All About CTE

Give Students a Head Start

Get a head start in college and careers in high‐skill, high‐wage and high‐demand occupations including programs in:

  • Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
  • Architecture & Construction
  • Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
  • Business, Management & Administration
  • Education & Training
  • Energy, Engineering & Technology Education
  • Finance
  • Government & Public Administration
  • Health Science
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Human Services,
  • Information Technology,
  • Law, Public Safety, Security
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing, Sales & Service
  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
College Advantages

CTE students are able to earn college credits and industry-recognized certifications to give them an extra advantage after earning their diplomas.  As an added bonus, nearly every CTE program connects to a similar state college program which makes it possible for students to transition from high school to college.

Up‐to‐Date Equipment and Technology

CTE teachers have worked in their fields and/or hold professional degrees as part of their certification. Industry advisory boards help schools design and equip learning labs. For example, Culinary Arts students work in commercial quality kitchens; Cisco (computer networking) students use state‐of‐the‐art networking software, and Automotive Technician students hone their skills using tools, equipment and curriculum recommended by The National Automotive Training and Education Foundation (NATEF).

Parents and Students can Save Money!

High school is the only time individuals can obtain an education focused on career preparation without writing a tuition check! High school students can earn licenses and credentials, often at a reduced cost compared to the cost of obtaining certifications*** and licenses outside of high school. CTE students can also save money on college tuition by earning college credit**. Students completing CTE programs obtain knowledge and skills that can help them achieve better paying jobs while they are attending college. Additionally, in Florida, CTE students who complete three or more CTE courses within a prescribed program and who meet other standards are eligible for the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.

Programs Designed for the Future

Florida industries and businesses partner with local school districts, state colleges and the Florida Department of Education to create programs of study that prepare students with the knowledge and skills required for current and future careers in today’s global economy.

CTE is for the Career and College Bound

CTE programs include a sequence of 3 or 4 high school courses taken in addition to the academic core classes of math, science, English and social studies. Students completing both the academic requirements and a CTE program have the advantage of graduating from high school prepared for college and the workplace. In addition, many CTE students are enrolled in career academies, which are small, personalized learning communities located in high schools. They are designed to provide students with college preparatory curricula with an integrated career theme. There are nearly 2,000 Career and Professional Education (CAPE) academies located throughout Florida.

Students Gain Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

Students enrolled in CTE programs can join local chapters of state and national student organizations such as:

  • Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
  • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
  • National FFA Association (FFA)
  • Skills USA
  • DECA
  • Florida Business Professionals of America (FL BPA)
  • Florida Technology Student Association (FL TSA)
  • Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
  • Career Education Clubs of Florida/BPA (CECF/BPA)
  • Florida Public Service Association (FPSA)

Participating in Career and Technical Student Organizations builds confidence as students demonstrate their skills and knowledge and many offer additional scholarship opportunities.

Real World Work Experiences

Internships and work‐based learning opportunities provide real world work experiences and the prospect of developing a professional network. CTE programs frequently include a final internship or work‐based learning experience which helps students develop a network of co‐workers and managers who may also become valuable references.

* A grouping of occupations according to common knowledge and skills for the purpose of organizing educational programs and curricula. ** Articulation is the process by which academic or technical credits earned through high school programs may be acceptable in transfer by various state colleges, technical centers and some four-year institutions. Transcript credit can be earned when an actual post-secondary course is taught to high school students. Credits earned appear on the student’s college transcript. Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students (usually juniors and seniors) to enroll in post-secondary courses for credit prior to high school graduation. Post-secondary credits earned through dual enrollment can be simultaneously applied towards high school and post-secondary graduation. *** Like an “MD” in the medical profession or a “CPA” in the accounting profession, industry certification documents student achievements of industry standards based on an assessment of what students know and are able to do in a career pathway. Some certifications/licenses available to high school students are: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or ADDA Drafter Certification just to name a few.