Educators & Counselors

The skills that students need to compete in the workforce and thrive in the next few decades are changing all the time. One of the biggest waves of change has been in Career Technical Education (CTE), which covers 15 career industry sectors in California and close to 60 different Career Pathways.

In Santa Cruz County, CTE careers offer potential stability, job satisfaction, and family-sustaining wages to students with a wide variety of interests.

CTE careers offer more options — and more ways to connect to students’ talents and interests — whether they see themselves as headed to college or not, or aren’t sure yet one way or the other. It’s worth noting that although many CTE pathways do indeed lead to college, and beyond, that’s not their only destination.

CTE classes are both relevant and rigorous. They tend to be interactive and hands-on, which appeals to different types of learners. And CTE students are definitely learners: through their classes, they will build knowledge and skills in teamwork, hands-on learning, works-site experience, critical thinking and problem solving — as well as math, science, communication, and technology. That’s what employers tell us they want in their new employees, and that’ exactly what our CTE courses are designed to provide.

Santa Cruz County’s CTE pathways begin in middle school with career exploration activities and move through high school, ROP, Cabrillo, and 4-year institutions. To find out more about resources and specific industry pathways,visit our Career Pathways page.

To identify industry speakers or employers interested in internships, job shadowing, or other connections to students, visit the Your Future is Our Business-School to Career Connections website.

Your Future is Our Business works to connect business and education by coordinating activities where students and teachers experience the world of work. The goal is to provide every student in Santa Cruz County schools with meaningful work-based learning opportunities to prepare them for a successful transition to the work world. Together, schools and businesses can provide students with both academics and practical experiences within a career path of their choice. Possible activities include career speakers, job shadowing, workplace/industry tours, community service, internships and apprenticeships.

In an effort to assist you in supporting students explore school and career opportunities, we have included exciting and relevant CTE Curriculum for your use.