Career and Technical Education 2.0

Vocational education is so 20th century!

At least, that seemed to be the message at a hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce (HEW) while discussing topics around the federal legislation to authorize funding for what is now known as Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Ideally, CTE creates an integrated, open, pipeline that nurtures students’ professional interests and teaches them valuable skills. The process begins in middle school with career exploration and guidance counseling, and continues in high school through career development and hands-on learning. By integrating CTE with higher education, employers, and accreditation systems, the process leaves students either ready to be hired directly into the workforce, or prepared to jump out of the pipeline and into higher education. It even allows students who exit higher education or who have fallen out of the pipeline to jump back in. Stackable credentials allow students to continue to build skills and expertise over the course of their training and career.

The flexible process is driven by close collaborations with K-12, higher education, and local industry and community partners to design programs to fill needs of high-demand, high-wage jobs—from welding to bio-manufacturing.

Yet, while CTE has undergone a re-imagining among certain crowds, panelists at the CTE hearing discussed the lingering stigmas that surround the old vocational education, or “voc ed” system. These misconceptions may lead people to view CTE as less academically rigorous, or as leading to low-paying jobs. When such views are held among parents and guidance counselors, they can exert a strong influence on students’ career paths.

Suggestions for breaking through this stigma (although some argued vocational education never had any stigma at all), included more promotion of the high wage potential of the jobs; eliminating the title “middle skills” jobs; and taking students, parents, and teachers on tours of job sites. Proponents hope the name change from “voc-ed” to CTE will help as well.

Federal support for CTE programs comes from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Act, last reauthorized in 2006. Members of Congress have expressed interest in possibly reauthorizing the legislation this year and are seeking feedback from the field as to how to update the law. The House Education and Workforce Committee hearing proved that representatives are ready to listen. No legislation has yet been proposed.

From an afterschool perspective, we know that out-of-school time provides some of the best opportunities to expose students to various careers, build on their interests, and allow students to practice important 21st Century career skills such as collaboration, creativity, communication, and design. Afterschool programs also have the flexibility and adaptability to introduce students to industries and career paths that might otherwise be challenging for a school system to support with a full program. An intentional coordination of state and local CTE plans with afterschool programs could dramatically amplify each program’s effects. 

The Afterschool Alliance recently submitted comments to key Senate offices recommending that an updated law should encourage schools to work with out-of-school time providers. In middle school, these partnerships would support afterschool career exploration and skill building, including programs that involve professional guest speakers or volunteers, site visits, collaborative problem solving and experiential learning. The current law begins funding at 7th grade, but to streamline middle school programs, program funding should begin in 6th grade instead.

In high school, afterschool programs become a great place for students to experience project-based learning, earn digital badges, accomplish hands-on work, gain 21st Century skills, complete work-readiness training, and engage with mentors across a wide-range of disciplines. Modifications to the current law that promote the ability of schools and afterschool programs to share equipment and facilities, which are supported by federal funds, would strengthen these programs, as would professional development for informal educators.

Ensuring that states and localities consider community based non-profits as partners when creating their CTE plans will streamline services, prevent repetition, and broaden opportunities for students. We hope that any revised law would recognize and include collaboration as a basic condition of quality CTE programs.

Here are some examples of the out-of-school time programs that supplement school day academics and provide students with opportunities for internships, mentorships, career experience and gaining life-skills.

Boys and Girls Club Career Launch

• CareerLaunch for students ages 13 to 18 to asks students to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, build their job-search skills and job readiness.

After-School All-Stars Career Exploration Opportunities (CEO)

• Kids who participate report: 
  • 92% better understand jobs or careers they might like to have when they are older
  • 90% are more confident in their ability to make smart decisions about saving and spending money

81% better understand how to interview for a job

Afterschool Matters in Chicago IL

• The program offers students multiple tiered levels of experience in their chosen career exploration path including – Pre-apprenticeship (I am exploring); Apprenticeship (I am becoming); Advanced Apprenticeship (I Am); then Internships

Cookie Cart in Minneapolis, MN

• Students get training in bakery, leadership, customer service, financial literacy, and students can take National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) through ACT

MOUSE Squad

• Students design technology (robotics, green tech, game design, and receive certification with digital badges)

Project SHINE – Career Camp in PA

• Career Camp program

Youth Radio

• Trains youth in audio production

You can also view some of the inspirational work being done by watching the Noyce Foundation’s STEM Uncovered Video Competition.