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Career and Technical Education
Career and technical education is a powerful investment in our nation’s future, equipping students with the skills they need to earn good wages, help support their families, and contribute to our economy. As the United States faces profound economic changes that threaten middle-class stability, CTE provides a crucial link between education and the workforce, ensuring young people are prepared for the evolving job market.
Today's CTE can apply to students at all grade levels. It is integrated throughout the curriculum, which blends work-based learning with academic knowledge and real-world skills. These programs foster concrete and abstract learning alike—from skilled trades and applied sciences to technology, teamwork and critical thinking. Whether students choose to enter an apprenticeship immediately after high school or pursue further education, CTE offers flexible, innovative and diverse career pathways for students to pursue.
The AFT is proud to celebrate the innovative educators who dedicate their lives to preparing students for a wide range of careers. Scaling successful CTE programs will ensure that more students can take advantage of these opportunities, strengthening our economy and securing a prosperous future for all.
The AFT has launched the Career Pathways Partnership Grants to help affiliates build and strengthen local career pathways work. AFT affiliates can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to kickstart or expand partnerships with school districts, employers, higher education institutions and community organizations. Funding can support work-based learning opportunities, including internships and apprenticeships, as well as equipment and materials for career and technical education programs. Applications open Sept. 10 and are due Nov. 13
Learn more and apply for an AFT Career Pathways Partnership Grant.
AFT affiliates with Micron have developed a pioneering learning toolkit that helps thousands of high school students hone the foundational skills necessary for career success in the booming semiconductor industry. Now this groundbreaking endeavor is expanding to two additional states with the help of a federal grant.
AFT CTE Educator Stories
CTE in Action
This collection of free educational resources is carefully selected to help teachers guide primary and secondary students through the exciting (we swear!) world of career exploration. Embracing a diverse range of tools, from interactive websites to comprehensive lesson plans, these resources are designed to engage students in meaningful exploration of various career paths, fostering a deeper understanding of their own potential and aspirations.
We believe in providing all children the opportunity to learn by doing. Experiential learning, including career and technical education, engages them in deeper learning, provides them with real-world, real-life skills, and boosts academic achievement. Career and technical education is experiential learning at its best, and it prepares students not only for traditional trades programs but also for in-demand careers in healthcare, information technology, skilled manufacturing and more.