Aligning CTE Programs of Study with Labor Market Demands

Preparing students for success in the 21st-century workforce is a top priority for educators nationwide. But with the rapid evolution of industries and technology, how can schools ensure their programs of study truly equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive?

In our recent webinar, "Future-Ready Graduates: Aligning Programs of Study with Labor Market Demands", we tackled this critical question. We were joined by two expert educators, Lisa Tunnell, Product Manager and former CTE administrator, and Dr. Kim Tunnell, Vice President of Educational Outreach and former school superintendent. They shared invaluable insights on leveraging labor market data to build robust, relevant, and sustainable Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Q: What are some of the biggest hurdles districts face when implementing programs of study?

Lisa: Districts often face a variety of challenges when trying to implement strong CTE programs. Some of the most common hurdles include:

• Lack of Labor Market Data: Many programs are created based on student interest alone, without considering actual labor market needs in the community. This can lead to a disconnect between what students learn and the skills employers are looking for. ‍
• Teacher Certification: Finding qualified teachers who are certified to teach specialized CTE courses can be a major obstacle. ‍
• Cost Considerations: CTE programs often require significant financial investments in equipment, supplies, and industry-based certifications. These costs can be difficult to sustain, especially for smaller districts. ‍
• Facility Limitations: Providing adequate space for hands-on learning experiences, labs, and capstone projects can be a challenge. Districts may need to get creative with community partnerships to overcome facility limitations.

Kim: Finding the right fit for your community and your students is one challenge we encountered. We found that some students simply weren't interested in the career fields identified by local companies as high-need areas. This can impact program sustainability. If you build a pathway and only have a small number of students enrolled, it becomes difficult to maintain that pathway long-term. We had to get students and the local businesses engaged and learning more about the career possibilities.

Q: What are the benefits of using labor market data when designing programs of study?

Lisa: Aligning programs with local industry needs creates a direct pipeline of qualified graduates ready to fill in-demand jobs within the community. Using labor market data helps forge stronger connections between schools and employers, fostering valuable partnerships and collaboration opportunities. Research shows that the majority of young adults stay within their local communities. By equipping students with relevant skills, you increase the likelihood they'll contribute to the local economy after graduation.

Kim: The Workforce Commission offers a wealth of data that can be incredibly helpful for identifying the top industries and workforce needs in your community. Once you've used that data to establish connections with industry leaders, they can often help you find qualified instructors for your CTE programs who have the right experience and certifications.

Q: What are some practical steps districts can take to integrate labor market data into their program implementation?

Lisa: Start by reviewing your county's labor market data. Pay close attention to the industries with the most jobs, the highest wages, and the specific employers driving those trends. Once you understand your local needs, identify TEA-approved programs of study that align with those high-demand industries. This may involve reviewing your existing course offerings and determining where you can expand or adjust. Also consider creating a diverse committee that includes teachers, administrators, industry professionals, post-secondary partners, and even student representatives. This committee can provide invaluable feedback and guidance as you develop and refine your CTE programs.

Kim: If you don't have an advisory board, invest the time into creating one that is authentic and not just a checkoff task for Perkins compliance. A truly effective advisory board creates incredible synergy, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to help guide and strengthen your programs. This board can drive conversations, support for your schools and programs, and even help secure grant funding.

Q: Any final thoughts or advice for districts?

Kim: Know your data. Get the collaboration started and create a large stakeholder following, and don't forget the students! The students are so powerful and their voice should be heard!

Lisa: Start engaging students with career possibilities early on, even in elementary and middle school. This will help spark their interest and get them excited about the opportunities your CTE programs offer.

Conclusion

Aligning your CTE programs with labor market demands is crucial for equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today's economy. By leveraging labor market data, collaborating with stakeholders, and engaging students early on, you can create robust and relevant programs that prepare future-ready graduates.

Ready to Streamline Your CTE Program Management?

Pathways, our comprehensive graduation tracking tool, will help you effectively manage your CTE programs, track student progress toward graduation, and ensure alignment with labor market demands.

Schedule a demo today to see how Pathways will empower your district to transform your CTE program and prepare your students for success!

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