Best CTE Programs for Career Readiness in 2025
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are helping millions of students prepare for in-demand jobs. With hands-on training, industry partnerships, and certifications, these programs connect students to high-growth industries like healthcare, renewable energy, and automotive technology. Here's a quick overview of the top programs shaping the workforce in 2025:
- Albany City School District's Automotive Technologies Program: Prepares students for automotive careers with ASE certifications, internships, and real-world projects like vehicle restoration.
- Rochester City School District's Medical Laboratory & Health Sciences Program: Addresses the shortage of lab professionals through hospital partnerships, certifications, and advanced healthcare training.
- Warren County Community College's Renewable Energy Tech Program: Focuses on renewable energy careers with certifications, apprenticeships, and training in solar, wind, and energy storage systems.
- Fort Hayes Career Center's Hybrid Technical Courses: Offers multi-industry training (e.g., construction, healthcare, media production) with work-based learning and certifications.
Quick Comparison
| Program | Industry Focus | Certifications Offered | Work-Based Learning | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany City School District | Automotive Technology | ASE Certification | Internships, vehicle repair | Hands-on projects like restoring a Camaro |
| Rochester City School District | Medical Laboratory | Certified Medical Lab Assistant | Clinical rotations | Advanced healthcare curriculum |
| Warren County Community College | Renewable Energy | Renewable Energy Certificates | Apprenticeships | Training in solar, wind, and energy storage |
| Fort Hayes Career Center | Multi-industry | Various technical certifications | Paid internships | Partnerships with local businesses |
These programs combine technical skills with certifications, preparing students for high-paying, in-demand careers. Whether you're interested in healthcare, renewable energy, or technical trades, CTE programs are a smart pathway for career readiness.
Episode 107: CTE Month: Aligning Schools With Workforce Needs
1. Albany City School District's Automotive Technologies Program
The Albany City School District's Automotive Technologies Program is a three-year pathway designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry. Through courses like Automotive Technologies I, II, and III, students develop skills that align with industry standards. The program stands out for its focus on workforce alignment, hands-on learning, modern teaching techniques, and credentialing success.
Industry Alignment
This program addresses the growing demand for skilled automotive professionals. With employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics expected to grow by 3% between 2023 and 2033, and a median annual wage of $49,670 as of May 2024, students are entering a field with solid prospects. By the time they reach Automotive Technologies III, students can earn the national ASE credential, a certification that enhances their earning potential and builds employer confidence.
Work-Based Learning Integration
A key strength of the program is its emphasis on real-world experience. In Automotive Technologies II, students work on customer vehicles in a school-based enterprise, applying their skills in a practical setting. By the time they advance to Automotive Technologies III, they participate in internships with local businesses, where they refine their technical abilities and professional behavior.
"There was this super heavy fuel tank and we needed like five people on that to make sure it didn't fall on the ground... You need to get something done, right? You can't just do it by yourself. We had to communicate", shared Josh Alpas, highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication.
Modern Delivery Methods
Hands-on projects are at the heart of the program, keeping students engaged while enhancing their mechanical expertise. One standout project involves the full restoration of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, giving students a comprehensive, start-to-finish learning experience. Reflecting on this, Judson Hardage, a junior in the program, shared, "I do want to be a mechanic when I'm older... I just like putting things together. It's kind of like big Legos in a way".
The program also benefits from partnerships that bring in valuable resources. For instance, the New York Power Authority donates retired vehicles, including electric models, to Albany High's auto maintenance program. This provides students with exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies.
Credential Attainment Rates
Although specific graduation rates for Albany's automotive program aren't available, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs nationwide boast a 93% high school graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 80%. By focusing on industry certifications like the ASE exam, the program equips students for immediate employment. Completing a postsecondary program in automotive service technology remains one of the best pathways for entry-level positions in the industry.
2. Rochester City School District's Medical Laboratory & Health Sciences Program
The Rochester City School District's Medical Laboratory & Health Sciences Program connects classroom education with real-world opportunities in healthcare. This approach equips students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Addressing Workforce Needs
This program tackles a pressing issue: the growing shortage of medical laboratory professionals. Over the next decade, demand for laboratory technologists is expected to increase by 13–22%. This surge is driven by an aging population and advancements in molecular testing and personalized medicine, creating an urgent need for qualified experts.
In the Northeast, the challenge is particularly severe, with the region reporting the highest vacancy rate in the nation at 9.4%. On average, laboratory departments face a 7.2% vacancy rate. The program prepares students with the skills and knowledge required to meet these demands, whether they choose to enter the workforce directly, pursue apprenticeships, or continue their education.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
To meet the rising demand for skilled professionals, the district integrates work-based learning into the curriculum. Partnerships with major healthcare providers like Rochester General Hospital and St. Ann's Community allow students to gain practical experience in various medical departments, enhancing their patient care abilities. Additionally, East High School offers three work-based learning programs registered with the New York State Education Department: the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP), Cooperative Career & Technical Education Work Experience Program (CO‑OP), and General Education Work Experience Program (GEWEP).
Industry Credentials
The program focuses on earning industry-recognized certifications, which can significantly improve career prospects. For example, low-income job seekers who earn such credentials often see their earnings increase by more than $10,000 within two years. Students have the chance to pursue certifications like the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant, which are administered by independent organizations. The ASCP Board of Certification, a respected authority since 1928, has certified more than 635,000 laboratory professionals and offers credentials recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While specific graduation rates for this program aren't available, the district’s career and technical education (CTE) initiatives align with the national trend of higher completion rates compared to traditional academic paths.
Cutting-Edge Curriculum
The program blends academic rigor with hands-on learning to prepare students for the latest advancements in healthcare technology. The curriculum covers emerging fields like molecular diagnostics, genomics, and proteomics, ensuring students are ready for the future of laboratory medicine.
"Medical laboratory professionals provide a vast amount of cost‑effective objective information used in clinical decision making", states the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
3. Warren County Community College's Renewable Energy Tech Program
Warren County Community College offers a Renewable Energy Tech Program designed to prepare students for careers in the growing renewable energy field. By blending classroom instruction with hands-on training, the program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Industry Alignment
The program's curriculum is tailored to meet the demand for skilled technicians in renewable energy. It covers key areas like photovoltaic installation, wind turbine maintenance, energy storage systems, and grid integration. Students gain experience with tools and techniques widely used in the industry, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. This targeted approach also aligns well with credentialing requirements, helping students achieve recognized qualifications.
Credential Attainment Rates
A key focus of the program is helping students earn credentials that are recognized across the industry. Academic certificates in energy can typically be completed within a year, requiring just four to five courses (12-15 credits). This streamlined structure provides a strong foundation for a career in renewable energy.
The program also distinguishes between academic certificates and professional certifications, the latter demonstrating ongoing expertise in the field. Federal reporting under Perkins V ensures that states track and maintain high credential attainment rates, holding programs like this one to rigorous standards. Alongside these certifications, the curriculum integrates practical experience to ensure students are fully prepared for the workforce.
Work-Based Learning Integration
Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the program. Through partnerships with local renewable energy companies and utility providers, students gain real-world experience with tasks like installations and maintenance. These opportunities not only enhance technical skills but also prepare graduates to make an immediate impact in their roles after completing the program.
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4. Fort Hayes Career Center's Hybrid Technical Courses
Fort Hayes Career Center, based in Columbus, Ohio, offers half-day career-technical courses in fields like Arts and Communications, Construction, Health Sciences, Manufacturing, and Transportation. This institution has earned recognition as a "School of Promise" and is ranked among the "Top 100 High Schools in America". Its programs are designed to prepare students for the workforce demands of the future.
Industry Alignment
The programs at Fort Hayes are tailored to meet the needs of industries that are rapidly evolving. For example, students in audio and film/television production learn to use professional equipment and industry-standard software to create multimedia projects. In the Agribusiness program, students gain hands-on experience with landscaping, animal care, and operating equipment like forklifts. The program even incorporates modern methods such as hydroponics, ensuring students are familiar with cutting-edge techniques. This focus on industry relevance provides students with practical skills that can be directly applied in the workplace.
Work-Based Learning Integration
Fort Hayes takes learning beyond the classroom by partnering with local organizations to provide real-world work experiences. In February 2025, the Columbus Zoo Career Pathways Program offered seven Fort Hayes students hands-on roles with the Zoo's maintenance and landscape teams. These students rotated through tasks like carpentry, HVAC, electrical work, and landscaping on alternating weekly schedules.
"Columbus City Schools is thrilled about the opportunity for our Fort Hayes Career Center students to engage in paid work-based learning at the Columbus Zoo. This partnership allows our students to gain invaluable experience in roles such as carpentry, electrical maintenance, HVAC, landscaping and horticulture, and plumbing. These hands-on opportunities not only enhance their resumes but also prepare them for successful careers." - Jenny Meade, Director of Career-Technical Education
Another success story is Jayden Ashford, a Fort Hayes student who landed an internship with the City of Columbus Department of Building & Zoning Services after participating in Shadow Day. During the event, Ashford shadowed structural inspectors and learned about building safety. This experience led to a trainee position with a starting salary of $60,000 per year.
"Even as a kid, I loved building with Legos, and then Minecraft took it to another level. Being part of [an internship] let me see the real-world side of that." - Jayden Ashford
Modern Delivery Methods
Fort Hayes combines hands-on learning with modern teaching approaches to ensure students are well-prepared for their careers. By immersing students in professional environments and using industry-standard tools, the center focuses on a learning-by-doing philosophy. These programs help students develop transferable skills that are valuable across both technical and business fields. Along the way, students build professional portfolios and earn certifications that are recognized by employers.
Principal Milton Ruffin, Ph.D., highlights the importance of tailoring education to fit the needs of students:
"When you aim a traditional curriculum at non-traditional students, there's a misalignment. They may not have done the prescribed path, but CTE builds an 'on-ramp' to traditional music, electronic music, and so many other subjects and careers." - Milton Ruffin, Ph.D.
In addition to technical skills, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on professional abilities like collaboration, communication, time management, budgeting, problem-solving, and accountability. This well-rounded approach ensures that students not only gain technical expertise but also the soft skills necessary to succeed in any workplace.
Program Comparison
This section highlights how different programs address key aspects like alignment with industry needs, credentialing opportunities, work-based learning, and modern teaching methods.
| Program | Industry Alignment | Credential Attainment | Work-Based Learning Integration | Modern Delivery Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany City School District's Automotive Technologies | Collaborates closely with local dealerships and manufacturers | Focuses on certifications like ASE that are recognized by the industry | Includes hands-on training and internships | Primarily relies on traditional hands-on labs, with some use of digital tools |
| Rochester City School District's Medical Laboratory & Health Sciences | Strong connections with local hospitals and medical facilities | Produces high certification outcomes in healthcare fields | Offers clinical rotations with partnering hospitals | Combines virtual simulations with lab-based practice in a hybrid format |
| Warren County Community College's Renewable Energy Tech | Targets the renewable energy sector through partnerships with green energy organizations | Promotes certifications in renewable technologies recognized by the industry | Features apprenticeships and field-based projects | Utilizes advanced simulation tools and virtual reality modules |
| Fort Hayes Career Center's Hybrid Technical Courses | Covers multiple industries, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation | Offers a variety of certifications across technical fields | Provides robust work-based learning tied to clear employer pathways | Uses professional-grade equipment alongside industry-standard digital tools |
Each program has its own approach to preparing students for career success. For example, Rochester's Medical Laboratory program achieves strong certification results thanks to its collaboration with hospital systems. On the other hand, Warren County's Renewable Energy program focuses on building partnerships in emerging green energy sectors, addressing the challenge that less than 20% of credentials earned in K–12 programs align with employer demand or meet a wage threshold of $15 per hour. Fort Hayes Career Center stands out for its integration of employer partnerships that create clear career advancement opportunities. Meanwhile, Albany's Automotive program remains relevant by maintaining close ties with local dealerships and manufacturers, an important factor given that 97% of high school graduates have taken at least one CTE course.
As employers increasingly prioritize skills-based hiring, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are adapting to develop both technical expertise and future-ready skills. Credential attainment varies significantly across these programs, reflecting broader state policy trends. Currently, 22 states use credential attainment as a quality measure under Perkins V.
Final Thoughts
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are shaping the future workforce by preparing students for in-demand careers. Each program brings something unique to the table: Rochester excels in health certifications, Warren County focuses on renewable energy skills, Fort Hayes emphasizes work-based learning, and Albany builds strong ties with industry partners. These differences highlight the real-world advantages of CTE participation.
The numbers speak for themselves. On average, CTE certificate holders earn 20% more per quarter, adding up to roughly $4,700 annually. Industry experts also recognize the transformative power of these programs. As Adam Kulaas, Director of Innovative Learning & CTE at Tacoma Public Schools, puts it:
"CTE is hands-on, mind-on, purpose-filled learning that connects students to their future with clarity and confidence, unrivaled by any initiative we currently have."
For students, starting early is key. Programs offering industry-recognized certifications and practical experiences, such as internships or apprenticeships, can dramatically improve career outcomes. Beyond individual benefits, CTE programs play a vital role in addressing workforce gaps and preparing industries for the future.
Educators and administrators have a critical role in ensuring these programs thrive. Aligning CTE offerings with local industry demands, forging strong employer partnerships, and regularly evaluating program effectiveness are essential steps. By analyzing state and regional labor data, schools can better tailor their programs to meet the needs of high-growth industries.
The most effective CTE programs share a few common traits: strong industry connections, a balanced focus on technical and soft skills, modern teaching methods, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As employers shift toward skills-based hiring, programs that combine hands-on training with recognized credentials will not only empower students but also fuel economic growth. With a looming shortage of 2.1 million manufacturing jobs by 2030, CTE programs are poised to be a critical part of the solution.
FAQs
How do CTE programs prepare students for careers in fast-growing fields like healthcare and renewable energy?
CTE programs aim to address workforce demands in rapidly expanding sectors like healthcare and renewable energy by prioritizing hands-on skills and certifications recognized by industries.
In healthcare, students build essential knowledge using frameworks such as the National Health Science Standards (NHSS). These standards guide them toward earning the certifications required for various health-related careers. By doing so, these programs not only tackle workforce shortages but also ensure students are fully prepared to step into their roles immediately after graduation.
For renewable energy, CTE programs focus on skills related to sustainable technologies and managing resources. Students explore opportunities in areas like solar power, wind energy, and environmental conservation, preparing them to meet the growing need for experts in green industries. By aligning training with industry expectations, CTE programs help graduates thrive in these evolving fields.
What are the main advantages of earning industry-recognized certifications through CTE programs?
Earning certifications through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can open up a world of opportunities. These credentials serve as proof of your skills and knowledge, giving you an edge in the job market and making you a standout candidate for in-demand roles. Plus, they’re designed to align with industry benchmarks, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the challenges of the workplace.
Another major perk? Certifications often lead to higher earning potential while providing practical, hands-on experience. They act as a bridge between what you learn in school and what’s expected on the job. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your education, these certifications can give you a competitive advantage in today’s workforce.
How do work-based learning opportunities in CTE programs prepare students for successful careers?
Work-based learning (WBL) opportunities within Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs give students the chance to develop critical career skills through hands-on, practical experiences. These programs connect classroom lessons to real-world applications, helping students sharpen their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities while familiarizing themselves with workplace expectations and industry norms.
Through WBL, students can explore different career paths, build professional connections, and gain confidence in their skills. These experiences not only make learning more engaging and relevant but also prepare students for high-demand roles and long-term career success. WBL ensures that CTE graduates leave with the technical know-how and interpersonal skills that employers prioritize.