Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an educational program for high school and community college students based on industry needs. CTE includes coursework in areas such as business, health care, law enforcement and manufacturing. While vocational education provided students with technical skills that prepared them for careers in the 20th century, CTE prepares and supports students in acquiring the technical skills and academic knowledge needed for success in highly-skilled 21st century careers.
CTE is good for businesses because it equips potential employees with certifications, technical, and problem solving skills to succeed in the modern workplace.
CTE is good for schools, students and parents because the hands-on, relevant, and engaging learning experiences are incredibly motivating:
CTE increases a student's marketable skills and their ability to compete for jobs. The educational experience is practical and affordable. CTE is the shortest path to a student's first dollar.
The federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 is intended to "develop more fully the academic and career and technical skills of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs." Funding for Perkins is provided to states and is managed by each state based on a State Plan for CTE. In the State of Oregon, Perkins funds can only be spent on approved programs of study.
The Perkins funds for MWEC's region are managed through a consortium model, as outlined by the consortium's operating agreement. MWEC submits an annual Perkins budget and narrative to the Oregon Department of Education on behalf of all consortium schools, and represents the schools at state CTE meetings.
Learn more about how we do CTE and Perkins in the MWEC region: