The Benefits of CTE for High School Students: Why You Should Consider Taking CTE Courses

Are you a high school student wondering what classes to take next semester? Have you considered looking into CTE courses?

CTE, or Career and Technical Education, offers students the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in various career fields while still in high school. Not only can these courses help prepare you for your future career, but they also provide numerous other benefits that you may not have considered.

So why should you consider taking CTE courses in high school? Let’s explore the many advantages that CTE has to offer in this blog post.

The Impact of CTE Programs on High School Students

Are you wondering what the advantages of CTE programs are for high school students? Well, let me tell you, there are plenty! Firstly, did you know that over 75% of CTE learners go on to enroll in postsecondary education after high school? That’s a pretty impressive statistic! It shows that CTE courses not only prepare you for a future career, but they also lay the foundation for further education.

But that’s not all. CTE learners also have a 10% higher high school graduation rate than non-CTE students. So not only are you gaining practical skills, but you’re also more likely to complete high school successfully.

Parents are also big fans of CTE programs. A whopping 89% of them believe that students should receive more education about career choices while in high school. And with CTE courses offering a wide range of career options, it’s easy to see why.

Did you know that about half of all CTE learners are enrolled in programs in leading fields such as health care, STEM, and information technology? These are high-demand industries with plenty of job opportunities, and CTE courses can give you a head start in these fields.

And when it comes to internship opportunities, CTE parents are twice as satisfied as non-CTE parents. So if you’re looking for hands-on experience and real-world exposure, CTE courses have got you covered.

The Many Advantages of CTE Programs for High Schoolers

CTE programs offer high school students a multitude of advantages that can shape their futures in a positive way. By enrolling in CTE courses, students gain access to practical skills and knowledge that can prepare them for a successful career. Here are some key advantages of CTE programs:

Meeting the Need for Skilled Work

Job openings for skilled workers are common these days. As companies fight to find qualified workers, it’s becoming more and more important for them to invest in high-quality training programs. This is where CTE classes come in handy.

Governments at all levels—national, state, and local—pay for CTE programs, which have research to back them up. Federal data shows that 95% of high school students who finish two career routes graduate. The fact that this is 10% higher than the national average shows that CTE kids are more likely to do well in school and beyond.

In 2019, students who took the CTE route did much better on the combined ACT math, science, English, reading, and writing tests than students who did not take the route. Students with CTE are more likely to finish high school and are better prepared for college and work.

Providing More Options for Students

In recent years, the traditional narrative that a college degree is the only path to a successful career has been challenged. The number of high school graduates attending college has been declining steadily, while the demand for skilled workers continues to grow. This is where Career and Technical Education (CTE) comes in, offering alternative pathways to students looking to start their careers immediately after high school.

CTE programs are designed to provide students with practical skills that they can use in the workforce. They cover a broad range of fields such as healthcare, IT, hospitality, engineering, and many more. These programs offer students the opportunity to gain industry-recognized certifications and credentials that can help them land a job immediately after graduation.

However, to fully capitalize on the benefits of CTE programs, students need better guidance and connections between high school, college, and training programs. High schools need to work closely with industry and businesses to develop course approvals that equip students with the necessary skills for employment opportunities in their local communities. In doing so, schools can offer multiple pathways for all students and meet the needs of a diverse range of learners.

Connecting Learning to Real-World Applications

Career and technical education (CTE) has become an increasingly important aspect of preparing students for their future careers. While many educators may feel that CTE limits a student’s options, well-designed pathways help students become ready for both college and careers by weaving together the necessary skills.

RW2 aims to create a community where students can learn with and from industry-experienced instructors. The organization offers programs such as Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) and Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM). According to Sierra O’Neal, “RW2 is a great opportunity for anyone looking to continue their education in the CAD or BIM sectors.”

 At RW2, students are not limited in their options. Rather, they are given the necessary technical and soft skills to be successful in their future careers or higher education.

Tips for Choosing the Right CTE Courses to Match Your Career Goals

If you’re considering taking CTE courses in high school, it’s important to choose the ones that align with your career goals. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

• Research your options. Start by exploring the CTE courses available at your school or local technical school. Look into the different career courses they offer and find out more about the skills and knowledge they provide.
• Assess your interests and skills. Consider your interests, strengths, and the skills you would like to develop. Think about the types of careers that appeal to you and choose CTE courses that will help you gain relevant skills for those fields.
• Talk to professionals in your desired career field. Reach out to professionals who are working in the career field you’re interested in. Ask them about the skills and qualifications that are valued in the industry. This can give you insights into the specific CTE courses that would be beneficial for your career goals.
• Consider industry certifications. Look for CTE courses that offer industry certifications, if needed. These certifications can enhance your resume and make you more marketable to employers in your desired career field.
• Seek guidance from your school counselor or CTE coordinator. Your school counselor or CTE coordinator can provide valuable guidance and resources to help you choose the right CTE courses. They can help you understand the requirements and expectations of different courses and offer insights into career pathways.

By following these tips, you can choose CTE courses that align with your career goals and set yourself up for success in the workforce. Don’t be afraid to explore different options and take advantage of the opportunities that CTE programs offer.

Key Takeaways

If you’re looking for one of the best technical skills education, training, and certification programs, RW2 is definitely the place to go. With a focus on helping people prepare or skill up for careers in the tech workforce and resiliency, students complete their program well-rounded and with increased confidence and land great job opportunities in Kansas City region and across the country. Don’t wait to skill up for your future – visit RW2 at rw2.education today and start your journey towards success!