Career Clusters, Career Pathways, and Programs of Study
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/CTE/TSTC_CC_Final.pdf
What are Career Clusters? There are 16 National Career Clusters found in the National Career Clusters Framework developed in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), the National School-to-Work Office (NSTWO), and the National Skill Standards Board (NSSB). These clusters provide standardization and consistency across an ever-evolving labor market.
Career Clusters assist secondary and postsecondary institutions with:
• developing programs of study bridging secondary and postsecondary curricula;
• creating individual student plans of study for a complete range of career options; and
• empowering students to choose the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway that can lead to success in their academic and career endeavors.
Secondary and postsecondary institutions in Connecticut may offer courses and programs in any of the 16 clusters. However, Perkins V funds must be utilized on programs aligned with priorities in Connecticut that are informed by labor market data and projections. Each of the clusters has merit, yet when placed against the workforce data including Connecticut’s long-term industry and occupational projections for 2016–2026, the following 12 Connecticut Perkins V Career Clusters best fit the workforce needs of Connecticut:
• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
• Architecture and Construction
• Business Management and Administration
• Education and Training
• Finance
• Health Science
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
•Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.
These 12 clusters will drive the pathways and programs or programs of study to be funded, supported, developed, or improved at the State and local levels under Perkins V. Previously, the Connecticut State Department of Education called these clusters “approved program areas.” Today’s Skills | Tomorrow’s Careers: Career Clusters, Career Pathways, and Programs of Study
Thus, a career pathway is a coordinated program of rigorous, high-quality education and work-related training that aligns to industry needs and advances students in their career of choice. A career pathway is seamless and includes multiple possibilities leading to an industry-recognized credential, certificate or licensure, and/or an associate or baccalaureate degree and beyond.
To assist students in navigating various career choices aligned to Connecticut workforce needs, there are pathways organized by Connecticut Career Clusters. Eligible secondary and postsecondary recipients shall only utilize their Perkins V funds for programs and activities that support the approved Connecticut Career Clusters.
Today’s Skills | Tomorrow’s Careers: Career Clusters, Career Pathways, and Programs of Study
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/CTE/TSTC_CC_Final.pdf
Seymour High School has organized the 12 CT focused career clusters into 3 career academies. Students will choose to follow an academic path to have them better prepared to meet their future endeavors.