Aligning the Registered Apprenticeship and Career and Technical Education Systems
Registered Apprenticeship and secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs share the common goal of providing students with hands-on training paired with technical, classroom instruction to prepare them for living wage, in-demand careers. When these systems are aligned, they can strengthen one another through a reciprocal relationship. Registered Apprenticeship programs can inform CTE programs about industry standards and skill needs to enhance the quality of CTE curriculum. CTE programs, in turn, provide a pipeline of qualified, diverse apprenticeship applicants that have a foundation in the occupation of the apprenticeship.
States are increasingly recognizing the benefits of creating system alignment between apprenticeship and CTE programs. However, knowing where to begin collaboration and how to deepen engagement between the two systems can seem daunting.
This resource provides a basic understanding of secondary CTE programs and specific steps that can be taken to implement system alignment strategies. The resource includes an overview of the components of high school CTE programs, the benefits of system alignment, state examples, five strategies for getting started, and considerations for deepening existing partnerships.
