As educators, it is important to set students up for success, whether they are continuing to college, pursuing a trade, or going straight into the workforce. Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a great way to equip students for career readiness by giving them skills and knowledge related to specific careers. On top of that, students can earn different types of certifications after completing CTE courses, which can give them the edge they need in a competitive job market. In this article, we’ll be looking at the value of CTE courses, the different types of CTE certificates, and how to choose the right CTE pathway.
What are CTE Courses?
Before diving into the different types of CTE certifications, it’s first important to understand what CTE is. In short, CTE is an education framework through which middle-school, high-school and post-secondary students are taught skills that are transferable to specific career paths. These skills are acquired in multiple ways, such as hands-on training, traditional learning, and work experience.
Similar to vocational training, the overall aim of CTE courses is to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue jobs in high-demand fields, such as STEM, health sciences, IT, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and more. In many cases, it is also possible for students to obtain an industry-recognized certification after successfully completing a CTE course, which enables them to enter the workforce straight after graduation if they choose.
What is a CTE Certification?
A certification in a Career and Technical Education field serves as verifiable proof that an individual has acquired the specific career readiness skills and knowledge required for a particular occupation. CTE certificates can enhance students’ employability by demonstrating competency to potential employers and giving them a competitive edge in the job market; essentially acting as a credential that validates their readiness for entry-level positions in their chosen career path.
Ultimately, CTE certifications are meant to open doors for students, giving them a wider variety of options after they graduate and empowering them with career readiness skills that enhance employability.
Types of CTE Certifications
From high school onwards, students can obtain certifications for completing CTE courses. Generally, there are three categories that CTE certificates fall into:
General skills certifications
This type of certification consists of broadly applicable skills. For example, students can earn an Internet Core Competency Certification (IC3), a globally recognized credential that showcases to employers their knowledge of computer systems and technology literacy. Another example of a general skills certification is the OSHA 10 certification for health and safety, which is valuable, and even required, in many sectors.
Industry-specific certifications
This category comprises CTE certifications for skills required in specific industries. For example, to pursue a technical career in aerospace engineering, digital electronics, or another engineering field, an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) certificate can be highly valued. In the finance sector or administrative careers, a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) credential can help young graduates stand out in hiring pools.
Professional licenses
Professional licenses are typically acquired through the completion of a post-secondary CTE course and an exam. This type of CTE certificate is the most rigorous but gives people specific credentials to pursue a job they are highly trained for. There are many types of professional licenses in industries ranging from teacher certifications to healthcare. For example, a CTE graduate can become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, or Certified Welder, among others.
As an educator, it is important to prepare students for life after school and not just focus on those who are on the path to college. This is even more relevant as the cost of earning a four-year college degree continues to rise exponentially. CTE courses, which are varied and appeal to a wide range of interests, offer a strong alternative. It is, therefore, important to share information about CTE courses and certifications with your students so they can make informed choices about their futures.
How to Choose the Right CTE Certification
From a student’s perspective, it can be a bit daunting to choose a CTE course and certification. With a wide variety of CTE courses taught all over the country and 16 career clusters, there are many options to choose from.
Of course, choosing the right CTE certification likely won’t involve choosing from 500 different courses, as availability does vary from region to region, but as with any decision about your future, it is important to put some thought into it. Here are some tips for students to choose the right CTE certification:
Identify Your Career Goals
First and foremost, try to picture your future and what it holds. Are there any disciplines or topics you are particularly interested in? To help clarify where your interests and strengths might lie you can find support in self-assessments, career aptitude tests, and career counseling. At a foundational level, your career goals will become clearer once you’ve considered what motivates you, what you’re interested in, what’s important to you, and where you have natural strengths.
Consider Job Market Trends
Once you have an idea of what you are interested in—whether it’s health sciences, STEM, marketing, or any other cluster—the next step is to learn about what types of careers are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a great resource for students looking to see what types of jobs are out there and what current hiring and salary trends are. For example, BLS lists software developers, electricians, construction workers, and home health and personal care aides among the jobs that will have the highest number of new positions created over the next decade.
Evaluate the Cost and Return on Investment
Now that you’ve identified your career goals and have an understanding of the job market you can evaluate the cost and return on investment of a CTE certification course. Consider the upfront expenses such as tuition fees, materials, and exam costs and compare that to the earning potential and job stability the certification offers. Additionally, explore financial aid options, scholarships, or employer reimbursement programs that can offset costs. By balancing affordability with long-term career benefits, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with both your financial situation and professional goals.
How to Make the Most of a CTE Certification
Once your students have decided to pursue a CTE certification, it takes the same level of dedication to complete successfully as any other type of education. Time management skills and effective study habits are required, especially for students who are balancing a job along with their studies. Along with coursework, many certifications also offer networking events and mentorship programs. Taking advantage of those opportunities can make a big difference when it comes to job hunting. Finally, there will always be challenges and setbacks to progress, so persistence and dedication are some of the important soft skills to learn along the way.
Completing a CTE course and acquiring an industry recognized certification is beneficial whether students are planning to continue with secondary education or head straight into the workforce. Perhaps most importantly, CTE can broaden a student’s understanding of their career prospects and help them make the right choices for their future.
For example, a student who shows an interest in robotics and engineering in the classroom while working with Sphero’s Blueprint Engineering Kit might thrive in an auto shop or drone design course offered through a CTE program, showing them alternatives to a four-year university degree and putting them on a path to a fulfilling, successful career. Above all, having a relevant CTE certification in hand can also give students a boost in the job market. For more CTE career pathways, here are 12 Jobs to Target After High School CTE!
About the Author
The Sphero Team
The Sphero Team is comprised of current and former educators, education content and curriculum writers, product designers, engineers, executive leadership, and other experts in their fields. Learn more about who we are and what we do at https://sphero.com/pages/about-us.
