Chesterfield County Public Schools Better Together

Career and Technical Education- Focus on the Why!

Family and Community Engagement, Cat Tompkins

It is estimated that people change careers an average of 5-7 times throughout their working life.  The 21st century world is full of career possibilities. Technological advancements will likely increase the 5-7 career  average for our students and many occupations they will seek, do not yet exist. 

How do we prepare our students for the future workforce? How does a student seek out the most interesting career path that will meet his/her needs? One answer may be considering the Career and Technical Education, or CTE.

CTE facts: 

  • 95% of CTE students graduate high school
  • CTE has incredible career demand
  • CTE students achieve better grades...they are more satisfied and engaged in course work and they have direction in life

This Engage Chesterfield podcast explores the “W's” of CTE...What is it? Who benefits from it? Where is it available? What is the application process and when can students apply?  Can Career and Technical education support your child's dreams? We all want our children to be prepared for their future, to grow and be self sufficient productive members of the community doing something they love. Is the CTE right for your child? 

Special thanks to guests:

Chad Maclin, Career and Technical Education Director

Georgia Kasper, Career and Technical Education, Implementation Coordinator

Sarah Jurewicz, Baking & Pastry Arts Instructor

Paul Lathrop, Mechatronics and Robotics Instructor


Helpful links:
CCPS Tech Center Website
Association for Career and Technical Education