Author: Candice Boutelle
February 14, 2025
Career & Technical Education (CTE) plays a crucial role in preparing students for their futures, yet many people associate it solely with traditional “tech ed” courses like woodworking or auto mechanics. While these fields are certainly part of CTE, the reality is that CTE encompasses a wide range of career pathways, including health sciences, information technology, business and marketing, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, and more. Each of these disciplines provides students with hands-on learning experiences that align with in-demand careers. At Inspire Wisconsin, we are proud to support CTE by connecting students with real-world career exploration opportunities, such as job shadows, virtual career conversations and Work Based Learning opportunities.
When students engage directly with professionals and workplaces, they gain a deeper understanding of career paths and develop critical skills that set them up for long-term success. These experiences not only help students make informed decisions about their futures, but they also provide employers with opportunities to inspire and shape the next generation of workers.
Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly recently highlighted the importance of CTE in a recent editorial. She emphasizes the role of CTE in creating strong career pathways and building a skilled workforce. We encourage parents, educators, and employers to read her piece and consider how they can support students through hands-on learning opportunities.
At Inspire Wisconsin, we believe that every student should have access to meaningful career-based learning experiences. Whether you’re an employer looking to engage with future talent or a parent guiding your child’s career journey, we invite you to be part of this important work.Learn more about how Inspire Wisconsin is helping students explore careers and gain real-world experience at InspireWI.org.