Report
Career and Technical Education: A Primer.
| Title: | Career and Technical Education: A Primer. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Dortch, Cassandria, Skinner, Rebecca R. |
| Source: | Congressional Research Service: Report; 2/3/2026, preceding p1-25, 28p |
| Subject Terms: | Occupational training, Federal legislation, Vocational schools, Educational finance, Associate degree education, Economic sectors, Supply & demand of teachers |
| Abstract: | This report provides a comprehensive overview of Career and Technical Education (CTE), which equips secondary and postsecondary students with academic and technical skills for specific occupations, organized into 14 career clusters such as health care, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Federal support for CTE, primarily through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), has declined in inflation-adjusted terms since 1980, though CTE remains a key component of workforce development. CTE programs lead to recognized postsecondary credentials—including industry-recognized certificates, licenses, and associate degrees—and are offered through various institutions including high schools, community colleges, trade schools, and employers. Research indicates that CTE participation is associated with positive outcomes such as higher high school graduation rates, increased employment, and wage gains, though returns vary widely by field of study, credential type, institution sector, and local labor market conditions; for example, certificates from for-profit institutions generally yield lower earnings than those from public institutions. Challenges facing CTE include funding constraints, teacher shortages (especially in STEM and health fields), access barriers for students, and limited longitudinal data to evaluate program effectiveness, with ongoing federal efforts aimed at addressing these issues and expanding evidence-based practices. [Extracted from the article] |
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| Database: | Complementary Index |
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