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What Is CTE?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a secondary program for Pennsylvania high school students. Previously known as Vocational Education in which students who did not intend to go to college were taught entry level job skills, CTE now provides opportunities for all students, from special needs to gifted.

CTE programs are taught as either Tech Prep or Program of Study (POS). While program content is similar, Programs of Study offer a Statewide Articulation for earning college credits, whereas Tech Prep programs offer one-on-one articulations. Read more about articulation agreements here. All CTE programs have industry certifications, and college credits can be earned prior to high school graduation.

At the end of the program, students complete an evaluation and have the opportunity to receive a Pennsylvania SKILLS certificate. CTE counselors and instructors help students plan for a career and to make the transition from high school to college or employment. Because of their CTE experience, students often enter employment at a higher salary than that of non-CTE students.

CTE is offered in high schools and in Career and Technical Centers (CTCs). A CTC is formed when sending districts join together to sponsor a school focused on technical skills, academic skills and employability skills. Industry-quality labs allow students to experience what being on the job will be like. CTE programs are offered for a minimum of two hours a day.

Students leave CTE both college and career ready. Many jobs do not require four year college degrees, and post high school education can take the form of certificates, apprenticeships, licenses and two year associate degrees.

The jobs for which CTE prepares students are called High Priority Occupations (HPOs). HPOs are jobs with high skill, high demand and high wages. Many workers, having completed the CTE training for an HPO, are paid more than four year graduates, and these jobs are available NOW.

Contact

Roberta Brown
441 Delancey Court
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-991-1879
Rob Brown

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