CTE FACTS

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Career and Technical Education creates pathways to success for all secondary students by providing him or her with the technical skills and academic knowledge needed to prepare for future employment and/or a successful transition to post-secondary education.

Career and Technical Education encompasses a variety of programs structured to equip students with work and life skills. In Utah, over 198,000 students (grades 7-12) participate in CTE courses annually that help them explore career options and develop occupational skills. The curriculum of career and technical education gives students the practical experience they need to succeed through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory work, and on-the-job training. CTE is offered in all 109 high schools and 141 middle schools.

Career and Technical Education jump-starts students’ careers by preparing them for jobs while still in, or just out of, high school. Students gain an advantage in increasing their earning power by entering the job market early. In Utah, all graduating students have taken a career and technical education course in high school, and approximately 30% of all high school career and technical graduates enter some form of post-secondary program.

Preparing students for meaningful work is an important goal of career and technical education because of the widening skills gap in the nation’s workforce.

• While about 65.8% of all jobs require some post-secondary training, only 20.8% of all jobs in Utah require at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Career and technical education prepares students for tomorrow’s workplace. Career and technical educators work closely with the Department of Workforce Services and Utah employers to make sure students have the skills the labor market demands.

Our vision is to see that every student has the opportunity to explore a variety of career areas, throughout high school, that will equip him or her with the academic knowledge, technical and employment skills vital for entry into the evolving workforce of the 21st century.

AREAS OF STUDY

Agricultural Education: Encompasses agricultural business and management, agricultural engineering, animal science, and horticulture.

Business Education: Encompasses accounting, administrative procedures/office support positions, banking and finance, business computer technology, communications, and Web page design.

Economics and Entrepreneurship Education: Encompasses aspects of economics, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education: Encompasses child development/child care, food and nutrition, food services/ culinary arts, hospitality, interior design, and fashion design.

Health Science and Technology Education: Encompasses biotechnology, dental assisting, emergency medical technician, medical assisting, nurse assisting, and pharmacy technician.

Information Technology Education: Encompasses database development, digital media, network design, programming and software engineering, technical support, and Web development.

Marketing Education: Encompasses advertising and promotion, e-commerce marketing, fashion merchandising, sports and entertainment marketing, and travel and tourism.

Skilled and Technical Sciences Education: Encompasses a wide range of trades including auto mechanics, carpentry, commercial art and photography, commercial aviation, cosmetology and barbering, drafting, fire science, law enforcement, and welding.

Technology and Engineering Education: Encompasses materials, processes, and technologies used in manufacturing, construction, transportation, communication, and engineering-related technologies.

SUPPORTING PROGRAM AREAS

Comprehensive Guidance: Assists students through specific self-appraisal and self-improvement activities to enable effective planning to meet their personal education and career goals.

CTE Introduction: Allows students, through activity-centered lessons, to utilize technology, develop beginning skills, and explore careers. This course provides information regarding additional courses and training related

Skill Certificate: Provides statewide competency-based student assessments. Student skill attainment is measured by core standards and competencies needed to be successful in the workforce. to each student’s career field of interest.

Pathways: Give all students, including traditional college-bound students, a focus on their future by preparing each student with the high-level technology skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive work environment.

Work-Based Learning: Gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of skills by expanding the walls of classroom learning to include the community. By narrowing the gap between theory and practice, work-based learning creates meaning for students.