Career and Technical Education

🎯 Welcome

This site is your guide to career and technical education — programs focused on real-world skills and job readiness. CTE prepares students for employment, certifications, apprenticeships, and continued education in high-demand fields.

📌 What Is CTE?

Career & Technical Education (CTE) includes programs that focus on workforce-connected skills, certifications, and career training. CTE can be found in high schools, technical colleges, and career centers.

Benefits of CTE

• Learn hands-on, career-focused skills
  
  

• Earn certificates and industry credentials
  
  

• Prepare for work immediately after training
  
  

• Stack credentials toward further education
  
  

• Often lower tuition than traditional degrees
  
  

🛠️ Types of CTE Programs

CTE covers many career areas. Below are common fields with strong opportunities:

Healthcare

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  
  

• Medical Assisting
  
  

• Dental Assisting
  
  

• Pharmacy Technician
  
  

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  
  

Skilled Trades

• Welding
  
  

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & AC)
  
  

• Automotive Technology
  
  

• Construction Trades
  
  

• Plumbing & Electrical
  
  

Business & Technology

• Information Technology Support
  
  

• Cybersecurity Foundations
  
  

• Business Administration
  
  

• Accounting & Bookkeeping
  
  

• Digital Marketing
  
  

Creative & Service Industries

• Culinary Arts
  
  

• Graphic Design
  
  

• Cosmetology
  
  

• Photography
  
  

• Early Childhood Education
  
  

🏫 Where to Find CTE Programs

CTE programs are offered at:

• Career Centers & Technical Schools
  
  

• Community Colleges & Technical Colleges
  
  

• Industry Apprenticeship Programs
  
  

• High School CTE Pathways
  
  

In Missouri, popular providers include:

• Local Area Career Centers
  
  

• St. Louis Community College CTE tracks
  
  

• State Technical College of Missouri
  
  

• Jefferson College workforce training
  
  

🧠 Certifications & Credentials

Many CTE programs lead to industry certifications employers value:

• OSHA Safety Certifications
  
  

• NCCER (construction/trades)
  
  

• NATEF (automotive tech)
  
  

• Microsoft & Cisco IT credentials
  
  

• ServSafe (food safety)
  
  

• CNA/EMT clinical licenses
  
  

These credentials can make students job-ready on day one.

📈 Career Outcomes

CTE programs aim to prepare students for roles such as:

• Automotive Technician
  
  

• Welding Fabricator
  
  

• HVAC Technician
  
  

• CNA or Medical Assistant
  
  

• IT Support Specialist
  
  

• Culinary Professional
  
  

• Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
  
  

(Earnings and opportunity vary by field, location, and experience.)

💼 Work-Based Learning

Many CTE pathways include:

• Internships
  
  

• Job Shadowing
  
  

• Apprenticeships
  
  

• Industry Partnerships
  
  

• Capstone Projects
  
  

These help students build a portfolio of skills employers look for.

💰 Cost & Financial Support

CTE programs can be more affordable than traditional 4-year degrees. Financial support may include:

• FAFSA financial aid
  
  

• Workforce grants & state programs
  
  

• Employer tuition assistance
  
  

• Scholarships tied to CTE fields
  
  

🎓 Next Steps: How to Get Started

1. Explore career clusters that interest you
   
   

2. Attend CTE open houses or information nights
   
   

3. Meet with your school counselor
   
   

4. Visit local technical colleges & career centers
   
   

5. Apply to programs and complete FAFSA
   
   

6. Ask about certifications and apprenticeships
   
   

📞 Need Help?

If you have questions about CTE pathways or how to incorporate them into your plan, contact:

Andrea Reed
College & Career Counselor
Windsor High School