Career and Technical Education Programs

Second Blog of the Semester - January 27 - February 3

In our class last Tuesday we talked about the history of Vocational (now called Career and Technical) education.
What would you like written in the history books about CTE in today's environment? Is it still needed? Is it relevant? Support your answer.


The American people needs to learn about, and understand, the need for skilled workers and how they're trained. Many CTE programs offer hands on experiences to students that will equip them with the tool necessary to be successful. Teachers must find ways to reach their students learning potential.
 
We, as Americans, need to adopt a new attitude about work and jobs. Other nations value vocational and technical skills so much they have national policies, practices and programs to upgrade continuously the knowledge and skills of their workers. In America, by contrast, we discourage our youth from seeking careers in so-called blue-collar vocations and insist that college education is essential for happiness and success in life, even though only 25 percent of the population ever receive college degrees.

We must help our youth choose satisfying jobs and encourage them to take extensive training and, in return, see that they are well rewarded. Career and Technical Education is needed for students who are interested in obtaining a career in which less schooling is required. The history of CTE started years ago with various careers associated. I would like to see in history books about CTE, that this educational pathway/diploma is not only offered to students with low academics, but for all who have a passion to learn a new skill. This is needed because so many students believe a Vocational Education degree is for low achieving students. Not all students can have College Prep stamped on their high school diploma.