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Manufacturing, innovation focus of many state career and technical education plans

July 15, 2020
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The final wave of state career and technical education (CTE) plans have been approved under the new Perkins V Act, with innovation and workforce taking a front seat in the plans. Perkins V encourages states and territories to expand opportunities for every student to access educational opportunities that will put them on the path to success. Each state and territory crafted a plan to fulfill its promise of offering a robust CTE option for students following consultation with its key constituents representing education and workforce, business and industry, and parents and community partners.

To date, the U.S. Department of Education has approved 42 Perkins plans and nine Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) Combined State Plans that include career and technical education. California and Palau have been granted an extension to submit their plans due to COVID-19 disruptions.

The following is just a brief sampling of some of the recently-approved plans’ elements. More information from each state is available on the department’s website.

Arkansas

  •  Promotes a skilled workforce through its “Be Pro Be Proud” initiative, a hands-on experience with skilled professionals demonstrating jobs across the state.
  • Introduces a CTE program for Unmanned Aerial Systems for students to earn industry-recognized commercial drone pilot credentials, as well as credentials for building, repairing, and flying drones.

Florida

  • Expands apprenticeship training opportunities and promotes career readiness and workforce opportunities for students and working adults.

Kentucky

  • Provides training in advanced manufacturing to any soldier in the U.S. Army who is transitioning to civilian life.
  • Offers an associate degree and/or certificate for adult learners through its Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program in in-demand career fields.

New York

  • Prepares students for highly skilled jobs in technology, manufacturing, healthcare and finance through its P-TECH model, a public-private partnership that provides opportunities to earn dual credit and learn professional workplace skills.

Nevada

  • Promotes innovation in CTE programs aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors through a competitive grant process.

New Mexico

  • Ensures access to CTE in rural areas by promoting regional-level partnerships among secondary and postsecondary educators and business employers.
education, manufacturing, innovation