Invest CTE: Student-Centered Efforts Develop Tomorrow’s Workforce
Submitted by Kaleb Smith for Invest CTE
Invest CTE is a dedicated group of education professionals, industry leaders, and community partners focused on expanding access and availability of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Illinois.
The mission of Invest CTE is to increase resources for high school CTE programs to better equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce. By advocating for enhanced funding and support, this coalition aims to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue high-demand career pathways, ultimately driving economic growth and community development across the state.
What is Career and Technical Education?
Career and Technical Education refers to educational programs that specialize in skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation. CTE programs provide K-12 students with the academic and technical skills needed for career exploration and preparation, helping them succeed in future careers and become lifelong learners.
Why Invest in Career and Technical Education?
Career and Technical Education supports Workforce Development. The Illinois Future of Work Task Force Report, released on May 31, 2022, predicts that the service industry, technology, and healthcare will experience significant growth nationally until 2030. In contrast, the education and trade sectors are expected to see a considerable decline in workers due to an aging workforce and increasing infrastructure and student needs. The report emphasizes that an effective workforce development system should begin engaging future workers while they are still students.
Recommendations for the future include:
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Expanding access and funding for K-12 Career and Technical Education
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Establish pathways between high schools, area career centers, and community colleges to further CTE Education.
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Create a work-based learning framework to establish a pipeline of well-trained workers ready for the jobs of the future.
CTE Programming fulfills workforce demands and can serve as a significant economic driver. Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways offer courses in the following areas to support this goal: Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades; Human and Public Services; Health Sciences and Technology; Finance and Business Services; Computer Programming and Information Technology; Arts and A/V Communication; and Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.
By offering courses in these areas and more, CTE pathways equip students with the skills needed for high-demand careers and also drive economic growth by ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers to meet industry needs.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) reports that CTE concentrators (students who take multiple courses in a specific career pathway) have higher rates of employment in their field of study compared to their non-CTE peers.
Meeting the demands of the workforce occurs by meeting the demand for CTE. Students are being turned away from Career and Technical Education choices, even in a time of skilled labor shortages. Many vocational and technical education programs, such as those in area career centers and high schools, have limited slots due to budget constraints, lack of facilities, and insufficient staffing. Reportedly 10% of students are turned away annually from high school CTE programs due to program capacity limitations.
Meanwhile, numerous industries are experiencing significant shortages in skilled labor, particularly in areas requiring specialized training or certifications. The highest-demand Industries are
Healthcare: There is a significant shortage of nurses, with many nursing programs turning away qualified applicants due to a lack of capacity. There is also a high demand for lab technicians, radiologic technologists, and other specialized roles.
Automotive: There is a growing need for skilled automotive technicians and mechanics to maintain and repair increasingly complex vehicles, including electric and hybrid models.
Welding: The demand for skilled welders is high in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Many welding programs report turning away applicants due to limited space and resources.
Machining: There is a high demand for machinists who can operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines, which are critical in manufacturing precision parts.
Investing in CTE programs is an investment in student success and economic growth, offering substantial returns on investment (ROI) for individuals and communities. CTE fosters upward economic mobility and provides a significant ROI for public funding. Data spanning diverse demographics demonstrates that students who complete two or more classes within a single CTE pathway exhibit a 9-14% higher likelihood of high school graduation. Preventing high school dropouts through CTE programs and providing pathways to successful careers, specifically in the Black and Hispanic Communities, yields $22 in benefits for every dollar invested.
By increasing funding, we enable more students to break through generational poverty, find paths to success in careers that fuel our state’s economic engine, and address workforce needs.
Data demonstrate that students who complete two or more CTE courses in a pathway are more inclined to secure full-time employment and enjoy a higher median salary compared to peers who do not engage in CTE programs.
This investment not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens our communities and economy, making it a critical step toward a thriving future for our state. For every dollar invested in CTE, the returns are seen in a more skilled, resilient, and prosperous workforce, ultimately benefiting all of Illinois.
Needed Investments in CTE
Equipment Needs and Annual Costs: Updated equipment is invaluable for Career and Technical Education because it aligns training with current industry standards, ensuring students acquire skills that are immediately applicable in the workforce. It enhances the learning experience by providing accurate, efficient, and practical training on complex techniques and concepts. Modern equipment also improves safety through advanced features, reducing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, access to the latest technology increases student engagement, making CTE programs more attractive and boosting enrollment and retention rates. It prepares students for industry certifications, enhancing their employability. Keeping up with industry trends through updated equipment ensures that graduates are ready for future job markets. Moreover, schools with modern equipment are more likely to attract partnerships with businesses and industry leaders, leading to valuable internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for students.
Equipment makes up 30% of CTE and Area Career Centers’ Annual Budgets. Area Career Centers need on average $1 million of equipment each year over the next five years. An additional $10 million in CTE funding for Fiscal Year 2026 is needed to provide adequate funding for equipment.
Capital Development Needs and Methods to Meet Facility Goals: Are our facilities ready for the next 50 years? To ensure they are, we must provide an environment that allows programming to expand and meet workforce demands as technology advances. This means investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and continually updating equipment and resources to stay current with industry standards. Our facilities should be designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for the adaptation and integration of new technologies and methodologies. By creating an adaptive learning environment, we can ensure that our programs remain relevant and that our students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the workforce. This approach will help us maintain a competitive edge and support the economic growth and innovation needed for the future.
CTE Personnel: To operate a high-quality CTE program, it is essential to have highly trained CTE teachers who are experts in their respective fields, whether that be skilled trades, applied sciences, or modern technologies. These educators must be certified and experienced in delivering both academic and technical instruction, with the ability to adapt curriculum to meet industry standards and evolving technology.
Additionally, CTE counselors are critical as they specialize in career guidance and development, assisting students in exploring and identifying potential career paths, providing support in setting educational and career goals, and helping place students in employment or postsecondary programs after high school graduation.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinators are vital in managing and developing partnerships with local industries and businesses, coordinating student placements in WBL opportunities such as apprenticeships and internships, and ensuring these experiences align with students’ career goals and educational programs.
Investment Request
The CTE community asks the education community to support a minimum $10 million increase in CTE funding and advocate for a significant boost in financial support to enhance the quality and reach of CTE programs. Additionally, Invest CTE asks the state to allocate $25 million annually for Area Career Center and High School CTE Program improvements and expansion to secure a substantial yearly budget to support infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of CTE programs at Area Career Centers and High Schools.