CTE program(s).
- Contact local CTE programs. Make introductions, learn about their offerings, and connect with CTE instructors who can recommend students for internships and full-time roles.
- Join advisory boards. Help shape training programs and ensure that students are learning the most up-to-date skills. Recommend the industry certifications that should be a part of the curriculum.
- Offer workplace tours. Invite students to take a peek behind the curtain and imagine themselves working alongside your current staff.
- Create internship opportunities. Bring students in and let them actually try out the work. This is the ideal situation to evaluate potential hires in real-life, and gives students relevant experience upon graduation.
- Participate in career fairs. Set up your booth and meet many candidates under one roof. Build awareness of your company with the future workforce, show industry leadership, and develop your brand as an employer of choice.
Engage the Future Workforce Now
Early engagement with CTE students will pay dividends in the future. Partner with CTE programs to build a talent pipeline that will lift and carry your business in the generations to come.