In today’s world, career and technical education has taken on new meaning. Many careers are evolving as technology and work models change, and new industries grow and expand. To keep up, educators and career counselors are adapting to give the appropriate guidance to students.
Teachers must be trained to meet current career preparation standards. They need to know how to provide practical learning opportunities in the classroom. These opportunities strengthen students’ abilities in problem solving, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, communication and collaboration—all crucial skills for the workplace. Skills-focused and project-based work are aspects of career and technical education that teachers across disciplines can teach to all students. Therefore, no matter the subject they are teaching, educators themselves should seek training on how to incorporate real-world practices in their lessons.
What is Career and Technical Education?
Career and technical education is the practice of teaching specific career skills to students in secondary and post-secondary institutions, according to Applied Educational Systems, Inc. It is divided into several clusters that relate to today’s high-demand careers, including:
- Business
- Health science
- Arts, audio-visual technology and communications
- Information technology
- Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
- Law
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Human services
Internships, apprenticeships and in-school programs designed to develop work-readiness are typically part of career and technical education. These and other work-readiness activities teach students technical and soft skills.
Training Transformation
The resurgence of career and technical education in the past decade follows years of education and work transformation.
Historically, technical training was a major part of secondary education. Career and technical training participation dropped sharply between 1990 and 2009, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The decline started in the 1980s, when states began requiring more courses for high school graduation, particularly in core academic areas such as math, science and social studies. Meanwhile, decreases in funding and a growing emphasis on four-year college degrees pushed career and technical education down further in priority.
However, there is renewed interest in career and technical education. It was sparked more than 10 years ago, when the U.S. was dealing with economic crises and young people debated the value of a four-year education. Many industries, meanwhile, recognized the importance of up-to-date career and technical training for the future workforce. The combination of these factors brings us to now, a time period that has post-pandemic labor shortages and a need for skilled workers.
The Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) addressed current needs in its year in review report for 2021. According to the association, in 2021, 41 states enacted 138 policies impacting career and technical education, including legislation, executive orders and budgets. The policies affected secondary education, as well as post-secondary education and other training programs. The states’ policy actions are viewed by ACTE as a positive step toward ultimately filling in-demand jobs.
Benefits of Career and Technical Education
Secondary education prepares young people for their future in the workplace.
High school students must make decisions that will impact their adulthood and determine the course of their lives. Career education has traditionally been instrumental in empowering them with the ability to make the right choices. It opens up a wide world of possibilities and opportunities to learn.
Career education can help students understand their capabilities, interests and aspirations. It is designed to encourage students to make well-informed decisions and choose the subjects and paths they will enjoy. Overall, career and technical training aims for the following student outcomes:
- develop awareness of personal skills, interests and career goals,
- learn to interact with others in the workplace,
- become competent in various areas of interest, and
- apply time-management skills.
Enthusiasm spreads to the classroom, as students display higher levels of engagement when they know what they want to do. Motivated students are likely to achieve well academically.
The input of teachers and guidance counselors creates a bridge between schooling and careers. Career and technical education offers a practical path, but educators must also understand and nurture students’ career aspirations.
Inspire the Next-Generation WorkforceAs a middle or high school teacher, you support students as they prepare for their future careers. Your guidance provides an educational foundation from which they pursue their career goals. Carlow’s Master’s in Secondary Education degree program offers coursework and practical field experiences to develop highly effective educators. Enhance your undergraduate degree in this graduate program.
In today’s world, career and technical education has taken on new meaning. Many careers are evolving as technology and work models change, and new industries grow and expand. To keep up, educators and career counselors are adapting to give the appropriate guidance to students.
Teachers must be trained to meet current career preparation standards. They need to know how to provide practical learning opportunities in the classroom. These opportunities strengthen students’ abilities in problem solving, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, communication and collaboration—all crucial skills for the workplace. Skills-focused and project-based work are aspects of career and technical education that teachers across disciplines can teach to all students. Therefore, no matter the subject they are teaching, educators themselves should seek training on how to incorporate real-world practices in their lessons.
What is Career and Technical Education?
Career and technical education is the practice of teaching specific career skills to students in secondary and post-secondary institutions, according to Applied Educational Systems, Inc. It is divided into several clusters that relate to today’s high-demand careers, including:
- Business
- Health science
- Arts, audio-visual technology and communications
- Information technology
- Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
- Law
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Human services
Internships, apprenticeships and in-school programs designed to develop work-readiness are typically part of career and technical education. These and other work-readiness activities teach students technical and soft skills.
Training Transformation
The resurgence of career and technical education in the past decade follows years of education and work transformation.
Historically, technical training was a major part of secondary education. Career and technical training participation dropped sharply between 1990 and 2009, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The decline started in the 1980s, when states began requiring more courses for high school graduation, particularly in core academic areas such as math, science and social studies. Meanwhile, decreases in funding and a growing emphasis on four-year college degrees pushed career and technical education down further in priority.
However, there is renewed interest in career and technical education. It was sparked more than 10 years ago, when the U.S. was dealing with economic crises and young people debated the value of a four-year education. Many industries, meanwhile, recognized the importance of up-to-date career and technical training for the future workforce. The combination of these factors brings us to now, a time period that has post-pandemic labor shortages and a need for skilled workers.
The Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) addressed current needs in its year in review report for 2021. According to the association, in 2021, 41 states enacted 138 policies impacting career and technical education, including legislation, executive orders and budgets. The policies affected secondary education, as well as post-secondary education and other training programs. The states’ policy actions are viewed by ACTE as a positive step toward ultimately filling in-demand jobs.
Benefits of Career and Technical Education
Secondary education prepares young people for their future in the workplace.
High school students must make decisions that will impact their adulthood and determine the course of their lives. Career education has traditionally been instrumental in empowering them with the ability to make the right choices. It opens up a wide world of possibilities and opportunities to learn.
Career education can help students understand their capabilities, interests and aspirations. It is designed to encourage students to make well-informed decisions and choose the subjects and paths they will enjoy. Overall, career and technical training aims for the following student outcomes:
- develop awareness of personal skills, interests and career goals,
- learn to interact with others in the workplace,
- become competent in various areas of interest, and
- apply time-management skills.
Enthusiasm spreads to the classroom, as students display higher levels of engagement when they know what they want to do. Motivated students are likely to achieve well academically.
The input of teachers and guidance counselors creates a bridge between schooling and careers. Career and technical education offers a practical path, but educators must also understand and nurture students’ career aspirations.
Inspire the Next-Generation Workforce
As a middle or high school teacher, you support students as they prepare for their future careers. Your guidance provides an educational foundation from which they pursue their career goals. Carlow’s Master’s in Secondary Education degree program offers coursework and practical field experiences to develop highly effective educators. Enhance your undergraduate degree in this graduate program.
