February is Career and Technology Education Month

BALTIMORE – Governor Larry Hogan has issued a proclamation recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education (CTE) month. High schools and community colleges throughout the State of Maryland will be celebrating CTE Month to promote their programs and spotlight their students’ successes.

Today’s CTE classrooms are modern-day laboratories, where students and educators alike are developing the skills needed to fuel Maryland’s future workforce and thriving economy. Guided by industry leaders and implemented by highly trained teachers and faculty, CTE programs in health and biosciences, manufacturing and engineering, construction, and cybersecurity are among those that are in high demand in the State. These fields are also among the fastest growing occupations that require specialized technical education for candidates to qualify for employment.

“Maryland’s Career and Technical Education programs provide our students with the skills necessary to compete in today’s 21st century workforce,” said Governor Hogan. “This month highlights the importance of training more Marylanders in these rapidly growing fields, which leads to more job opportunities for workers, a steady pipeline of highly-trained employees, and continued economic growth for our state.”

Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, said that today’s CTE programs prepare students to be both career- and college-ready.

“Students engage in CTE programs leading to high-wage, high-demand careers where they can earn industry-recognized credentials and receive early college credit,” Dr. Salmon said. “They are planning their futures and participating in CTE programs to achieve their goals.”

“The CTE students that I encounter when I visit schools always impress me,” said Dr. Lynne Gilli, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of Career and College Readiness. “Students are able to mirror the skills that are highly valued by employers. They exhibit professional behaviors, they demonstrate technical skills, and they communicate effectively while working in teams.”

Maryland’s CTE students also have opportunities to participate in organizations such as SkillsUSA, FBLA, DECA, or FFA and are finding success in both state and national competitions. These organizations help build students’ leadership skills, hone their employability skills, and prepare them for further education once they graduate. As an added bonus, nearly every CTE program connects to a similar community college program which makes it possible for students to readily transition from high school to college.

To learn more about CTE programs in Maryland, visit www.mdcteprograms.org.