Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is shining a spotlight on the power of hands-on learning to prepare Michiganders for in-demand, good-paying careers through high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are helping students gain the real-world skills they need to succeed. That’s why Gov. Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), has proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month!

With nearly 500,000 job openings projected in our state each year through 2032, CTE offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways. This February, students and job seekers of all ages are encouraged to explore programs that pave the way for career success, advancement, and further education.

“Career and Technical Education programs prepare Michiganders of all ages for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers,” said Governor Whitmer. “CTE programs also support Michigan businesses by developing the talent they need to fill jobs and grow our economy. Through our ongoing commitment to supporting our workforce, we’re creating opportunities for people to get the skills they need to secure brighter futures in Michigan.”

High schools, colleges and some universities across Michigan offer CTE programs that are aligned with in-demand, high-wage careers in fields such as business, information technology, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing. Most high school programs also offer early college credit opportunities to provide a seamless transition to post-secondary education.

Students enrolled in state-approved CTE programs have significantly higher high school graduation rates and higher earnings in the labor market. They acquire skills that prepare them for successful career entry, advancement and/or continuing education for high-wage, in-demand careers.

CTE is also a part of the state’s strategy to expand pathways to lifelong learning and career success that’s laid out in the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan – a bold vision that helps Michiganders acquire the skills and earn the credentials they need to compete while growing opportunities for the middle class and supporting our businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Michigan.

"The education and hands-on training Career and Technical Education students receive gives them a head start on their path to a certificate in professional trades, registered apprenticeships or a college degree and a good-paying career,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “That’s why we’re working hard to ensure all students have access to CTE opportunities in Michigan.”

During the 2023-24 school year, CTE enrollment hit a high of 112,156 secondary students, greater than the pre-pandemic level by 9%. Completers during the 2023-24 school year totaled 52,625 students, the highest level in history, with a 19% increase over the last three years.

Michigan also offers Early Middle Colleges (EMCs), an MDE approved five-year program of study. EMCs work closely with post-secondary partners to provide students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following: 60 transferable college credits, an associate degree, a professional certification, the Michigan Early Middle College Association technical certificate and/or participation in a registered apprenticeship.

“In addition to providing career pathways, in many cases CTE programs engage children and give them compelling reasons to connect with school,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “CTE programs contribute to meeting several goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. That includes Goal 4, to expand secondary learning opportunities for all students; Goal 5, to increase the percentage of all students who graduate from high school; and Goal 6, to increase the percentage of adults with a post-secondary credential.”

Michigan's post-secondary institutions offer 1,572 unique CTE programs leading to a certificate or associate degree. During the 2023-2024 school year, 122,062 students were enrolled in these programs across the state.

“During Career and Technical Education Month, we encourage Michiganders to explore the many options available to them,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “CTE programs offer academic, technical and real-world skills that prepare our high school and college students for lifelong success and rewarding futures in Michigan.”

Several events will be held throughout the state in celebration of CTE Month. A list of events is available on MDE’s CTE Month website.

Students, parents, educators and others interested in exploring career options, training, wages and projected openings should visit Michigan’s free online career exploration tool, Pathfinder. Additional high school CTE resources and information may be found on MDE’s website.

Also check out MiSchoolData.org, the State of Michigan’s official source for pre-K, K-12, post-secondary and workforce data to help residents, educators and policymakers make informed decisions to improve student success.

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