Mechanical Engineering CTE Pathways for Your School

In the job market, there is a growing demand for mechanical engineers, driven in large part by the need to advance technologies and mechanical systems in fields like manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment options for mechanical engineers are expected to grow by 11% over the next decade—a significantly faster growth rate than the average for all occupations. Mechanical engineering is, therefore, a great pathway for students to pursue, and educators should do what they can to prepare their students for a successful future.

It goes without saying that core educational courses, like math and science, are essential to building a strong foundation for mechanical engineering. However, there are additional ways that schools can enhance a student’s prospects and equip them with real-world skills that will give them an edge in the workforce or add value for students pursuing a college education. Specifically, we are talking about Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Mechanical Engineering CTE Programs   

Most CTE courses helpful for students on a pathway to mechanical engineering are within the Advanced Manufacturing cluster. This cluster's goal is to give students the necessary soft skills (e.g., teamwork and problem solving) and hard skills (e.g., hands-on training) to pursue a fruitful career in fields like engineering, robotics, and automation.

There are several engineering-focused CTE programs that are a good fit for aspiring mechanical engineers. Here are some examples:

Pre-Engineering CTE Program  

The Pre-Engineering CTE pathway helps get students on track for pursuing further education or a career in engineering. This STEM-focused program begins by teaching early high-school students about problem-solving paradigms like the Engineering Design Process and inviting them to put them into practice through accessible hands-on activities. The Pre-Engineering CTE program also introduces students to various engineering fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and manufacturing engineering.

Engineering & Technology CTE Program 

The Engineering & Technology program, which can be suitable for middle and high school classes, teaches students about critical mechanical engineering concepts, like the Engineering Design Process, through interactive projects. Projects can vary in scope and difficulty, but a good option is getting student teams to build simple and complex machines using classroom-safe tools like the Sphero Blueprint Kit. For example, students can be instructed to design and build a carnival in the classroom using Blueprint pieces, demonstrating their knowledge of simple machines and mechanical concepts. 

Engineering Drafting CTE Program 

Drafting is vital to a mechanical engineer’s design process, enabling them to translate ideas from their mind into reality. In this CTE program, students learn how to draft technical drawings for parts and systems using both manual drawing and computer-aided design (CAD). In certain cases, it is also possible to use digital manufacturing technologies, like 3D printing, to create physical iterations of students’ CAD designs, which can give them further hands-on experience in design and manufacturing.  

These CTE pathways and others can not only equip students with valuable skills in mechanical engineering but also build a foundation for their pursuit of a career in any engineering discipline.

Mechanical Engineering CTE resources 

By implementing a mechanical engineering technology CTE pathway, educators can give students a leg up if they choose to pursue the discipline and help open the doors to many high-quality jobs, like a mechanical technician, maintenance engineer, CAD technician, mechanical engineering technology specialist, and more.  

Setting up CTE courses in your school doesn’t have to entail an overhaul of existing curricula. Sphero offers many resources that can support educators as they teach mechanical engineering skills. The Blueprint Engineering Kit is a prime example: it comes with over 40 guided builds and many lesson plans aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL). Read more about how Sphero’s educational tools and resources can facilitate CTE programs in an article by former teacher and edtech consultant Dr. Monica Burns.  

To learn more about all of Sphero's hands-on learning tools to enhance your CTE programs, explore our curriculum standards or schedule a meeting with a Sphero expert to discuss your options!