Unlike vocational programs of the past, today’s CTE encompasses a variety of courses and career interests for all students regardless of post graduation plans. In fact, increasing numbers of CTE students complete the coursework necessary for attending a four-year college or university.
CTE plays a vital role in solving the critical workforce challenge in the U.S. but also right here in Santa Clara County. Here are a few reasons why CTE is important for any student to experience while in high school
1.) CTE prepares students for high-demand jobs in any industry.
2.) CTE students learn by doing. 3.) CTE teaches soft skills. In addition to the skills, they need to perform a specific job, CTE students also learn so-called soft skills that will serve them well no matter what the future holds. These soft skills that employers and college admissions officers value in their employees include:
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- teamwork
- innovation
- communication
- time management
4.) CTE helps close the skills gap.
5.) CTE helps keep kids in school. When young people feel their classes are not relevant to their lives, they often disengage. Some students struggle to see the point in studying, keeping up their grades, or remaining in school, for that matter. In a US Department of Education Study, eight years after their expected graduation date, students who focused on CTE courses while in high school had higher median annual earnings than students who did not focus on CTE.6.) CTE can lead to success in college. CTE offers students a sense of direction. This motivation can lead to a career right out of high school or to college enrollment. CTE works in tandem with students pursing college after high school. A Fordham Institute study revealed that students taking ore CTE classes are just as likely to pursue 4-year degrees as their peers.
7.) CTE Climate and student wellness. CTE has been proven to help students become college and career ready, but also creates a sense of belonging, which many students struggle with when transfering to a larger comprehensive high school or a large college post high school. Specifically, CTE does the following:
- Promotes college/post secondary going culture as students participating in CTE are more likely to go to college or a secondary program (79% go within 2 years)
- Maintain a higher GPA
- More likely to stay in college.
8.) CTE sets the path for high-wage jobs. Specifically in Mountain View Los Altos, our innovative CTE programs focus on these in demand high paying clusters:
- Information technology, including robotics
- Health science
- Business, management, and administration
10.) CTE adapts to a changing world. Artificial intelligence and other forms of automation are creating new jobs. Students who engage in CTE learn cutting-edge skills that make sense for the world they live in. They have real-world learning experiences and get advice from experts out in the field that can advise and attest to what is really happening in the work force today. CTE Teachers also have to have relevant industry experience in order to be qualified to be a CTE Teacher.
To learn more about CTE from the California Department of Education, check out the fact sheet for school leaders.
