Why The World Needs CTE

At ACTE’s CareerTech VISION in December and throughout CTE Month this February, we’ve been asking one big question: Why does the world need CTE? After more than 20 years in this industry, my answer is simple—because CTE is the key to solving the skilled labor shortage and shaping the future workforce.

In every corner of the country, from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine, industries are struggling to find enough skilled workers. Healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and construction are just a few sectors facing critical workforce shortages. By 2030, the healthcare industry is projected to be short 6.7 million workers. In manufacturing, 3.8 million jobs could go unfilled in the same timeframe. 

This isn’t just a problem on paper—it’s a reality impacting businesses, communities, and the economy. Employers can’t find the talent they need, projects are delayed, and productivity takes a hit.

So, what’s the solution? Investing in CTE.

CTE programs aren’t just about filling job openings—they’re about creating opportunities for students. Traditional education often lacks the hands-on experience needed for high-demand jobs, but CTE bridges that gap by preparing students for real careers with industry-recognized certifications, work-based learning experiences, and technical skills development. At iCEV, we’re proud to support educators in delivering comprehensive curriculum, industry certifications, and workforce-aligned resources that help students succeed.

I know firsthand the impact CTE programs can have on a student’s future. I am a product of CTE—from my time in FFA to the career path it helped shape for me. I saw how hands-on learning, industry connections, and leadership opportunities could open doors that traditional education alone simply couldn’t. And today, thousands of CTE educators across the country are doing the same for their students—mentoring, guiding, and providing the skills and confidence young people need to thrive.

We see the real impact of CTE in districts across the country. As an example, Cabarrus County Schools in North Carolina offers a health science pathway that provides students with industry certifications and clinical experience. Students graduate ready to work in fields like medical assisting, pharmacy technology, and patient care. Through strong partnerships with local healthcare providers like Atrium Health, students gain hands-on experience before they even earn their credentials. This is CTE in action—closing the workforce gap and creating career-ready graduates.

CTE thrives when schools and businesses work together. Industry partnerships align education with real-world workforce needs, ensuring students graduate skilled, certified, and ready to give back to their communities. At iCEV, we work closely with school districts, businesses, and industry leaders to develop programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. These partnerships create a win-win: students get access to hands-on training and job opportunities, and employers gain a pipeline of skilled workers who are workforce-ready from day one. Many companies are doubling down on CTE—offering mentorship programs, scholarships, and direct pathways to employment—because they recognize that investing in CTE isn’t just good for students, it’s good for business.

Despite its success, CTE still faces challenges—from funding limitations to a lack of awareness and access to technology. To expand CTE’s impact, we must secure funding, support state and federal initiatives like Perkins V, and ensure schools have the resources needed to grow these programs. We also need to raise awareness about CTE’s role in workforce development. For too long, technical education has been viewed as an alternative path, when in reality, it is an essential component of a strong economy. By expanding access to CTE and investing in industry-driven curriculum, we can create more opportunities for students to enter high-wage, high-demand careers.

The skilled labor shortage isn’t going away—but CTE is the solution. If you’re an educator, school leader, or industry partner, let’s work together to build the workforce of the future. At the end of the day, students need CTE, communities need CTE, and the world needs CTE.