A career and technical education (CTE) program is an integral aspect of creating a well-rounded education for youth and preparing them for their future. Statistics show that creating interest in careers and securing resources to fulfill that interest is one of the most effective ways of preventing youth from dropping out of school, reducing recidivism and increasing a successful transition back into the community. A successful CTE Program bridges the gap between unskilled high school graduates and a skilled workforce candidate and the level of training a youth receives while in high school opens higher salary paths within a chosen career. Academic performance is also increased with the presence of a concurrent CTE Program. When youth are exposed to careers and how their interests translate into careers, a higher percentage of youth are motivated to stay in school and pursue postsecondary education. ROP will partner with agencies to provide high quality CTE programs of study that prepares students for entry-level employment in a specific occupation and is aligned with business/industry standards.
The expectation for students is to:
•Demonstrate the social skills required for successful employment (i.e., interacting with the public effectively, understanding and following the rules and norms of a company, communicating effectively with supervisors, etc.)
•Exit with marketable, demonstrated competencies and certifications in a trade that will yield job opportunities based on the local market.