Career and Technical Education, or CTE, directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers.  While CTE includes many of the traditional vocational education programs like construction and automotive repair, it has expanded to cover a wide range of different industry sectors.  These include health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and engineering, hospitality and management, public safety, business, agriculture and many more. CTE encompasses many different types of education, from classroom learning to certification programs to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom.

CTE plays an important role in meeting SUSD’s mission to “graduate all students college, career, and community ready.”  According to the organization Advance CTE, studies show that students who complete a CTE program have a higher high school graduation rate and are more likely to complete their postsecondary education and receive employment.  Career and Technical Education develops both technical skills and “soft skills” that increase the employability of students.  CTE provides a framework on the next steps a student needs to take to being successful in that field.  These next steps might include employment, an apprenticeship, trade school, community college, or a four year degree from a university.