Career and Technical Education (CTE) includes middle and high school students taking courses in one of 17 Career Clusters. These courses are part of an overall program of study designed to prepare students to be successful in a rapidly changing workforce and equip them to make informed decisions about future college and career pathways. CTE offers students opportunities to earn highly valued industry certifications and develop a multitude of skills while experiencing a rigorous curriculum with real-world applications. CTE students who complete three (3) courses in a Career Pathway are eligible for many scholarships, including the Gold Seal Bright Futures Scholarship.

CTE provides a modern approach to higher education and training with career opportunities in fields like cybersecurity, robotics, global finance, aerospace technology, emergency planning and response, medical, and manufacturing. CTE is not just for students who aren’t college-bound; many high school students with plans to attend college take CTE courses to develop technical skills and gain hands-on experience to prepare for their future careers and earn college credit at the same time. Although some CTE credentials are the highest level of education achievable in that field, many are stepping stones to college degrees or higher credentials. In today’s world, students don’t have to choose between CTE or college, they can do both! (Florida College Access Network).